Wade Bowen enlists the help of Miranda Lambert on his new album, Solid Ground, out Feb. 9. On the nostalgic ballad "So Long 6th Street," an ode to Bowen's former stomping grounds of Austin, Texas, Lambert provides backing vocals. As Bowen explains, it was a fitting collaboration, as Lambert also has Austin creds to her name.

"We've been friends for a long time," Bowen tells Billboard. "And I was like, 'Hey, you just moved to Austin, why don't you sing on this '6th Street' song?'"

The song also enlists additional help from Jack Ingram, another musician from the Lone Star State.

"When I graduated [from college] in Lubbock, I moved to Austin for about two years, and that song really took me back to that time," Bowen admits. "I had somewhat of a following in west Texas, but in Austin I found myself having to start over.

"I look at that time as the biggest struggle of my career, but the time I grew the most and figured out how and why I wanted to do this for the rest of my life," he continued. "It's kind of 'Goodbye, and I can't wait to come back for all you've taught me and given me, and hopefully you're kind enough to welcome me back someday with open arms when I choose to come back.'"

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