Luke Combs Interview! On Politics in Country Music, Body Image & Following Up ‘Fast Car’

Popcast

The New York Times

Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

3.4 • 1.7K Ratings

🗓️ 26 February 2026

⏱️ 76 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

The country superstar Luke Combs sits down with Joe and Jon ahead of the release of his sixth album, “The Way I Am.” Combs opens up about his journey to Nashville success (including “healthy competition” with Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan) and his mission to make huge hits again after spending the past couple years away from the spotlight.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Dude, take a beer on the photo shoot.
0:01.4	It would be cool, dude.
0:02.2	Like, you're out on the sidewalk.
0:03.7	Have seven or eight beers before you come on here. You know what I mean? And then ask him, like, hey, what do you think about this other guy? Let me tell you. Don't. I hate that something. Yeah. I've been calm for a little too long. Hey, guys. Hi, everyone. Welcome. Because I'm back in the saddle like some old cat boy.
0:25.5	Don't worry where I've been.
0:28.1	I'm back in the saddle again.
0:31.9	Welcome to the New York Times Popcast, your Cherry Coke Zero never broke my My Heart of Weekly Cultural Review.
0:37.9	I'm John Caramonica, and I'm The Critic.
0:39.9	I'm Joe Costcarelli, and I'm the reporter.
0:42.2	I'm Luke Combs, and I'm on Popcast.
0:44.5	Damn right!
0:45.9	Luke is here.
0:47.0	Damn right.
0:48.2	Luke, thank you for being with us.
0:50.7	Of course, thanks for having me.
0:51.7	Luke is the stadium-filling country singer back after a quiet year.
0:58.2	Yes, very much.
0:59.1	With a new album, this is your sixth album, The Way I Am, was announced in stores on streaming services.
1:06.1	March 20th.
1:07.7	Congratulations.
1:08.7	Yes.
1:09.3	If you don't know Luke from his run of 20 consecutive number ones on the country singles airplay chart.
	...

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