Review

By Issac Bradley | 27/06/2026

Cody Johnson has spent the better part of two decades building his reputation the old-fashioned way, grinding through honky-tonks and rodeos before country radio finally caught up. If Banks Of The Trinity arrives at a moment when he's become one of Nashville's biggest stars, it also feels like the album of a man determined not to forget where he came from. Named after the Texas river that shaped his upbringing, the record is steeped in memory without becoming trapped by nostalgia. The title track is its emotional centrepiece, pairing close harmonies and understated bluegrass flourishes with a heartfelt reflection on childhood spent fishing, hunting and learning the value of hard work. It's sincere rather than sentimental, and Johnson's weathered baritone gives every line the weight of lived experience. Elsewhere, Banks Of The Trinity proves broader than its rural imagery might suggest. Johnson has spoken of wanting the record to embrace everything from traditional country and Southern gospel to hints of Motown and classic rock, and while those influences never overwhelm the album's identity, they provide enough variety to keep its 16 tracks moving. Take Me Back (Leave Me There)grooves with an easy confidence, while "Thank Somebody Country" and the quietly defiant "I Have" benefit from a renewed sense of purpose after the sessions were extended following Johnson's enforced break from touring. The collaborations are equally well judged. Luke Combs adds gravitas to "Shoot The Bull", while Brothers Osborne inject fresh energy into "Foolproof" without stealing the spotlight. More personal moments arrive with "Bible For A Boy", a tender reflection on fatherhood, and "Kissing A Married Woman", which turns what appears to be a classic country cheating song into an affectionate tribute to Johnson's wife. Not every song lands with equal impact. At 16 tracks, the album occasionally feels overlong, and there are moments where familiar country themes of faith, family and resilience tread well-worn ground. Yet Johnson's conviction rarely wavers, and his ability to sell even conventional material through sheer authenticity remains one of his greatest strengths. Rather than chasing crossover trends, Banks Of The Trinity doubles down on what Cody Johnson does best: honest storytelling, muscular vocals and songs rooted firmly in Texas soil. It may not reinvent modern country music, but it doesn't need to. Confident, heartfelt and deeply personal, this is the sound of an artist comfortable in his own skin and deservedly at the peak of his powers.