Destiny seems to have always steered Becca Bowen towards the bright lights of Nashville. A childhood of pageants and talent shows led to appearing in musicals in New York and in later years Becca won competitions like ‘Miss Bikini Fitness USA’ and the reality TV show ‘For Love or Likes’ on the Outdoor Channel.
Last year she released her ‘Like You’ve Never Been Loved’ EP which was a fun slice of traditional, 90s and 00s leaning Country. In case you missed it we spoke to her about that EP right here. Well, now she’s back with new EP ‘County Line’ and a fiery, fierce female-first attitude that runs through the songs on this EP like lettering through a stick of rock.
‘County Line,’ takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The six-track collection showcases Bowen’s versatility, blending elements of country, blues, and pop to create a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary at the same time. ‘I Choose Me’ kicks off the EP with a burst of energy and positivity. The bright, breezy, and uptempo track is a celebration of moving on, self-love, and empowerment. The Shania Twain-esque chorus is infectious, inviting listeners to tap their feet and sway their hips. The lyrics resonate with a sense of reclaiming one’s identity and dancing through life’s challenges. A perfect anthem for anyone embracing their journey of self-discovery.
That wisdom is also echoed on the title track, ‘Country Line,’ a track awash with plaintive steel that encourages people to ‘turn big plans into reality.’ It tracks a life well lived as it urges the listener to ‘dance to the rhythm of your heart’ and chase your dreams. A big, impactful ballad, ‘County Line’ reflects Becca Bowen’s new found sense of purpose and liberation.
The idea of freedom and self-discovery can be found in spades all over this EP. The mid-tempo ‘If I’m Being Honest’ explores the aftermath of a relationship, navigating regrets and lonely nights. With shades of Sugarland, Becca Bowen crafts a compelling narrative about moving on through nights out, drinks, and moments of recklessness. The engaging lyrics and catchy melodies draw listeners into this relatable song that captures the emotional nuances of post-breakup experiences in all their warts-and-all ways, even shining a light on behaviours that maybe aren’t as healthy or as positive as you’d want them to be. Echoing that sentiment, ‘Lie to Me’ slows down the tempo, delivering a bluesy, late-night hotel bar vibe. The ballad unfolds with Bowen’s clear, strong vocals, echoing Jennifer Nettles again. The Broadway edge to her voice adds depth to the lyrics here, creating a captivating atmosphere. The song explores the desire to believe in a love that might be fading, introducing a sense of vulnerability and longing. The powerful chorus resonates, leaving an emotional impact and influence reminiscent of a theatrical musical like Chicago to these ears.
The positivity returns on the very impactful ‘On to The Next Ride’ which channels the spirit of 90s country with echoes of the likes of Trisha Yearwood. This story-driven track paints a vivid picture of a girl picking herself up and moving forward. The piano and guitar weave a delightful landscape, providing a fresh-yet-retro feel. Bowen’s vocals, reminiscent of country icons like Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans, and Martina McBride, bring authenticity to the narrative. The song captures the essence of resilience and the determination to embrace new beginnings and is, perhaps, my favourite song on this project. It has been interestingly placed in the track lisitng as final song on the EP, which fits perfectly and hints at there being something slightly different coming down the line from Becca Bowen in the future.
Opening the EP with a bang, ‘Son of a Gun’ delivers funky, barroom vibes. The repeating guitar riff sets the tone for a lively track that exposes a lying man with puppy dog eyes. Bowen’s gritty vocals and the catchy, southern melodies exude confidence and attitude. The song is a rebellious anthem, as Bowen kicks the loser to the curb in a blaze of guitars and drums. ‘Son of a Gun’ showcases the edgier side of Becca Bowen, leaving listeners with a sense of empowerment and a middle-finger attitude towards deceit. It was inspired by a real-life incident that Bowen had to go through at one of her very own concerts! “I was singing at an event and I looked out in the audience and the guy I had been dating was with another girl,” Bowen explains. “I was in shock but I kept it together and made it through the song. We both locked eyes from the stage and he just looked at me with these sad puppy dog eyes because he had just been caught. Needless to say after this I was angry and couldn’t believe the nerve of this man. So I ended up taking my feelings of disappointment and putting them into this song.”
In ‘County Line,’ Becca Bowen has crafted a well-rounded EP that not only showcases her vocal prowess but also explores a range of emotions, making it a compelling addition to the Country music landscape. Bowen’s ability to infuse each track with authenticity and a touch of nostalgia sets this EP apart, making it a must-listen for fans of heartfelt and dynamic Country storytelling.
Tracklist: 1. Son of a Gun 2. If I’m Being Honest 3. Lie to Me 4. County Line 5. I Choose Me 6. Onto the Next Ride Release Date: 26th January Record Label: Independent Buy ‘County Line’ right here.
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