// Workers AI · dad joke modeIs Dandelion a good album? It's a growing concern.
| Dandelion | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 10, 2026 | |||
| Recorded | 2025–2026 | |||
| Genre | Country | |||
| Length | 56:43 | |||
| Labels |
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| Producers |
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| Ella Langley chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Dandelion | ||||
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| Singles from Dandelion (reissue) | ||||
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Dandelion is the second studio album by American country music singer Ella Langley. It was released through Sawgod and Columbia Records on April 10, 2026.[1] It serves as the follow-up to her debut studio album, Hungover (2024). The album was produced by Langley, Miranda Lambert, and Ben West.[2] It was met with acclaim from critics and reached the top ten in the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, and Scotland.
The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making it Langley's first number-one album and the largest streaming debut for an album of new country material by a female country primary artist.[3] To support the record, Langley launched her first arena tour in North America for the summer of 2026.[4] This announcement follows the global success of the lead single, "Choosin' Texas", which became her first Billboard Hot 100 number one.[5]
Background and composition
[edit]In April 2025, Ella Langley confirmed she was back in the studio, with a new album already in the works.[6] Leading up to the 2025's Academy of Country Music Awards, she dealt with a harsh case of impostor syndrome.[7] In August 2025, she canceled many shows to focus on her mental health.[8] Langley would leave the public eye until September, "re-finding" herself.[9][10] Choosing to prioritize quality over a quick follow-up, Langley pushed her second album's release to 2026 to ensure the new material was fully developed.[11] It was described as a concept album.[12] She believes this record represents her true self, describing the creative process as a seamless experience that captures her personality more deeply than ever before.[13] In the album's trailer, she revealed the concept of the album title "Dandelions are masters of survival, thriving in even the harshest environments. Often dismissed as a common weed, this unassuming plant carries a deeper symbolism of hope, healing, and resilience. This next record to me has so much growth in it".[14][15] She further noted that, when she told her makeup artist about the title, he informed her that dandelion tea is known as a natural detox for the liver, with Langley noting, "when he said that, it was literally like one of those cartoon light bulbs went off over my head" due to how well it would thematically be her follow-up to her debut studio album, Hungover (2024).[16]
Langley cited the music of Ronnie Milsap as a major influence on Dandelion due to his expansive sound, stating: "if you played Ronnie Millsap, for anyone who was just introduced to country yesterday, and they say, 'What genre is this?' They'd be like, 'Classic country'. And to me, artists like that have given me belief in myself to just explore and create and not put this box around everything where I'm feeling like I need to write this for this and do this and please this person and this person".[17]
Release and promotion
[edit]In anticipation for her second record, she put out the Hardy collaboration "Never Met Anyone Like You", a cover of Toby Keith's "Wish I Didn't Know Now", "This Version of Us" for the soundtrack of Nobody Wants This, and the Miranda Lambert-assisted "Choosin' Texas".[18][19][20][21] The latter became a TikTok sensation and a historic chart-topper, making Langley the first female artist to simultaneously lead the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts.[22][5]
On January 27, 2026, she officially announced her second album, Dandelion, set to be released on April 10, preceded by the promotional singles such as "Be Her" and the title track.[1][23][24] Unreleased tracks like "Loving Life Again" and "I Gotta Quit"—both of them were performed during her live sets—she confirmed that the two will be part of the upcoming album.[25][26] On February 2, she announced The Dandelion Tour playing arenas across North America.[27][28] "Be Her" would be chosen as the second single for the album, being shipped to country radio on March 23, 2026.[29] It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.[30] The album's full tracklist was revealed on April 2, 2026.[31]
