There are artists who, the moment they announce an EP, spark a countdown — and Jake O’Neill’s Leave This Town is absolutely one of those releases. O’Neill has quickly become one of the most exciting names in the British country scene, earning a reputation that’s growing with impressive momentum. With standout festival slots at The Long Road Festival, Country Calling, and even an on-stage collaboration with 49 Winchester, he’s proving that his rise isn’t by chance – it’s by sheer talent, work ethic, and a natural connection with audiences. Leave This Town only reinforces why he’s becoming impossible to ignore.
I listen to countless country EPs every week – easily 10 or more – and while I love the genre as a whole, very few projects grab my attention track-by-track the way this one has. Without hesitation, I can say Leave This Town is already one of my favourite releases of 2025.
The EP brings together six tracks, some of which were released ahead of time and gave a teasing glimpse into the direction of the project. ‘Forever in You’, one of the most personal songs in the collection, already struck a chord with listeners, amassing nearly 7,000 Spotify streams within its first few weeks. It set expectations high – and the full EP absolutely delivers.
The project opens with the title track, ‘Leave This Town’, a warm, spirited introduction that feels like a proper scene-setter. It’s wholesome, upbeat, and rooted in classic country instrumentation while still carrying a polished modern edge. From the first few bars, it invites you into his world and gives you that unmistakable sense that you’re in for something special.
‘Best Kinda Bad News’ follows and really highlights Jake’s songwriting strength. The chorus is dangerously catchy – the kind you catch yourself humming without realising – and it’s tailor-made for long drives with the windows down. It’s one of my personal favourites on the record and a clear example of his ability to blend relatability with radio-ready hooks.
‘Taste of Us (One Shot),’ released back in January, lands as track three and is, frankly, irresistible. It’s bright, bouncy, and built for line dancing – the perfect modern country anthem. I’d challenge anyone to get through it without tapping their foot or singing along by the second chorus. If there’s one track on this EP destined to make its way onto everyone’s playlist, it’s this one. It’s pure brilliance.
For fans of artists like Tucker Wetmore, ‘I’m Your Man’ is going to be a massive hit. It’s fun, dreamy, and unbelievably catchy – the type of song that gets stuck in your head in the best way possible. It has festival season written all over it: sunshine, a crowd singing every word, and pure country vibes, even if we’re in the UK a million miles from Nashville. I genuinely think this is the track that could open the door to a whole new wave of listeners for him.
‘Forever in You’ brings the emotion back to centre stage. Inspired by memories of his grandparents, it’s heartfelt in a way that feels genuine rather than sentimental for the sake of it. Across just six tracks, Jake manages to explore such a broad emotional landscape – songs you listen to closely, songs that hit you in the chest, and songs you raise a pint to. The balance is spot-on.
The EP closes with ‘Heartbreak Proof,’ and within the first few beats, you’d be forgiven for thinking it could sit on a Morgan Wallen record — in the best possible way. It’s slick, confident, and a strong closer that reinforces the range Jake brings while still staying true to his sound.
Leave This Town is a standout project from Jake O’Neill — polished, thoughtful, infectious, and a testament to his talent. It sets the bar incredibly high and firmly places him among the names to watch in modern British country music.
Big things are coming for Jake, and this EP is proof he’s more than ready for them. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, it’s out now – and it’s absolutely worth your time.
Review by Lauren Page
