The country star unveils the run as his new album drops
Singer/songwriter and country music maverick Walker Hayes unveils 17 Problems, his most honest and emotionally raw album, out now via RCA Records.
Through unfiltered lyricism and raw emotion, the project tells the story of a man at a bend in the road, where childhood memories come into sharper focus just as the future becomes more complex. With the weight of raising six children, coping with the passing of his father, and a renewed relationship with faith, Hayes uses these 17 songs to wrestle with grief, growth, and gratitude. At its core, the album explores the tension between who we were and who we hope to become — a reminder that while life’s road is winding, there’s beauty in every mile.
“This album is very reflective. I think you can tell I’m in the middle of losing my dad and raising kids. I’m at that corner of the road in life when you’re looking back on your childhood – you can see it as clear as you ever have – but you’re looking down the barrel of raising kids and keeping your family together. Accidentally, that is a common thread. The songs have this ‘in retrospect’ feeling, and then also, ‘what does the future look like? How do I do this?’” Hayes shares.
17 Problems includes standout tracks like the acoustic-driven “17 Year Old Problems,” where Hayes longs for the simplicity of youth (“I want my 17-year-old problems back”), and the spiritual gut-punch “Song For My Son” featuring global superstar Kane Brown, in which Hayes pleads for divine guidance as a father. Elsewhere, “Pocket Knife” pairs raw vulnerability with razor-sharp wit, while tracks like “Neon Lights” and “Mother” lean into Hayes’ signature blend of emotional storytelling and arena-ready hooks.
On “Song For My Son,” Hayes shares, “…it’s the most meaningful track on my album, 17 Problems. It feels like a gift from the Lord—a prayer I was able to share with my co-writers Ben Williams and Billy Dawson. Writing it was a truly special experience, and I hope its honest message touches people. I’m honored Kane appreciates the song as much as we do, and his voice was perfect; he gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it. It means a lot to have him join me on this.”
Brown adds, “When Walker sent me the song, I knew I just had to jump on it with him. I love the lyrics and sentiment. I connected to it immediately and have such respect for Walker as both an artist and a father.”
Hayes wrote over 100 songs while working on the project, ultimately narrowing it down to 17. Collaborators include Grammy-winning producers and songwriters Warren “Oak” Felder (Sabrina Carpenter, Lizzo) and Shane McAnally, alongside Grammy-nominated Bart Millard (MercyMe). Still, many of the most intimate moments came from Hayes writing solo, a process he says allowed for deeper introspection and less concern for convention or commercial appeal.
In support of the album, Hayes announces the Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour, an 18-date, stripped-back acoustic experience offering fans an up-close look at the man behind the music. With heart-on-sleeve storytelling and soul-stirring performances, Hayes guides audiences through moments of triumph, heartbreak, viral success, and quiet family reflection. More than a concert, the Unplugged Tour is a communal evening of connection, hope, and healing.
Tickets are on sale Friday, August 22nd at 10 am local time.
Ahead of the Unplugged tour, Walker Hayes will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on August 29th, bringing his unique sound to the legendary stage.
Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour Dates:
Oct 17 – Duluth, MN @ Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – Symphony Hall
Oct 18 – Mankato, MN @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center – Grand Hall
Oct 19 – Sioux City, IA @ Orpheum Theatre – Sioux City
Oct 23 – Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Oct 24 – Midland, MI @ Midland Center for the Arts – Auditorium
Oct 25 – Warren, OH @ Packard Music Hall
Oct 29 – Toledo, OH @ Stranahan Theater
Oct 30 – Columbus, OH @ Mershon Auditorium
Nov 6 – Paducah, KY @ The Luther F. Carson Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 7 – Shipshewana, IN @ Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Nov 8 – Louisville, KY @ Palace Theatre (The Louisville Palace)
Nov 12 – Durham, NC @ Durham Performing Arts Center
Nov 14 – Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
Nov 15 – North Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Performing Arts Center
Nov 16 – Sandy Springs, GA @ Byers Theatre
Nov 20 – Reading, PA @ Santander Performing Arts Center
Nov 21 – New Brunswick, NJ @ State Theatre New Jersey
Nov 22 – Lowell, MA @ Lowell Memorial Auditorium
