Tenille Townes‘ “The Long Haul”
Review by Louise Geri

The cover art for The Acrobat: A Place to Land – photo by Madison Rensing

Ahead of the release of the deluxe version of her 2026 album, The Acrobat, Tenille Townes released new single “The Long Haul” last Friday.

After the country singer put out her debut album The Lemonade Stand in 2020, her name was all over the country music industry. Since departing from her deal with Sony Music Nashville in 2024 with hopes of having more artistic freedom, she now releases music independently.

The Acrobat album is a sharp twist from her first two albums, which were much more heavily produced in the country-pop realm. Recorded, mixed and produced by Townes herself, drums are largely absent from Townes’ third album. The record borders on folk. It features some impeccable co-writers too, including Lori McKenna (previously on Taylor Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me,” Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty,” and Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush”) and Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” “Barcelona,” and “Galway Girl”).

“The Long Haul,” co-written with Tim Bruns and Aaron Espe, is sweet and stripped, perfect for a campfire night. Townes compares a relationship to a long drive, explaining in the first verse that she and her partner will drive however long it takes to work things out. “We’re a long way from home love,” she croons as the chorus begins, describing the stability of a comfortable marriage. “I’m in it for the long haul.” Harmonies stack as the song continues, building the extended vocals and allowing you to feel the depth of her commitment in your bones. “Forever ain’t long enough,” she repeats during the bridge.

A month into fall, this song is exactly the enticement any autumn lover needs when they consider which albums they’ll keep their eyes peeled for to maximize the feeling of coziness and warmth on a chilly day.

Listen to “The Long Haul” on all streaming services now.

Pre-save The Acrobat: A Place to Land here.