Full Breakdown
Jo Dee Messina Returns with “Bridges,” First Album of New Music in Over 12 Years
6/20/2026, 1:40:05 AM
A New Chapter: Release of “Bridges”
Country vocalist Jo Dee Messina released the album *Bridges* in November 2023, her first collection of new material since the 2014 crowd-funded project *Me*. The record was completed while Messina toured and features songs she wrote or co-wrote for the first time on a full album.
From ’90s Stardom to a Decade-Long Pause
Messina rose to prominence in the 1990s, achieving nine No. 1 hits and 16 Top 40 songs. In 1998 she became the first female country artist to secure three consecutive multi-week No. 1 singles from one album. After a chart dip in 1999, she released *Me* in 2014 and then paused new releases for twelve years.
Collaborators and Songwriting Process
The *Bridges* sessions involved veteran writers Tim Nichols, James Slater, Mark Trussell, and Christian-influenced contributors Mia Fieldes, Ethan Hulse, Blessing Offor. Producer and co-writer David Spencer guided the project, while Emily Falvey, Tyler Hubbard, Jon Nite, and Ross Copperman co-authored specific tracks. Lauren Daigle joined Messina for a CMA Fest performance of “Where the Cowboys Ride.”
Key Numbers
- Nine No. 1 singles, 16 Top 40 entries
- First female to earn three consecutive multi-week No. 1s from one album (1998)
- 30-year career span, 12-year gap between new-music releases
- “Because You Love Me” peaked at No. 8 in 1999
Official Statements & Responses
Messina described *Bridges* as a reflection of “ten years of seasons,” emphasizing that the album bridges a “dark, quiet period to a bright, hopeful period.” Producer David Spencer noted that fan demand on tour and social media signaled a readiness for new material. Co-writer Tyler Hubbard explained that “Days You Don’t Get Back” emerged from his curiosity about how listeners view past time. Messina’s management persisted to secure a CMA Fest slot, enabling the surprise duet with Lauren Daigle. Throughout, Messina highlighted that her faith underpins the project’s lyrical themes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s a lot that goes into making a record, and people had staff writers, [and] they wanted to get those cuts,” — Jo Dee Messina, Singer
- “Heading into the project, I had no partners, management, publicists, marketing, label, so people weren’t going to give out the greatest material,” — Jo Dee Messina
- “To sit in a room with an established writer was very intimidating, because they know how to do it, and they’ve got ideas,” — Jo Dee Messina
- “A lot of it has to do with Jesus, and what my identity really is,” — Jo Dee Messina
- “I think if I had one piece of advice, it’s don’t sell out who you are just to have success,” — Jo Dee Messina
Audience Reaction and Surprise Appearances
During early tour dates, Messina observed audiences singing the new songs live, describing the experience as “mind-blowing.” She also performed an unannounced duet with American Idol winner Hannah Harper in Willow Springs, Missouri, and shared the stage with Lauren Daigle at CMA Fest, both events confirmed by Messina.
What’s Next
Messina’s “Bridges Tour” continues with stops at the Grand Ole Opry and Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest, promoting the album through live performances and media appearances throughout the remainder of 2024.