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 86/100[32] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Associated Press | |
| The Independent | |
| Rolling Stone | |
| NME | |
Dandelion received positive reviews from mainstream music critics. On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized score out of 100 to ratings from professional publications, Dandelion received an average score of 86, based on 6 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[38] Marcy Donelson from AllMusic favors the album as "more ambitious outing with 19 tracks and an hour-long playing time, Dandelion offers a more hopeful state of mind, at least on average, with Langley planning to make some changes, like 'drinking less and thinking more'". She also praised the track "Be Her" as "warm, lightly disco-tinged" sound, followed by a "border on feel-good '70s soft rock are contrasted by rootsier ones" towards the track, "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels", while she called "Last Call for Us" as "dreamy". She concluded the review, calling Dandelion "functions as both a sequel and an appealing fresh start".[33]
The album received sufficient critical acclaim, such as a perfect score from The Independent's Helen Brown, who hailed it as a 'country classic'.[35] Will Hermes from Rolling Stone gave the album four out of five stars, which he called Langley "one of those artists destined for the trenches that divide the indie Americana scene and the king-making world of country radio". He also noted the album is "a twangy neo-trad country set branded with a knowing taste for nostalgia, with a twentysomething's smart-ass plainspokenness and just enough commercial sheen, it shone brightest on deep cuts", concluding the review as a "coherent, fully-realized album, from an artist who feels fully-formed".[36] Kayleigh Watson from NME stated, "no matter how far her career takes her from home, she is proud of and will never escape her roots. 'Bible in my blood and 'Bama in my veins', Langley says, while quipping how no amount of fame can make her switch Jack for champagne. Because, if we're being honest, her wildcard authenticity and fiery free spirit is the reason all eyes are on her now".[37]
Commercial performance
[edit]Dandelion became her first number one on the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart, debuting with 169,000 equivalent album units in the US for the week ending April 24, 2026. This also became Langley's biggest debut week in terms of sales, and she also recorded the highest first-week total consumption for a female country artist this year.[3] It kept the top position in its second week, with 106,000 copies sold.[39] In its third week, it placed at number two, but however improved slightly at 112,000 copies.[40] As of June 2026, Dandelion has spent nine weeks on the Billboard 200 chart at the top five, being barred off the top spot from two albums such as Noah Kahan's The Great Divide and Drake's Iceman.[41] Since its release, it has sold over 1,381,729 album equivalent units in the United States.[42] It also opened at number one in Canada.[43] The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 22, 2026, denoting one million equivalent units in the United States.[44] It was also certified gold in Canada within twelve days of its release.[45]
Outside North America, Dandelion was a commercial success in international waters, where it opened at number one on the country charts in Australia and the United Kingdom.[46][47] It also opened within the top five in Australia,[48] New Zealand,[49] and Scotland.[50] It debuted within the top ten in the United Kingdom[51] and Norway.[52]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Froggy Went a Courtin' (Intro)" | Traditional | 0:23 |
| 2. | "Dandelion" |
| 4:00 |
| 3. | "Choosin' Texas" |
| 3:51 |
| 4. | "We Know Us" |
| 3:06 |
| 5. | "Low Lights" |
| 3:52 |
| 6. | "Be Her" |
| 3:37 |
| 7. | "You & Me Time" |
| 3:20 |
| 8. | "Loving Life Again" | 3:46 | |
| 9. | "Bottom of Your Boots" |
| 3:19 |
| 10. | "Speaking Terms" |
| 4:23 |
| 11. | "I Gotta Quit" |
| 2:21 |
| 12. | "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" | J.D. Miller | 3:23 |
| 13. | "Last Call for Us" |
| 3:31 |
| 14. | "Broken" |
| 3:03 |
| 15. | "Somethin' Simple" |
| 3:27 |
| 16. | "Butterfly Season" (featuring Miranda Lambert) |
| 3:32 |
| 17. | "Most Good Things Do (Acoustic)" |
| 2:58 |
| 18. | "Froggy Went a Courtin' (Outro)" | Traditional | 0:51 |
| Total length: | 56:43 | ||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19. | "I Can't Love You Anymore" (with Morgan Wallen) |
| 3:49 |
| Total length: | 60:32 | ||
Personnel
