Miranda Lambert Celebrates 20 Years of Kerosene with Vinyl Release
Miranda Lambert Celebrates 20 Years of Kerosene with Vinyl Release
Written by Amanda Tempel
Twenty years ago, country music was thriving, with stars like Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, and Shania Twain dominating radio sales and airplay and selling out arenas. The genre’s mainstream appeal was growing, and album sales were soaring. Newcomers like Sugarland, Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, and Josh Turner helped fuel the genre’s momentum. Amid this surge in country music’s popularity, a rising star was about to make her mark. In March 2005, Texas native and Nashville Star alum Miranda Lambert released her debut album, Kerosene, setting the stage for one of country music’s most successful careers.
Her first single, “Me and Charlie Talking” broke the record for becoming the highest-debuting single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, eventually peaking at #27.
In March 2005, Miranda Lambert became the ninth female that decade to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Album Chart with all-new material. It sold over 40,000 copies during its first week of release.
Here’s a breakdown of the female acts who previously debuted at number one with all-new material in the 2000’s decade:
2004 - Here For the Party - Gretchen Wilson
2003
Up! - Shania Twain
What The World Needs Now Is Love - Wynonna
Martina - Martina McBride
2002 - Cry - Faith Hill
2001 - Inside Out - Trisha Yearwood
2000
Burn - Jo Dee Messina
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
Shortly following the release of the album, Miranda’s sophomore single “Bring Me Down” was released on April 16, 2005. It would hit #32 on the radio charts.
It was the album’s title track that would wake up radio and fans to one of the most buzzed about new acts in country music. Released on September 27, 2005, “Kerosene” would propel her to the top twenty for the first time, eventually peaking at #15.
Country Music Takes Notice
Industry recognition soon followed. Miranda was nominated for ACM’s Top New Female Vocalist in both 2006 and 2007, winning in the latter year. The CMA recognized her rising star power with Horizon Award nominations in both 2005 and 2006.
“Kerosene” became a much-talked about song. Her (literal) fiery performance at Madison Square Garden during the CMA Awards was one of the night’s top moments. The video became a mainstay on cable music video channels like CMT. It would also notch a nod for Music Video of the Year by the ACM’s.
The song would earn Miranda her first Grammy nomination in 2007 - Best Country Female Vocal Performance. Other nominees included LeAnn Rimes (”Something’s Gotta Give”), Gretchen Wilson (”I Don’t Feel Like Loving You Today”), Martina McBride (”I Still Miss Someone”), and the category winner, Carrie Underwood with “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
The album’s final single, “New Strings” reached #25 on the country radio charts in 2006.
Kerosene wasn’t just an album - it was the spark that ignited a legendary career. Two decades later, Miranda Lambert continues to push boundaries, blending her signature sound with new creative directions. To celebrate this milestone, she’s releasing Kerosene on vinyl for the first time, complete with a never-before-heard track from that era, “I Don’t Love Here Anymore.”
Reflecting on 20 Years
“This album changed everything for me. It’s where my journey truly began, and I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years. Releasing Kerosene on vinyl for the first time—and sharing a never-before-heard song from that era - feels incredibly special. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it and relive the fire that started it all!” - Miranda Lambert
Looking ahead, Miranda is gearing up for a packed schedule, joining Morgan Wallen on tour while headlining her own festival dates. Meanwhile, her latest single “Run” just hit country radio, it’s featured on her 10th consecutive Top 10 album, Postcards From Texas.
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