Joe Nichols knows exactly who to thank for his recent return to the sound that made him a country fan favorite — and it’s not a record executive or a radio programmer.

Instead, the “Brokenheartsville” singer says he owes it to the new generation of artists who are helping bring traditional country back to the spotlight.

“I think the younger guys have helped me,” Nichols shared on the Drifting Cowboy podcast.

He continued, “For me to break through with something traditional country would not be nearly as easy as it is for a Zach Top, who is doing some real country stuff. In a weird way, it’s opened doors back up for me.”

A Return to Roots

Nichols’ last few projects have marked a full-circle moment for the 48-year-old country veteran.

With albums like Good Day for Living and Honky Tonk & Country Songs, he’s embraced the neotraditional sound fans first fell in love with — skipping the chase for radio trends and instead chasing what feels right.

“You don’t get in this business to play it safe,” Nichols said. “I’ve always had people come up and say, ‘I miss your old stuff — when are you going to do that again?’ And I finally realized, I miss it, too.”

For a while, like many artists caught in the middle of a changing radio landscape, Nichols tried to find a balance between who he was and what radio wanted.

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“But with this album. I don’t really give a damn anymore about those kinds of rules, he explained of his untitled album. “I just want to make some good old school country music — and that’s kind of the path we’re on.”

Zach Top’s Influence

Nichols says that resurgence wouldn’t be possible without artists like Zach Top, Jake Worthington, and Braxton Keith, who are pushing traditional country forward by turning the clock back.

In particular, he calls Top a trailblazer, saying the “I Never Lie” singer is paving the way for others to be unapologetically country.

“When they tell me, ‘You’re too country for radio,’ that used to mean compromise,” Nichols added. “Now, Zach’s kind of kicked that door down for us — that’s kind of let this old guy back in.”

Not Done Yet

Nichols isn’t slowing down. With new music in the works and a renewed creative fire, he’s embracing this new chapter with both boots planted firmly in the sound that built his career.

And while he’s grateful for the young artists leading the charge, he’s equally determined to prove that classic country never really goes out of style.

“Songs like ‘Billy Graham’s Bible’ — that’s who I am,” he said. “And now, thanks to the way things are shifting, I finally feel like I can be that guy again.”