American singer-songwriter and frontman of The Gaslight Anthem, Brian Fallon, has officially announced his eagerly awaited new studio album, Not Bad For New Jersey. Scheduled for a digital release on September 10, 2026, via his own Lesser Known Records, followed by a physical release on September 11, the project marks Fallon's first original solo long-player in more than five years. To celebrate the announcement, the veteran rocker has shared the album's leading new single, "Pearls."
The upcoming eleven-track album was produced by long-time collaborator Butch Walker at his recording studio just outside Nashville, Tennessee. Tracked primarily live during a series of freewheeling sessions, the record presents a frenetic collision of power pop and heartland rock, serving as a sonic counterpart to the hot-blooded sincerity that has defined Fallon’s songwriting for nearly three decades. The record boasts a star-studded list of guest contributors, including Brandon Flowers of The Killers, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, avant-garde guitar legend Marc Ribot, and folk-country luminary Lori McKenna.
The new leading single, "Pearls," delivers a heavy-hearted yet ultimately triumphant narrative that addresses the universal values of overcoming structural odds and personal struggle. The track joins last month's preview singles, "Better Before"—a track co-written alongside Juno Award-winning artist Donovan Woods—and the glorious, ragged title track, which serves as a proud homage to Fallon’s home state. Fallon noted that the writing and recording process was fueled by a sense of childlike joy, allowing him to lean fully into the musical passion that inspired his earliest creative years.
To mark the arrival of the new material, Brian Fallon backed by his band, The Painkillers, will embark on a sold-out series of intimate live performances this month. The tour kicks off on June 14 at the world-renowned Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, before making stops at the Troubadour in West Hollywood and Reggies’ Rock Club in Chicago. The band is also confirmed to perform at the star-studded Riot Fest in Chicago this coming September.
