It's been officially three years since The Highwomen joined forces and released their groundbreaking self-titled debut record. The female quartette comprised of Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby took to social media Tuesday (Sept. 6) to celebrate the milestone. The hitmakers also used their powerful platform to push for inclusivity and to advocate for women in country music.  

"Happy 3rd anniversary to our first record. Then and now, we dream of a place where women are played equally in country music, and tables have a seat for everybody," wrote the award-winning group in the caption. "Play it loud today in your offices, classrooms, cars, homes, anywhere & everywhere to celebrate 💪 ✨." 

While many congratulated the foursome on their well-deserved success, others began to speculate about a second studio album. 

"'FIRST RECORD' IMPLIES THERE WILL BE A SECOND RECORD?!?" assumed a curious follower. "Straight up perfect album from start to finish," said singer-songwriter Lawrence Rothman. "I can't believe it's been 3 years. Still one of my all-time favorite albums. You guys rock," added a fan. 

The critically acclaimed record was released in 2019 and is filled to the brim with 12 timeless tunes. Genre-bending artist Sheryl Crow and Yola also had a hand in the project. The Dave Cobb-produced collection was cultivated to push the boundaries of country music and to start a movement for equal play on the radio. 

"Almost all of us are mothers of young girls. And we all grew up listening to country music. We recognize that we're in a time right now where our daughters don't have the same country music heroes that we had," said Carlile to The Boot. "Our goal is simply to elevate all women and completely abandon the concept of competing with one another. So that we can let as many women through the door as possible, and give our girls those country music heroes that we all had," she added. 

Their main motive is to rewrite history, starting with their name inspired by "The Highwayman." The Americana folk band was composed of four of the genre's biggest stars – Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. The trailblazers used their savvy knack for songwriting to place a feminine spin on thought-provoking narratives. "My Only Child" touches upon parenthood, "Don't Call Me" is a friendly reminder to have self-respect after a breakup, "If She Ever Leaves Me" is an LGBTQ love anthem, and "Crowded Table" serves as the group's mission statement. 

"Crowded Table" is a harmony-stacked melody that calls for unity and love. The progressive single scored "Best Country Song" at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. "Crowded Table" was the second single off their introductory collection and followed "Redesigning Women," a track that shines a light on the unrealistic standards that females are held to. 

"There was a fair bit of good time being had by all in the process of making that record," McKenna told  CMT before pointing out the beauty of the behind-the-scenes music video for 'Crowded Table.' "I love the video. I think it sort of makes you feel like what it feels like when you're in that studio. I don't exactly know where this magic started in Natalie's heart with this title…but I loved following her down that road. A song like this can change its meaning over time, too," she added. 

The empowering ensemble has not confirmed a sophomore album. Until country fans have new music at their fingertips, they can listen to "The Highwomen" on repeat and support their effort to shift the country landscape in a positive direction.