Kris Wilkinson Hughes returns with a career-defining fourth album — and critics are already taking notice

My Girl The River returns on 4 September with Manifest Good Things, a richly melodic, emotionally resonant fourth album that is already attracting outstanding reviews, BBC radio play and a growing live audience.

At its heart is Kris Wilkinson Hughes — songwriter, artist, arranger and producer — who has written, arranged and produced every track on the album.

The result is an assured and deeply personal collection that moves effortlessly between Americana, folk, roots, rock and classic singer-songwriter influences, packed with hooks, atmosphere and songs that reward repeated listening.

And the early verdict is emphatic.
RnR Magazine awarded Manifest Good Things five stars, with Rick Bayles writing:

“Possibly 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.”

The album’s singles have been generating their own momentum.

Heavy was described by Americana UK’s Andrew Frolish as:

“A fabulously tuneful anthem for resilience.”

While Up The Mountain was praised by W21 Music as:
“Four minutes of absolute delight… It all pulls together to make a cracking little single.”

Now Breadcrumbs on the Water continues the campaign ahead of the album’s release.
There has also been BBC radio play, adding further support as My Girl The River prepares to take Manifest Good Things out on the road.

A RECORD BUILT AROUND SONGS

Recorded at Saltwell Studio in Cambridgeshire, the album combines Kris’s distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar with an impressive line-up of musicians.

Joining her are husband Joe Hughes, daughter Rue Hughes, long-time collaborator Steve Lee of The Sorentinos, and internationally respected players including George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt), Jerry Dale McFadden (The Mavericks) and Ryan Robinson.
Yet for all the musicianship, the songs remain front and centre.

Kris describes Manifest Good Things as:
“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.”

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The album also marks My Girl The River’s first vinyl release, giving the project a tangible new chapter as Kris takes the record from the studio to stages around the UK.

TAKING MANIFEST GOOD THINGS ON THE ROAD

The live campaign begins with the album launch at The Stables, Milton Keynes, on 4 September, followed by:

10 September — The Folklore Rooms, Brighton
11 September — The Half Moon, Putney, London
12 September — Ventnor Arts Club, Isle of Wight
5 November — The Globe, Newcastle
8 November — Voodoo Rooms Lounge, Edinburgh
28 November — AmericanaFest UK 25th Anniversary, Liverpool

For audiences discovering My Girl The River for the first time, the live shows offer the chance to hear Manifest Good Things as it was intended — performed with a full band and the warmth, dynamics and connection that sit at the heart of the record.

This isn’t an album built around a trend. It is an album built around songs.

Songs about hope. Change. Resilience. Connection. The people we become and the people who help us get there.

With its growing critical support, BBC radio play, acclaimed singles and expanding live campaign, Manifest Good Things looks set to be the record that takes My Girl The River to a much wider audience.

**My Girl The River — **Manifest Good Things
Released 4 September 2026
First vinyl release
www.mygirltheriver.com