Toby Keith and Randy Houser look like tough guys, but if you dig far enough into their new albums, you'll find a softer side. Keith's "In a Couple of Days" gently describes an unexpected breakup, while Houser's "Here With Me" offers a romantic perspective from a lonely man. Meanwhile, Tony Joe White delivers his signature groove on "Season Man" from his latest album, Shine, and the Doobie Brothers shine on "A Brighter Day." I've also added a dozen highlights from a tall stack of new indie albums, so perhaps this playlist can help you unearth some new, roots-oriented music.

"In a Couple of Days," Toby Keith

"Here With Me," Randy Houser

"Season Man," Tony Joe White

"A Brighter Day," Doobie Brothers

"Water and Wood," Natasha Borzilova

"Hey Now," Luke Doucet and the White Falcon

"Run Dogs Run," The Giving Tree Band

"Pictures of the Highway," Marc Black

"Hey Doll," Fabulous Ginn Sisters

"All Night," Kyle Park

"Honky Tonk Merry Go Round," The Lucky Tomblin Band

"Till It Shines," Rain Perry

"Church Street," Bob Rea

"Lookin' at Lucky," Trout Fishing in America

"Mine," Corinne Chapman

"Make It Rain," Joe Cassady