Female powerhouse duo Maddie & Tae are back with the release of their second full-length album ‘The Way It Feels’ on Friday. This 15-song set is a combination of their two previous EPs ‘One Heart to Another’ and ‘Everywhere I’m Goin,’’ plus five brand new songs. There is a really good mix of upbeat, mid-tempo and ballads and everything feels very authentic. These ladies have come a long way since the bro-country takedown that was ‘Girl in a Country Song.’
What was probably most impressive about every single one of these songs were how concert-ready all of them are. Even with songs I was hearing for the first time, I found myself singing along with the hooks by the halfway mark. As someone who has seen them in concert as openers for Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty 360 Tour, I can safely say that I would thoroughly enjoy a Maddie & Tae headlining tour if they continue to produce music like this.
Whether they’re being sassy on songs like ‘Bathroom Floor’ and ‘New Dog Old Tricks’ or getting in touch with their emotions on ‘Die From a Broken Heart’ and ‘Tourist in This Town,’ there’s something to enjoy for whatever mood you’re in. It almost does a disservice to point out certain songs, because the whole album is fantastic.
They haven’t been able to reach the top 10 on the country charts since they splashed onto the scene five years ago. But they have the right material, they just need promotion from their label and country radio. They’ve battled their way back to the charts after hardship before. I have no doubt they’ll be able to keep convincing people to listen. Do your part and listen to ‘The Way It Feels’ here.
