Wade Bowen Is Texas Music
Wade Bowen has released a long-shelved album recorded with songwriter Sean McConnell, revisiting a difficult period in his life and career. The Version of Me You Get matters as a rare, especially vulnerable turn for a Texas country artist known for honky-tonk songs, with a stronger rock edge and broader musical range.
Bowen recorded the album in 2020 after vocal surgery, cancelled shows and grief over his nephew’s death, then shelved it as the pandemic began. He returned to the recordings in 2025, and the 10-track record was released in September after McConnell remixed it; one song features bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski. In November, Bowen is also due to mark the 20th anniversary of Lost Hotel with a deluxe edition including unreleased studio tracks, live recordings and demos.
In short
- Wade Bowen released a vulnerable album recorded six years earlier.
- The 10-track record adds a rock edge to his Texas country sound.
- A deluxe edition of Lost Hotel is due for its 20th anniversary.
Explained simply
Wade Bowen is a Texas country singer and songwriter, known for music rooted in honky-tonk, a style associated with lively country bars. Songwriter Sean McConnell has worked with him on recordings, while bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski is among the musicians featured on his newer material.
The album was recorded in 2020, when Bowen was dealing with vocal surgery, cancelled performances and the death of his nephew. He set the recordings aside as the pandemic began, then returned to them years later. Its more vulnerable songs and rock influence show a different range from the honky-tonk sound many listeners associate with him.