Joe Rian – “Think Yer In Luv”

Joe Rian has a knack for blending small-town roots with genuine grit, and “Think Yer In Luv” hits the mark completely. This uptempo, rock ‘n’ roll blues track acts as the lead single for his album of the same name, coming October 2, 2026. “Think Yer In Luv” is one of the best releases I’ve discovered this week so far.

Growing up in Rock Falls, Illinois, Joe was raised in a working-class household where the radio stayed tuned to Kenny Rogers and Tanya Tucker. By the mid-90s, he made his way to Chicago, diving into the art loft scene and working at Buddy Guy’s Legends and The Moosehead to get by while playing in bands. That steady work ethic still shines through his music today.

“Think Yer In Luv” moves with a lively rhythm that grabs you right away. The production sounds warm and clear, thanks to mastering by Gavin Lurssen, known for his work on Raising Sand and O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Joe also took a total DIY approach for the music video, spending a summer hand-drawing, cutting, and animating every character using watercolor paper, markers, glue dots, and a borrowed camera for a frame-by-frame stop-motion creation.

I love this release and honestly think Joe created a masterwork here that captures the real charm of honest storytelling. I recommend checking out his past releases, especially his 2019 project Switchyard Sessions and his 2023 double EP Midwest Boy, which held the #2 spot on the Roots Music Report Alt Country chart for seven weeks. Joe Rian is a talented songwriter, and you should definitely follow Joe Rian on his website and social channels to stay updated on all his new music and news for the rest of 2026.