Review Summary: This take no prisoners attitude is just what the doctor ordered to save modern country music.
Maddie & Tae made waves last summer when their middle finger of a smash hit "Girl in a Country Song" split hairs between those who needed a wake up call, while jokingly referencing the stereotyping of girls in songs sung by the male spectrum of country's elite. What's funny is that this Big Machine country duo can credit that song as the platform that brought them to prominence on the airwaves. Now with a following of fans that can easily relate to their less than subtle lyrics and unique sound, the icing on the cake comes in the form of their debut album, which sees these newcomers show up like veterans.
Upon first listen of "Girl in a Country Song", I called it out like the needle in the haystack it was. I got the message of it for sure; girls don't deserve to be subjected to wearing their bikinis 24/7 because that's simply what guys wanted to see. Furthermore, I agreed with them, but I thought they came off kind of arrogant and cocky. But then I heard more of their content, and found not only was that arrogance the very thing that made the song so accessible, but the rest of this record balances everything out and makes them a soon to be wanted commodity in the country department.
I'll be very upfront. I loved "Fly" from the first listen. Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye are just angels vocally. Their flawless and alluring blend of soaring vocals and softer croons are what make this song a standout track. It's nothing new lyrically, but motivational tracks that tug the heartstrings are always welcome in country radio.
Then you have tracks like "Shut Up and Fish" and "No Place Like You", that touch upon themes like a girl telling her man to put his money where his mouth is, among other things. Not exactly outlandish or rare for country music, but these themes are presented with a certain freshness than even Sugarland couldn't have concocted in a thousand years.
In short, a great debut effort for Maddie and Tae. Cannot wait to hear more from these talented lovely ladies in the future.
