Lauren Alaina has stood on many iconic stages over the course of her 15-year career. The Rossville, Georgia, native is a member of the Grand Ole Opry—inducted by fellow vocal powerhouse Trisha Yearwood on that hallowed stage in 2022—and, of course, first won hearts and ears as a runner-up on the American Idol stage in 2011. On this fourth studio album, Alaina reflects on the highs and lows of her musical journey, and also marks the beginning of a new chapter of her life that includes marriage and motherhood. Produced by Joey Moi (Florida Georgia Line, HARDY) and Ben Johnson (Thomas Rhett, Bailey Zimmerman), Stages makes the most of Alaina’s prowess as a singer, allowing her to showcase her natural agility, precise sense of dynamics, and sheer vocal strength. Songs like the breakup anthem “Better Off” bring out the innate soulfulness of her voice, while ballads like closer “Heaven Sent” prove she doesn’t need to belt to stun. There’s vivid storytelling here, too, like on standout “The Ringer,” a Miranda Lambert-esque lament of long-faded high school dreams and the reality of adulthood. Alaina’s older brother Tyler Suddeth joins her on opening track “Babies Raising Babies,” showing off some vocal talent of his own as the pair lovingly side-eyes the young parenthood that often comes with “small-town storybook love.” Alaina and longtime friend Kane Brown, who famously attended the same high school and collaborated on the 2017 smash single “What Ifs,” reunite for “Never Been in Love,” a sweet, laidback duet that makes the most of the north Georgia natives’ easy vocal chemistry.