[edit]Credits are adapted from Tidal.[53][54]
Musicians
[edit]- Ella Langley – vocals (all tracks), acoustic guitar (tracks 1, 18), background vocals (2, 4, 6–9, 13–16)
- Charlie Worsham – acoustic guitar (1–9, 11–17, 19), mandolin (3, 4, 8, 15, 19), banjo (6)
- Spencer Cullum – pedal steel guitar (2, 4–9, 11–16, 19), steel guitar (3)
- Tom Bukovac – electric guitar (2–9, 11–16, 19)
- Ben West – background vocals (2, 5, 7, 14, 15, 19), Wurlitzer piano (2, 6), percussion (4, 5, 14), Mellotron (5, 16), acoustic guitar (10, 13, 15, 16), Hammond organ (14, 19); bass guitar, Omnichord, piano (16)
- Rachel Loy – bass guitar (2–9, 13–16, 19)
- Ben Flanders – electric guitar (2–9, 13–16, 19)
- Aksel Coe – drums, percussion (2–7, 9, 13, 15, 16)
- Dave Cohen – Hammond organ (2, 4), keyboards (3, 4, 9), Mellotron (4, 13)
- Austin Goodloe – background vocals (2, 9, 13, 14, 19); acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, piano, and synthesizer (19)
- Miranda Lambert – background vocals (3, 7, 16)
- Gideon Klein – arrangement, cello (5, 10); double bass (5)
- David Angell – violin (5, 10)
- David Davidson – violin (5, 10)
- Monica Angell – viola (5, 10)
- David Dorn – Hammond organ (6, 7, 9, 15, 16), synthesizer (6, 8, 14), celeste (6), piano (11–13), Wurlitzer piano (14), keyboards (15)
- Jordan Schmidt – percussion (6)
- Aaron Raitiere – background vocals (7, 11)
- Joybeth Taylor – background vocals (7)
- Aaron Sterling – drums, percussion (8, 14, 19)
- Devin Dawson – acoustic guitar, baritone guitar, electric guitar, Hammond organ, programming (8)
- Ernest – background vocals (8)
- Tony Lucido – bass guitar (11, 12)
- Lonnie Wilson – drums (11, 12)
- Rob McNelley – electric guitar (11, 12)
- Carter Faith – background vocals (12)
- Jake Worthington – background vocals (12)
- Laura Veltz – background vocals (14)
Technical
[edit]- Ella Langley – production
- Ben West – production (1–10, 12–18), engineering (3, 10, 15, 16), vocal engineering (2–5, 7, 14, 15), editing (2, 4–17, 19)
- Miranda Lambert – production (2–17)
- Devin Dawson – production, engineering, vocal engineering, editing (8)
- Dave Clauss – mixing (all tracks), engineering (2–9, 14–16, 19), vocal engineering (3, 5, 7, 16, 19), editing (7, 11)
- Sean Moffitt – engineering (1, 18), vocal engineering (1, 6, 18)
- Gabriel Klein – engineering (10)
- Chuck Ainlay – engineering (11, 17), vocal engineering (10–12, 16, 17), editing (12, 17)
- Austin Goodloe – vocal production (2, 9, 13, 14), vocal engineering (2, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 19), programming (19)
- Mike Stankiewicz – vocal engineering (2, 6, 9, 13, 14)
- Kam Luchterhand – vocal engineering (2, 7, 12)
- Jordan Schmidt – vocal engineering (6)
- Evan Ridgway – engineering assistance (1, 10, 18)
- Jase Keithley – engineering assistance (1, 18)
- David Paulin – engineering assistance (2–5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 17)
- Steve Cordray – engineering assistance (5, 10)
- Grant Wilson – engineering assistance (6, 8, 13–16)
- Phillip Smith – engineering assistance (19)
- Andrew Mendelson – mastering (1, 2, 4–19)
- Pete Lyman – mastering (3)
- Sam Bergeson – editing (2, 6, 9, 13, 14)
- Kelsey Granda – project coordination
- Alyson McAnally – project coordination (10–12, 17)
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2026) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[48] | 3 |
| Australian Country Albums (ARIA)[46] | 1 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[55] | 136 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard)[56] | 1 |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[57] | 59 |
| Irish Albums (Official Charts)[58] | 13 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[49] | 3 |
| Norwegian Albums (IFPI Norge)[52] | 10 |
| Scottish Albums (Official Charts)[50] | 3 |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[59] | 29 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[60] | 92 |
| UK Albums (Official Charts)[51] | 7 |
| UK Country Albums (Official Charts)[47] | 1 |
| US Billboard 200[61] | 1 |
| US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[62] | 1 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[45] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[63] | Gold | 7,500‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[44] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- 1 2 Madison Hahnen (January 27, 2026). "Ella Langley Slates Sophomore Album". Music Row. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ↑ Nicholson, Jessica (January 27, 2026). "Ella Langley Announces Sophomore Album 'Dandelion': 'I've Never Poured More of Myself Into a Project'". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Caulfield, Keith (April 19, 2026). "Ella Langley Achieves First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With 'Dandelion'". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
