Bryan Adams Announces New Album ‘How’s It Goin”, a Musical Tribute to Canada

Bryan Adams has announced his 17th studio album, titled How’s It Goin’, which he describes as a heartfelt musical tribute to his home country of Canada. The record is scheduled for release on November 6, 2026, through Adams’ own label, BAD Records.

How’s It Goin’ follows Adams’ 2025 release, Roll With the Punches, and arrives as a 12-song set built around Canadian people, places and history, with a bonus digital track bringing the total to 13. The album blends country, folk and rock influences and was recorded over roughly three months.

• Release date: November 6, 2026
• Label: BAD Records
• Track count: 12 songs, plus a digital bonus track
• Follows: Roll With the Punches (2025)
• Already released songs: ’51st State’ and ‘The Ballad of Terry Fox’
• Formats: CD, LP and digital, plus a hardback book edition with CD, lyrics and images

How Did Bryan Adams Come Up With the Idea for How’s It Goin’?

Adams said the project began when he was asked to write a song tied to an upcoming four-part documentary series, Canada’s Wild Eastern Edge. He said he did significant research into the geography and history of Canada’s eastern provinces before writing that track, and the process led him to keep exploring Canadian history and stories in song.

“The idea was simply to make a record about Canada,” Adams said. “It started with writing the song for the documentary Canada’s Wild Eastern Edge, and after doing so much research, I was inspired to start writing more songs about Canada. Musically it took me somewhere a little different too, which made the whole thing exciting.”

Adams also revealed that the album almost carried a different name. He said he initially wanted to call it Songs From the Great White North, but scrapped the idea once he learned another artist had already used that title.

What Is ’51st State’ About?

One of the album’s lead songs, ’51st State,’ is a protest track written in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Canada. Adams timed its release to coincide with Canada Day on July 1.

In the song, Adams sings, “When you’re talking about my home, you better show some respect,” and later adds, “Go on load us up with tariffs/But we’ll never be the 51st State.” He said the song is more overtly political than his usual material, but felt it was fair to speak up given the rhetoric aimed at Canada. Adams noted he performed the song during his summer tour dates in the United States, including in conservative southern states, and said the response surprised him in a positive way.

What Is ‘The Ballad of Terry Fox’ About?

The album also includes ‘The Ballad of Terry Fox,’ written as a tribute to Canadian distance runner Terry Fox, whose right leg was amputated in 1980. The song was written for the documentary film Run Terry Run.

Adams said he was touring small Canadian clubs in 1980 when Fox undertook his run, and recalled that when Fox stopped near Thunder Bay on September 1, 1980, Adams had just finished a show in Ottawa and Fox’s journey was dominating the news. Adams said Fox gave the country something everyone could unite behind without realizing it at the time.

How’s It Goin’ Tracklist

1. How’s It Goin’
2. Highway 16
3. Diesel & Dirt
4. The Battle Of Lundy’s Lane
5. The Ballad Of Terry Fox
6. 51st State
7. When Canada Joined Newfoundland
8. A Handful Of Gold
9. Iron Ribbon
10. The Bridge
11. Canada’s Wild Eastern Edge
12. Heave Away
13. Lake Ontario (digital bonus track)

More Info

• EXCLUSIVE: Bryan Adams Breaks Down His New ‘How’s It Goin” Album | Ultimate Classic Rock
• Bryan Adams announces new album How’s It Goin’, a "deeply personal musical love letter to Canada" | Louder / Classic Rock
• Bryan Adams Announces New Canadian-Themed Album ‘How’s It Goin’’ – iHeart Radio | iheartradio.ca
• Bryan Adams announces new album How’s It Goin’ – Music-News.com | music-news.com
• Bryan Adams – announces new album ‘How’s It Goin” – Mc Gig Music | mcgigmusic.com