Drenched in authenticity, barstool charm and Tennessee limestone gravel in her voice, Nashville-born and bred songbird Lauren Watkins writes, breathes, and lives country music. The 23-year-old grew up mesmerised by a jukebox rotation of country music: from outlaws like Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow to chart-toppers Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Stapleton.
Moving back to Nashville after four years at Ole Miss, Watkins’ unyielding, turn on a dime lyricism quickly caught the attention of GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Nicolle Galyon, who signed her to publishing and recording contracts with Songs & Daughters / Big Loud Records almost instantly and her ‘Introducing Lauren Watkins’ release earlier in the year was the result. If you want to read our review of that EP click right here and if you want to read our last interview with Lauren from May of this year click the link.
Crafted with a touch of magic, ‘Introducing: The Heartbreak’ features six brand-new original tracks, each a poignant reflection of Watkins’ experiences. Collaborating with esteemed Music Row songwriters including Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Monroe, The Warren Brothers, Nicolle Galyon, Rodney Clawson, and David Garcia, Watkins dives deeper into her personal narratives, offering listeners a glimpse into her soul.
Watkins shares her excitement about the project, saying, ’Introducing: The Heartbreak’ is basically the next step in introducing myself and my music to the world. It goes even deeper into who I am, what I’ve gone through, and how I perceive things. It’s a genuine introduction to the heartbreak I’ve experienced, setting the stage for something much grander.”
‘Fine County Line’ opens proceedings with an injection of toe-tapping energy, propelled by an electric guitar riff and Watkins’ playful vocals. The song radiates a real 90s vibe, inviting listeners to join in a breezy, fun, and infectious uptempo Country celebration. Watkins playfully questions who will make the first move in this flirtatious road trip anthem, channeling classic Faith Hill vibes. Similarly, ‘Jealous of Jane’ channels the spirit of the 90s too as it delivers clever and relatable lyrics about the complexities of post-breakup emotions. Watkins’ sassy, gravel-throated vocals add a touch of humor as she questions why she’s still jealous of her ex’s new girlfriend despite having moved on. The infectious melodies, built around electric guitars, evoke a nostalgic feel reminiscent of early The Chicks.
Elsewhere ‘Introducing: The Heartbreak’ is packed with retro-sounding, smooth Country music. ‘Fly on the Wall’ is a powerful duet featuring Jake Worthington which explores the bittersweet experience of witnessing an ex in a new relationship. Watkins and Worthington engage in a soulful dialogue, questioning their past actions and pondering on what could have been. The bluesy ballad, adorned with plaintive steel guitars, builds to a climactic finish, leaving listeners immersed in the resonating melodies and harmonies whilst ‘Stuck in My Ways’ is a mid-tempo anthem where chugging guitars provide the backdrop for Watkins’ rich, smoky vocals. The song narrates the struggle of moving on from a past relationship, with infectious FM radio vibes and a classic commercial Country feel. Watkins weaves relatable lyrics into a singalong chorus, creating a magnetic pull that resonates with anyone who’s been entangled in the complexities of love.
Perhaps the two finest moments on this whistle-stop tour through the vagaries of the human heart come on ‘The Table’ and ‘Cowboys on Music Row’. On the former Watkins demonstrates her storytelling prowess in a clever, cinematic song that encapsulates the highs and lows of a relationship. Tender acoustic guitars provide a poignant backdrop as Watkins navigates the complexities of falling in and out of love. The recurring mantra about something being ‘on the table’ serves as a poignant thread, guiding us through the emotional rollercoaster of love’s journey, from it’s hopeful beginnings to a frustrating end. ‘Cowboys on Music Row,’ meanwhile, features a stellar lineup of writers, including Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Monroe, and Lauren’s sister, Caroline. This mournful duet with Carter Faith (also a co-writer) paints a vivid picture of longing for a bygone era in Nashville. It delicately combines tender instrumentation, steel guitars, and wistful melodies to transport listeners back in time as Watkins and Faith lament the loss of a type of man who had strength & values, creating a nostalgic yet poignant ballad that’s sure to resonate with both sexes.
‘Introducing: The Heartbreak’ is a testament to Lauren Watkins’ artistry, offering a diverse yet cohesive collection of songs that traverse the intricate landscapes of love and loss. Each track is a testament to Watkins’ ability to infuse classic Country themes with a modern twist, creating an EP that leaves an indelible mark on the listener’s heart.
Tracklist: 1. Fine County Line 2. Jealous of Jane 3. Fly on the Wall 4. Stuck in My Ways 5. Cowboys on Music Row 6. The Table Record Label: Big Loud Release Date: November 17th Buy ‘Introducing: The Heartbreak’ right here
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