- ↑ Gleason, Holly (February 2, 2026). "Ella Langley Announces Inaugural Arena Run: 'The Dandelion Tour' (Exclusive) - Pollstar News". news.pollstar.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Trust, Gary (February 9, 2026). "Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Crabtree, Mary Claire (April 12, 2025). "Ella Langley Is Back In The Studio, Teases A New Album Is In The Works: "Record #2 Loading…" | Whiskey Riff". www.whiskeyriff.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Ella Langley Struggled With Mental Health, 'Imposter Syndrome' During the ACMs". Taste of Country. May 11, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Nicholson, Jessica (August 11, 2025). "Ella Langley Cancels Upcoming Shows to Focus on Health & Rest: 'I Want to Be Fully Present'". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Country Star Ella Langley Returns To Social Media After Taking Weeks-Long Break Due To Health Reasons: 'Time To Get Back To It' - Parade
- ↑ "Ella Langley Gets Candid About Taking Time Off From Touring on Heartfelt New Song, 'Lovin' Life Again', Written with ERNEST | Holler". holler.country. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Eggleston, Jennifer (November 4, 2025). "Ella Langley Delays Second Album Until 2026 to Live Life and Write New Material". Country 102.5. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ↑ Thompson, Gayle (July 9, 2025). "Ella Langley Reveals Timeline For Her Next Album". Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Cerio, Michael (March 3, 2026). "Ella Langley on creating 'Choosin' Texas,' how her 'artistry clicked' on the new album, 'Dandelion'". www.audacy.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ O'Connell, Madeleine (January 30, 2026). "Ella Langley Releases Free-Spirited Title Track 'Dandelion' Ahead of Sophomore Album". Country Now. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Ella Langley (January 27, 2026). Welcome to Dandelion... Retrieved March 3, 2026 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Young, Casey (March 16, 2026). ""Light Bulb Went Off Over My Head": Ella Langley Explains Title Of Forthcoming 'Dandelion' Album". Whiskey Riff.
- ↑ Dela Cruz, Yvette (March 16, 2026). "Ella Langley on Making Music She Loves". 102.7 Coyote Country.
- ↑ Crabtree, Mary Claire (September 27, 2025). "Ella Langley Says Fans Can Expect 1 Or 2 Singles Off Her Next Record This Year, Performs New Tune, "Choosing Texas" | Whiskey Riff". Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ↑ "Stream Ella Langley's new song 'Choosin' Texas' | 103.3 WAKG". November 19, 2025. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ↑ "Ella Langley Honors Toby Keith With Live Performance Of "Wish I Didn't Know Now"". February 5, 2026. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Fisher, Kelly. "Ella Langley Releases 'Nobody Wants This' Ballad For Show's Second Season — Listen | iHeartCountry Radio". Wayne and Tay. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2025-11-01/
- ↑ Cruz, Yvette Dela (February 17, 2026). "Listen: Ella Langley Drops 'Be Her' Before 'Dandelion' Album". 102.7 Coyote Country. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
- ↑ Dandelion by Ella Langley on Apple Music, April 10, 2026, retrieved March 3, 2026
- ↑ Kelly, Brennen (November 7, 2025). "Ella Langley Debuts New Song With Ernest, "Loving Life Again," At The Ryman Auditorium | Whiskey Riff". www.whiskeyriff.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Kelly, Brennen (October 16, 2025). "Ella Langley Debuts Another New Song, "I Gotta Quit," At The Listening Room In Nashville | Whiskey Riff". www.whiskeyriff.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Site, Koka Booth Amphitheatre Official. "Ella Langley Takes Dandelion on the Road with Headlining Arena Tour Kicking off May 7 Sophomore Album Dandelion Set for Release April 10 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre Official Site". www.boothamphitheatre.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ Nicholson, Jessica (February 2, 2026). "Ella Langley Announces The Dandelion Tour: 'You Know We Had to Take This Record on the Road'". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ↑ U.S. Radio Updater on X: ".@ellalangleymsic's "Be Her" will officially impact US Country Radio on March 23rd as the 2nd radio single from 'Dandelion' (via @TripleTigers). https://t.co/sUVp42xfDz" / X
