Lainey Wilson plunges into a kaleidoscopic dreamscape with the official music video for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” the standout new single from the deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album Whirlwind. Directed by TK McKamy—best known for his cinematic country visuals with Reba, Tim McGraw, and Darius Rucker—the video transports viewers on a surreal, Western-tinged odyssey.
🎬 A Dreamy Yellow Brick Road
From the very first moments, Wilson appears aboard a small plane before tumbling into a fantastical realm of computer-generated cotton-candy skies, twisted desert landscapes, and a symbolic yellow-brick-road motif—an undeniable homage to The Wizard of Oz. “It was important for me to draw the parallel between the songs,” Wilson explains. The track itself interpolates Judy Garland’s classic, reinforcing the nostalgic, dreamlike tone.
Blending Whimsy with Western Grit
This video marks a notable departure from Wilson’s previous visuals. She says: “I had the time of my life doing it…pretending to be falling through the air…crazy things that I had never done before.” The clip boldly merges trippiness with Western authenticity, featuring everything from surreal floating beds to real horses and a mysterious cowboy guiding her through a lucid dream.
Introducing Hippie Mae
Adding personal charm to the production, Wilson brings along Hippie Mae, her adorable French Bulldog. As a proud “dog mom,” Wilson made sure Hippie Mae had a central role in the storyline—an endearing touch amid the visual magic.
A Streamed Sensation
The release has already struck a chord. Garnering over 1.16 million streams within 24 hours, “Somewhere Over Laredo” became Wilson’s most successful streaming debut to date, dominating country radio adds and drawing acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and CBS Mornings. Billboard praised her vocal range as “commanding, dynamic… crescendo-ing from a soft-focus, tender vocal… into her upper register for powerful moments.”
Setting the Stage: Whirlwind Deluxe
Due August 22 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, the deluxe edition of Whirlwind expands on the original 14 tracks with five new songs—including “Somewhere Over Laredo,” “Bell Bottoms Up,” and “Peace, Love, and Cowboys.” The deluxe drop also coincides with the North American leg of her Whirlwind World Tour, kicking off that same month.
Looking Forward
Beyond this release, Wilson is deep in the creative process for her next project. She’s written dozens of tracks and is narrowing down the final set, aiming for heartfelt, introspective stories that continue the journey post-Whirlwind.
Why It Matters
With “Somewhere Over Laredo,” Lainey Wilson elevates her artistry—melding cinematic storytelling, nostalgic homage, and bold experimentation. This video isn’t just a visual treat—it’s a statement: she’s unafraid to push creative limits while staying firmly rooted in her country-Wisdom. Fans and critics alike are taking note, and the deluxe Whirlwind rollout is shaping up to be one of country music’s most exciting summer chapters.