Jenna Paulette is a rising star in country music, known for her authentic portrayal of western life and a finely tuned blend of toughness and sensitivity. A 2022 CMT Next Women of Country honoree, Paulette brings the grit of ranch life to her music, as showcased in tracks like ‘Country in the Girl' and ‘Pretty Ugly.' She grew up in a ranch family and has ties to both Texas and Oklahoma but it was after moving to Nashville in 2015 where she found a mentor in veteran songwriter Ashley Gorley where he career began to blossom.
Paulette has since collaborated with top songwriters and opened for artists like Aaron Watson and Parmalee, while securing brand partnerships with Justin Boots and Boot Barn. Her debut album ‘The Girl I Was' offered fans an intimate look at her journey and her messages of strength and empowerment, solidifying her place in Nashville’s new wave of female artists who are rewriting the rules of country music.
New album ‘Horseback' is an evocative dive into the heart of country music, weaving stories of love, resilience, empowerment and the rugged beauty of life in the American West. The album opens with ‘Her Favourite Color' a gentle, wistful track that sets the tone with its warm vocals and melodic chorus. Paulette’s reflection on femininity through lines like “Wild is her favourite color” resonates deeply, offering a relatable and evocative portrayal that captures the essence of freedom and self-expression. This track, reminiscent of The Chicks, with a subtle fiddle enhancing its emotional depth, draws listeners into the album’s rich narrative landscape. Similarly, the title track is also dripping in Chicks-esque vibes as Paulette sings about a girl who yearns to leave home and find her freedoms. A quieter verse gives way to a bigger, delightful melodic chorus about female empowerment and freedoms. ‘Once she’s gone you ain’t getting that horse back,’ she sings. It has all the classic Texan elements: guitar, fiddle, evocative lyrics and a powerful message that’s relatable and full of wisdom.
As the album progresses, Paulette shifts gears with ‘3 Kings,' a honky-tonk, barroom anthem that celebrates the ‘three kings'—King George (Strait), King Ranch (the biggest in Texas) and King James. The song is a lively romp, propelled by energetic guitars and fiddle, making it an instant favourite for live performances. The piano and guitar solos are particularly striking, adding a layer of classic country flair that reinforces Paulette’s Texan roots. This track, along with the clever and catchy ‘Run the Damn Ball' showcases Paulette’s ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern, radio-friendly appeal.
In the mid-album ballads, Paulette demonstrates her skill in storytelling and emotional depth. ‘The Devil is an Angel” and ‘Chasin’ Whiskey' both delve into themes of temptation and heartbreak, with the former painting a vivid picture of a man wrestling with infidelity. Paulette’s sharp, sardonic lyrics, combined with traditional Texan instrumentation, create a compelling narrative that pulls listeners into the emotional turmoil of the characters. ‘Chasin’ Whiskey,' on the other hand, is a classic country heartbreak song, where Paulette’s rich vocals shine as she laments a lost love, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion through simple, evocative imagery.
There's a powerful through-line of resilience and empowerment running through ‘Horseback' that speaks loudly to the experience of woman in 2024. Take ‘Prairie Primrose,' for example. A simple, western plains-influenced acoustic song with a sort of children’s lullaby feel to the chorus as Paulette sings about femininity and societies expectations of women. ‘Darlin,' meanwhile, is awash with darker, dramatic vibes with Paulette’s vocals mixed higher against an acoustic guitar opening as she sings about a toxic male, the manipulation of men and the way ‘I keep falling when he calls me Darlin.’ ‘I can’t believe I thought it was love when it was anything but,’ Paulette sings on this relatable, impactful song full of distinctive guitars and fiddles. There's life lessons to be passed on here with Paulette in full big sister mode.
‘Horseback' concludes on a high note with ‘Hang Your Hat' and ‘A Hill to Die On,' two songs that bring the album full circle with their themes of love, loyalty, and the comforts of home. ‘Hang Your Hat' is a standout with its catchy, radio-ready chorus reminiscent of a classic Aaron Watson song while ‘A Hill to Die On' offers a tender, reflective ballad that ties together the album’s exploration of love and resilience. Paulette’s ability to shift from quiet introspection to powerful anthems across the whole of this album highlights her versatility as an artist, making ‘Horseback' a well-rounded and deeply satisfying listen for fans of authentic country music.
Tracklist: 1. Her Favorite Color 2. 3 Kings 3. The Devil is an Angel 4. Run the Damn Ball 5. The Dirt 6. Chasin' Whiskey 7. The Prophet 8. Outside 9. Prairie Primrose 10. Darlin' 11. Horseback 12. Hang Your Hat 13. A Hill to Die On Record Label: Leo33 Release Date: September 6th Buy ‘Horseback' right here.
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