- ↑ Trust, Gary (May 11, 2026). "Ella Langley Takes Top 2 on Billboard Hot 100 With 'Choosin' Texas' & 'Be Her'". Billboard. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
- ↑ "Ella Langley Unveils New 'Dandelion' Details Ahead Of Album Arrival — What To Know". iHeart. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Ella Langley's Dandelion". Metacritic. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
- 1 2 Donelson, Marcy. "Dandelion — Ella Langley". AllMusic. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sherman, Maria (April 8, 2026). "Music Review: Make way for Ella Langley's 'Dandelion,' a new era of old-soul country". Associated Press. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- 1 2 Brown, Helen (April 10, 2026). "Ella Langley's Dandelion is a saloon-door-slamming country classic – review". The Independent. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
- 1 2 Hermes, Will (April 9, 2026). "Ella Langley Shows Why She's a Budding Country Superstar on 'Dandelion'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
- 1 2 Watson, Kayleigh (April 15, 2026). "Ella Langley – 'Dandelion' review: infectious, irresistible country pop for those who dare to dream bigger". NME. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
- ↑ Dandelion by Ella Langley, retrieved May 4, 2026
- ↑ Penuell, Russ (April 29, 2026). "Ella Langley's Strong 2nd Week for 'Dandelion' Puts Her in Rare Company With Taylor Swift & Beyoncé". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- ↑ Caulfield, Keith (May 3, 2026). "Noah Kahan Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With 'The Great Divide'". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- ↑
- "Chart: Hits Top 50 (2026-04-30)". Hits. April 30, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- "Chart: Hits Top 50 (2026-05-07)". Hits. May 7, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- "Chart: Hits Top 50 (2026-05-14)". Hits. May 14, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- "Chart: Hits Top 50 (2026-05-21)". Hits. May 21, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- "Chart: Hits Top 50 (2026-05-28)". Hits. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- "Chart: Hits Top 50 (2026-06-04)". Hits. June 4, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- "Chart: Hits Top 50 (2026-06-11)". Hits. June 11, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- ↑ "Chart: YTD Albums (2026-06-11)". Hits. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- ↑ "Billboard Canadian Albums: Week of April 25, 2026". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
- 1 2 "American album certifications – Ella Langley – Dandelion". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
- 1 2 "Canadian album certifications – Ella Langley – Dandelion". Music Canada. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
- 1 2 "ARIA Top 40 Country Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. April 20, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- 1 2 "Official Country Artists Albums Chart on 17/4/2026 – Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
- 1 2 "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. May 11, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "Official Top 40 Albums". Recorded Music NZ. April 17, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- 1 2 "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 17/4/2026 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
- 1 2 "Official Albums Chart on 17/4/2026 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
- 1 2 "Album 2026 Uke 16". IFPI Norge. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Dandelion / Ella Langley / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved April 9, 2026.
- ↑ "I Can't Love You Anymore / Ella Langley / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Ultratop.be – Ella Langley – Dandelion" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Ella Langley Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
- ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Ella Langley – Dandelion" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Official Irish Albums Chart on 17/4/2026 – Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Veckolista Album, vecka 30, 2026". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Ella Langley – Dandelion". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Ella Langley Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
- ↑ "Ella Langley Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
- ↑ "New Zealand album certifications – Ella Langley – Dandelion". Radioscope. Retrieved July 6, 2026. Type Dandelion in the "Search:" field and press Enter.