Iron & Wine Announces New Album ‘Hen’s Teeth’ with Soul-Stirring Single ‘In Your Ocean’

Iron & Wine returns with heartfelt melodies and poetic depth in their new album ‘Hen’s Teeth’ and the touching single ‘In Your Ocean’.

A Long-Awaited Return from Iron & Wine

There’s something magical about hearing a voice that’s been the soundtrack to quiet, intimate moments resurface after a while. Iron & Wine, the beloved project of South Carolina singer-songwriter Sam Beam, is doing just that with the announcement of their upcoming album Hen’s Teeth and the release of the single In Your Ocean. If you’ve been following Beam since the early 2000s, you know his ability to draw you into a warm, reflective world with his lyrics and soft melodies. This new chapter promises to deepen that connection.

Iron & Wine has long been a collaborative project, with Beam weaving his artistry alongside legends like Fiona Apple, Calexico, and Jesca Hoop. These partnerships have shaped a rich tapestry of sound, blending folk, Americana, and indie vibes with poetic storytelling.

‘Hen’s Teeth’: The Album and Its Heart

The Hen’s Teeth album is the eighth studio record from Iron & Wine, set to release on February 27 via Sub Pop. For fans eager to grab a copy, pre-orders are already open. This album is described as a “sibling record” to 2024’s Light Verse, which itself earned a Grammy nomination, setting the bar high for what’s to come.

The production is helmed by Dave Way — known for his work with Fiona Apple, Jakob Dylan, and Sheryl Crow — ensuring the album’s sound is polished but still intimate. What’s particularly special about Hen’s Teeth is Beam’s collaboration with his daughter, Arden. She lends her vocals to several tracks, including Roses, Singing Saw, Defiance, Ohio, and Grace Notes. It’s a touching family affair that adds layers of warmth and connection to the music.

Adding to the richness of the album, the Grammy-winning Americana trio I’m With Her feature on two tracks: Robin’s Egg and Wait Up. Their harmonies complement Beam’s gentle voice, making these songs stand out as moments of pure Americana bliss.

Diving Deep with ‘In Your Ocean’

The first single In Your Ocean is a poetic dive into love’s depths. Beam’s lyrics evoke a desire so profound that it feels like drowning in the best possible way. He sings:

“Praying for dry ground / Though I only want to drown / When I find myself swimming in your ocean.”

There’s a hypnotic pull in these lines, a yearning that’s both tender and overwhelming, perfectly captured in the Spencer Kelly-directed music video. The visuals flow like a gentle tide, perfectly complementing the song’s aquatic metaphor.

Watch the video here:

The Story Behind ‘Hen’s Teeth’

Ever wondered about that curious album title, Hen’s Teeth? It’s an old expression for something extremely rare or impossible, since hens don’t actually have teeth. Beam explains it beautifully:

“To me it suggests the impossible. Hen’s teeth do not exist. And that’s what this record felt like: a gift that shouldn’t be there but it is. An impossible thing but it’s real.”

That sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of this album — a rare, precious creation that feels like a miracle. It’s a poetic metaphor for the music itself, emerging from the quiet corners of Beam’s world to touch ours.

Tracklist: A Journey Through ‘Hen’s Teeth’

1. Roses
2. Paper And Stone
3. Robin’s Egg (feat. I’m With Her)
4. Singing Saw
5. In Your Ocean
6. Defiance, Ohio
7. Wait Up (feat. I’m With Her)
8. Grace Notes
9. Dates And Dead People
10. Half Measures

Looking Ahead: Iron & Wine Live in 2026

If you’re hoping to experience these new songs live, Iron & Wine has announced UK dates coming later this year, though details are still under wraps. Knowing Beam’s live shows — where every note and lyric is felt deeply — it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Last year, Beam was part of a benefit concert honoring the 20th anniversary of the indie film Garden State, a movie whose soundtrack prominently featured Iron & Wine tracks. That event was a reminder of how much his music continues to resonate across generations.

Final Thoughts

Iron & Wine’s Hen’s Teeth feels like a poetic gift wrapped in gentle melodies and heartfelt collaborations. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Sam Beam’s evocative songwriting, this new album and the single In Your Ocean offer a beautiful dive into love, family, and the impossible made real.

FAQ

• What is the release date of Iron & Wine’s album Hen’s Teeth?
  The album is set to release on February 27, 2026.
• Who produced the album Hen’s Teeth?
  The album was produced by Dave Way, who has worked with Fiona Apple and Sheryl Crow.
• Which tracks feature Beam’s daughter Arden?
  Arden contributes vocals to ‘Roses’, ‘Singing Saw’, ‘Defiance, Ohio’, and ‘Grace Notes’.
• Are there any guest artists on the album?
  Yes, the Americana trio I’m With Her features on ‘Robin’s Egg’ and ‘Wait Up’.
• Will Iron & Wine tour to promote Hen’s Teeth?
  Yes, UK dates are planned for 2026, though details have not yet been announced.

If the evocative art and melodies of Hen’s Teeth move you, why not bring some of that magic home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a timeless piece of Iron & Wine’s poetic world. Explore the collection here.