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.