June 1996 was a memorable month for country music fans. Over the course of just a few weeks, several artists released albums that would help shape their careers and leave a lasting mark on the genre.
Long before Kenny Chesney became a stadium-filling entertainer, Trace Adkins emerged as one of country music’s most recognizable voices, and Thomas Rhett followed in his father’s footsteps, these albums marked important moments in each artist’s journey.
As these albums celebrate their 30th anniversaries, here’s a look back at three country releases from June 1996 that are still worth revisiting today.
Rhett Akins Scored His Only No. 1 Hit With ‘Somebody New’
In June 1996, country music superstar Thomas Rhett was just 6 years old when his dad, Rhett Akins, released his sophomore album, “Somebody New.”
The 10-track album dropped on June 4, 1996, and peaked at No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The project also produced Akins’ only No. 1 single, “Don’t Get Me Started.”
While Rhett Akins enjoyed success throughout the 1990s, his son would eventually surpass even those accomplishments.
Thomas Rhett entered the country music scene nearly two decades later and has since racked up 25 No. 1 hits of his own from his first in 2013 with “It Goes Like This” to his most recent in 2026 with “Ain’t A Bad Life,” featuring Jordan Davis.
‘Me and You’ Helped Kenny Chesney Continue His Rise In Country Music
Country music superstar Kenny Chesney also dropped a new album on June 4, 1996. “Me and You” served as Chesney’s third studio album and featured 11 tracks.
The album helped continue Chesney’s steady climb in country music during the 1990s. Two singles from the project, “Me and You” and “When I Close My Eyes,” both reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Chesney continued building momentum throughout the decade, releasing five studio albums between 1994 and 1999. In 1998, Chesney won the “Top New Male Vocalist” at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The country star would go on to become one of the genre’s biggest names, earning “Top Male Vocalist” in 2003 and “Entertainer of the Year” four times in the early 2000s. Most recently, Chesney released his 20th studio album, “Born,” in 2024.
Trace Adkins’ Debut Album Produced A Future Country Classic
Three decades ago, country music icon Trace Adkins released his debut album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” on June 25, 1996. The album consisted of 10 tracks, three of which reached the top five on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
Adkins’ single, “Every Light in the House,” peaked at No. 3, while “I Left Something Turned On at Home” reached No. 2.
The album’s biggest hit, “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” climbed all the way to No. 1, giving Adkins the first chart-topper of his career.
Following the release of his debut album in June 1996, Trace Adkins won “Top New Male Vocalist” at the 1997 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Nearly three decades later, Adkins remains active in country music. His most recent studio album, “The Way I Wanna Go,” was released in August 2021 and marked the 17th studio album of his career.
Three decades later, these albums offer a snapshot of country music at an important moment in time. While Kenny Chesney and Trace Adkins were just beginning their rise to stardom and Rhett Akins was celebrating the biggest hit of his career, few could have predicted the lasting impact these artists would have on the genre.
For country fans looking to revisit the music of 1996, these albums remain worth another listen.
