Madeline Merlo, a Canadian-born country music singer and songwriter, has swiftly become one of the most exciting new talents in country music over the past decade. With her soulful voice, heartfelt songwriting, and magnetic stage presence, she has earned recognition in both Canada and the United States. Her sound blends modern country with pop and soul influences, making her a standout in the genre.
Merlo’s breakthrough came in 2014 with her debut single ‘Sinking Like a Stone,' which quickly climbed the Canadian country charts and introduced her as a fresh voice in the industry. Her first full-length album, ‘Free Soul' (2016), solidified her status as a rising star, earning her the Rising Star Award at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards.
Merlo’s latest single, ‘Broken Heart Thing,' showcases her vocal chemistry alongside country star Dustin Lynch, marking one of her strongest releases to date. Beyond her work as a performer, Merlo has also gained considerable attention as a songwriter. She co-wrote ‘Champagne Night,' a platinum-certified hit for Lady A, further cementing her place in the country music landscape.
In 2021, Merlo released her EP ‘Slide,' reflecting her continued growth as an artist and her ability to craft relatable, catchy tunes. Now, fans are eagerly anticipating her new EP ‘One House Down (from the girl next door),' released today, Friday October 11th, with ‘Broken Heart Thing' offering the first glimpse of what’s to come.
It is apparent, on just the first listen that ‘One House Down (from the girl next door)' is a melodic and heartfelt journey through the stages of heartbreak, healing, and new love. With each track, Merlo crafts a narrative that feels both intimate and cinematic, skilfully blending country with pop elements. This six-song project showcases her powerful vocals and sharp storytelling, offering listeners a compelling, chronological story arc.
The EP kicks off with ‘Broken Heart Thing,' an unusual but fitting opener that begins the story at the painful end of a relationship. With its stripped-back, acoustic vibe, Merlo and featured vocalist Dustin Lynch sing about the raw, unfamiliar pain of a breakup. The restrained instrumentation lets the emotions and lyrics take center stage, pulling listeners into the heartbreak. Merlo’s line, “Sorry baby, I’m still new to this, I’m still getting used to this broken heart thing,” sets the tone for the emotional journey that follows.
Next comes ‘Bar Fight,' a clever, bluesy ballad where Merlo reflects on the internal struggle between head and heart. Her vocals shine as she wrestles with the impulse to call her ex despite knowing better. The anthemic chorus, “My heart and my mind are in a bar fight over you,” captures the relatable confusion of post-breakup decisions. Merlo’s clear, soaring voice adds depth to the mature, introspective lyrics, and the song’s rich melody solidifies it as a standout moment on the EP.
‘Same Car' is a real stand-out track, with its vivid imagery and driving chorus. This song captures the bittersweet memories tied to a relationship, all wrapped up in the metaphor of a car. With lyrics like “It’s the same front seat where I fell for you…it’s the same four wheels where you broke my heart,” Merlo invokes comparisons to Carrie Underwood, especially as the powerful guitar solo kicks in after the second chorus. This track balances emotional weight with anthemic energy, making it one of the EP’s highlights.
By the time we reach ‘Middle of the Bed' we start to hear signs of recovery. Merlo sings about being “almost alright” post-breakup, but still missing her ex when rolling into the middle of the bed. The track features a big, arena-ready sound with its layers of guitars, drums, and backing vocals, drawing comparisons to the lyrical style and emotional depth of Taylor Swift. This is one of the EP’s most anthemic songs, building on the emotional progress the listener has experienced so far.
‘Good Grief' finds Merlo in a more reflective space, looking back on the relationship with perspective and growth. The mid-tempo, pop-leaning track showcases her clever lyrics as she sings about finding peace in the decision to walk away: “One day I’ll be looking back like this goodbye was good grief.” With its smooth production and catchy melody, this song marks a turning point in the EP, signalling that Merlo is ready to move on.
The EP concludes with the title track, ‘One House Down (from the girl next door).' This upbeat, uplifting finale celebrates finding new love and moving forward. With Keith Urban adding his guitar magic, the track has a lighthearted and fun energy that wraps up the story on a high note. Merlo sings about not fitting the traditional mold of a “homecoming queen,” but finding someone who’s a perfect match for her nonetheless. It’s a feel-good, playful way to end the EP and will undoubtedly be a hit when performed live.
‘One House Down (from the girl next door)' is a beautifully crafted project that highlights Madeline Merlo’s talent for blending commercial sounds with deeply personal, relatable lyrics. The EP’s storytelling, strong melodies, and Merlo’s powerful vocals make it a standout in today’s country scene. This project cements her status as an artist who deserves to take a higher profile in Nashville, as she continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with both as a singer and a songwriter.
Tracklist: 1. Broken Heart Thing 2. Bar Fight 3. Same Car 4. Middle of the Bed 5. Good Grief 6. One House Down (from the girl next door) Record Label: BBR Music Group Release Date: 11th October Buy ‘One House Down (from the girl next door) right here
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