Embracing vulnerability and raw honesty, multi-platinum artist Matt Stell has unveiled his debut album, ‘Born Lonely,’ via RECORDS Nashville. With numerous EP's and a rich back catalogue already available, Stell invites listeners to embark on a deeply personal journey through these 10 tracks that delve into the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery.
Reflecting on the creation of ‘Born Lonely,’ Stell shares, “I couldn’t be prouder of Born Lonely. When I started writing these songs, I decided to tell the truth – the good, the bad, the fun, the sad, all of it – and see what happened. It turned into the best batch of songs I’ve ever recorded.”
Known for his powerful performances and chart-topping hits like ‘Prayed For You’ and ‘Everywhere But On,’ Stell now ventures into uncharted territory as he bares his soul through poignant songwriting. Drawing from personal experiences of separation and loneliness, the album offers a candid exploration of Stell’s journey towards healing and self-acceptance.
‘Born Lonely' is a powerful exploration of heartache, personal growth, and resilience, all wrapped in anthemic melodies and relatable lyrics. Opening with ‘Built By Broken Hearts,' Stell sets the tone with a poignant reflection on his upbringing in Arkansas. The track is a heartfelt anthem, driven by big drums and expansive guitars, culminating in a chorus that resonates with anyone who's felt the sting of goodbye. The line “I’ll turn this truck into a getaway car” captures the essence of hope and escape, making it an instant singalong favourite.
‘Breakin’ in Boots' follows with a catchy, up-tempo rhythm that showcases Stell's knack for blending traditional country themes with a modern twist. The song’s clever play on words turns the phrase “cowboy killer” into a metaphor for heartache, set against a backdrop of radio-friendly guitars and driving drums. It's a fist-in-the-air anthem that will undoubtedly become a staple at live shows, capturing the energy and spirit of country music.
The title track, ‘Born Lonely,' delves deeper into Stell's personal narrative, touching on themes of love and loneliness. With a chorus that reveals a surprising twist, Stell reflects on his own struggles and those of a girl who “wants to fall in love but doesn’t know how.” The song's melodic, anthemic quality makes it both relatable and memorable, as Stell expertly balances vulnerability with a powerful delivery.
‘Girl Gets Gone' continues the album's theme of heartache and loss, but with a typical Matt Stell twist. The song builds towards a big, expansive chorus, capturing the pain of watching someone leave and the subsequent emotional fallout. With searing rock guitars and big drums, Stell combines muscle and melody to create a track that's both familiar and fresh. The clever twist of “When a girl gets gone, a boy does too” adds depth to a well-worn country trope.
The album's diversity shines through in tracks like ‘Smooth' and ‘The Hard Stuff.' ‘Smooth' is a raw, acoustic gem that tells the story of selling a rural piece of land and the unintended consequences that followed. Stell's wistful guitars and powerful lyrics create a relatable tale of progress that turned out to be a mistake. ‘The Hard Stuff,' on the other hand, deals with the aftermath of a breakup, capturing the pain of realising you're no longer needed. Both songs highlight Stell's ability to infuse heavy meanings into quieter, more introspective tracks.
The reflection and anthemic introspection is put aside briefly for a brief foray into lust on ‘What We Do Best.' Funky vibes and an original drum rhythm provide the bedding for this sexy song about two exes hooking up again. “Let’s let our lips and fingertips and all the rest do what we do best,’ Stell urges on a familiar tale of exes who can’t quite let each other go. It’s handled well and is sexy and flirty rather than being clunky and cringey. Typically Stell-esque, there's a big melody and catchy chorus here on this slice of filthy fun which acts as a kind of palette cleanser for what is quite a serious and intense album.
The album closes on a reflective yet hopeful note with ‘One Cold Beer at a Time,' a song that encourages taking life's lows and highs in stride. This philosophical track bookends the album perfectly, echoing the themes of resilience and hope introduced in ‘Built By Broken Hearts.' With its anthemic style and thoughtful lyrics, Matt Stell's ‘Born Lonely' is a compelling addition to the contemporary country music landscape, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to connect deeply with listeners whilst making you want to pump your fist in the air at the same time – that is a rare gift and it should be nurtured and cherished in the coming years.
Tracklist: 1. Built By Broken Hearts 2. Breakin' in Boots 3. Born Lonely 4. Girl Gets More 5. Into the Sunrise 6. Smooth 7. The Hard Stuff 8. What We Do Best 9. Take the Girl 10. One Cold Beer at a Time Record Label: RECORDS Nashville Release Date: 7th June Buy ‘Born Lonely ‘ right here.
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