Critically acclaimed songwriter, producer and arranger Kris Wilkinson Hughes returns with an album entirely written, arranged and produced by her
Following the acclaimed singles Up The Mountain and Heavy, My Girl The River returns with Breadcrumbs on the Water (released 31 July), the final preview of a remarkable new album already attracting outstanding reviews.
Released on 4 September, Manifest Good Things is the fourth album from songwriter, producer and arranger Kris Wilkinson Hughes as My Girl The River and her most complete artistic statement to date. Every song on the album has been written, arranged and produced by Kris, resulting in a collection that is deeply personal, beautifully crafted and unmistakably her own.
Blending Americana, folk, roots, rock and echoes of 70s Laurel Canyon, Manifest Good Things is packed with memorable melodies, rich harmonies and thoughtful storytelling, exploring hope, resilience, love and human connection.
The campaign has already built impressive momentum.
Lead single Heavy was praised by Americana UK‘s Andrew Frolish as:
“With gorgeous vocals, heavenly backing and a beautiful melody, the new single from My Girl The River is a fabulously tuneful anthem for resilience.”
Earlier release Up The Mountain also received glowing praise from W21 Music:
“2026 seems to be becoming an exemplary year for the classic pop country single, and with My Girl The River’s ‘Up The Mountain’, you can chalk up another one… From that sumptuous opening lead slide guitar intro you are in for four minutes of absolute delight… It all pulls together to make a cracking little single.”
Meanwhile, RnR Magazine awarded Manifest Good Things ★★★★★, with reviewer Rick Bayles writing:
“A new album from Kris Wilkinson Hughes always feels like something of an event, and Manifest Good Things is no exception… may be her strongest album to date… an excellent set of songs, strong on hooks and beautifully delivered, shimmering with texture, light and shade… there’s not a single track that seems out of place or unworthy of inclusion.”
Recorded at Saltwell Studio in Cambridgeshire, the album captures the chemistry of musicians performing together while reflecting Kris’s vision from the first lyric to the final mix.
Alongside Kris are husband Joe Hughes on bass, Chris Pepper on drums and engineering, daughter Rue Hughes on harmonies and long-time collaborator Steve Lee on guitar. The album also features internationally respected musicians including George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt), Jerry Dale McFadden (The Mavericks), Kristin Wilkinson and Ryan Robinson.
Kris says:
“This is the best collection of songs I’ve ever made. Every track means something to me and together they tell a story about finding hope, embracing change and appreciating the people who walk alongside us.”
The album also marks My Girl The River’s first-ever vinyl release and is accompanied by a full-band UK tour, beginning with an album launch at The Stables, Milton Keynes, on 4 September, before dates across England and Scotland, culminating at AmericanaFest UK’s 25th Anniversary in Liverpool.
With Manifest Good Things, Kris Wilkinson Hughes has created an album that reflects a complete artistic vision. Written, arranged and produced entirely by her, it showcases an artist at the height of her creative powers and confirms My Girl The River as one of the UK’s most distinctive voices in contemporary Americana and roots music.
Manifest Good Things is released on 4 September 2026.
Breadcrumbs on the Water is released on 31 July 2026.
Upcoming live dates (full band):
August 2 Brightlingsea Free Festival
September 4 The Stables, Rm 2, Milton Keynes (album launch event) support Dave Giles
September 10, The Folklore Room, Brighton support Sadie Jemmett
September 11, Half Moon Putney, London support Sadie Jemmett
September 12, Ventnor Arts Club, Ventnor, Isle of Wight support Serious Child
November 5, The Globe, Newcastle support Serious Child
November 8, Voodoo Rooms Lounge, Edinburgh support TBA
November 28, AmericanaFest 25th Anniversary, Liverpool (mainstage)
www.mygirltheriver.com