Leather (album) explained

Leather is the ninth studio album and third major-label album by American country music singer Cody Johnson. It was released on November 3, 2023, via Warner Music Nashville,^[1] "The Painter" was issued in August 2023 as the lead single.

Content

Johnson stated that the 12 tracks released on November 3, 2023, were the intended first part of a double album.^[1] The deluxe edition was released a year later on November 1, 2024, and included a set of 13 additional tracks.^[2] Johnson co-wrote three of the album's 25 tracks and it was produced by Trent Willmon.^{[2] [3]}

Critical reception

Matt Bjorke of Roughstock wrote that "while Cody's uptempo gems are fantastic, he really shines on ballads where he can showcase his conversational storytelling vocals", highlighting "Whiskey Bent" with Jelly Roll and "Leather".^[4] Entertainment Focuss James Daykin felt that Johnson "delves into themes deeply rooted in country traditions, weaving tales of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a cowboy" and called it "a cohesive and emotionally charged album".

Leather won Album of the Year at the 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards on November 20, 2024.^[5]

Charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"

Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[6]	88
Australian Country Albums (ARIA)[7]	10

Notes and References

1. Web site: Cody Johnson Announces New Single "The Painter" Is Dropping Next Month, Confirms Deluxe Album Leather Coming This Fall. Casey Young. July 25, 2023. Whiskey Riff. July 25, 2023.
2. Web site: Cody Johnson Bulks Up 'Leather' With 13 Extra Tracks On New Deluxe Edition. Lorie Hollabaugh. September 30, 2024. Music Row. November 24, 2024.
3. Web site: Leather by Cody Johnson – Lyrics & Meaning. Maxim Mower. November 3, 2023. Holler. November 4, 2023.
4. Web site: Album Review: Cody Johnson – Leather. Roughstock. Bjorke. Matt. November 3, 2023. November 4, 2023.
5. Web site: No One Was More Pumped for Cody Johnson's CMA Win Than Jelly Roll. Carena Liptak. November 20, 2024. Taste of Country. November 24, 2024.
6. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 13 November 2023. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1758. 6. November 13, 2023.
7. Web site: ARIA Top 40 Country Albums Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. November 13, 2023. November 11, 2023.