Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This gospel country track will touch your heart in a beautiful new way. With an encouraging message of looking at God as a power higher than yourself, this song leads listeners to consider the importance of a strong faith. There’s powerful nature imagery, and I absolutely love the electric guitar solo and the smooth mix of the studio track. If you’re feeling stuck in life, this song is just the ticket to bring you a refined sense of peace and comfort, no matter where you are in your journey. For myself, being a person with a strong Christian faith, this song struck me as uplifting without being too syrupy sweet.
Gorgeous vocal harmonies add so much texture to this country-infused ballad. I love the self-awareness in the storytelling, and the heartache depicted by a sort of “hindsight is 20/20” mentality as the speaker reflects on how his recent relationship ended. The bridge is super sad, as the vocalist sings “I hope you’re happy now even though I wouldn’t change a thing”, depicting someone who genuinely tried their best to show up in their relationship. Love is a tricky topic, but the subtle string section and the acoustic guitar rhythms really blended together so beautifully to bring the listener into that space.
This upbeat country-folk tune is such a breath of fresh air. It’s got all the twang and bright moments that will transport you straight to the cornfields (but in a good way). I love the sweet love song vibes punctuated by a tasteful banjo and electric guitar bouncing off each other. “That long drunk kiss from those cherry-red lips / I can’t imagine anything better” is a super poetic, catchy lyric that would be so cute on merch. The guitar solo and staccato bridge-section breaks really added so much to the dynamics of the song too. Blast this one out your car windows with your crush for best results, and let your heart (and mind) dare to dream about what could happen if your biggest wish came true.
Exactly Where I’m Supposed to Be by Andy Martin
This bright and sunny song comes to us all the way from Australia, and it brings all sorts of sunshine and happiness with it. I loved the refreshing theme that’s not centered around romance. Instead, this tune is all about staying present and thriving in your life season, no matter what phase you’re in. Fun retro-inspired drum beat hints at musical inspiration from the 50s without sounding at all outdated. Share it with someone who needs a little reminder that life happens wherever you are, and there’s no need to force things that simply aren’t meant to be yet.
Samantha Rae
Taking Me Down by Samantha Rae
Rounding out this article is another down-home country song that will get stuck in your head — but you won’t mind because it’s so much fun. With sensibilities similar to Carrie Underwood or Gabby Barrett, this vocalist proclaims her own innocence in her breakup, confidently standing on the perspective that it was never her fault. Whether that’s completely true or not, it’s a great girl-power anthem that will inspire you to lean into your own bravery and resilience when faced with difficulties in romance or just life in general.