Caylee Hammack has established herself as one of country music’s most dynamic and authentic voices, earning praise as a “songwriter/producer/full-throttle vocalist” (HITS Magazine). A native of Ellaville, Georgia, Hammack moved to Nashville at 19, quickly making a name for herself with her striking vocals and genre-blending influences, drawing from legends like Dolly Parton and Tom Waits alongside boundary-pushers like David Bowie and Kate Bush. Her 2020 debut album ‘If It Wasn’t for You' showcased her creative depth, with Hammack writing and producing the entire project. The album’s breakout track, ‘Small Town Hypocrite,' featuring Chris Stapleton, was named one of the ‘Best Songs of 2020' by NPR and Esquire, further cementing her reputation as a bold storyteller. She also won an ACM Award for ‘Fooled Around and Fell in Love', her collaboration with Miranda Lambert, and has shared the stage with country heavyweights like Luke Bryan and Brothers Osborne.
Now entering a new chapter, Hammack is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Bed of Roses,' on March 7th. Teaming up with John Osborne as co-producer, the project stays true to her country roots while embracing the edges of psychedelic Americana, reflecting the personal and artistic growth she has cultivated over the past five years. Hammack continues to captivate audiences, whether in intimate listening rooms or on stadium stages. “As a little girl who always just wanted a man to bring her flowers – I decided I’d be better off if I just learned how to grow my own,” she shares, a sentiment that encapsulates her journey of resilience and self-discovery.
Caylee Hammack’s sophomore album, ‘Bed of Roses,' is a triumphant declaration of independence, resilience, and empowerment wrapped in the rich sounds of Southern country. From the opening track, ‘Bed of Roses,' Hammack sets the tone with her unmistakable Dolly Parton-esque tremor, delivering an anthem of self-sufficiency. With twangy guitars and a John Osborne-inspired extended outro, the song paints a picture of a woman who has made peace with her own company, urging others to dig in and work for what they want in life. This theme of self-determination runs throughout the album, solidifying Hammack’s identity as one of country music’s most formidable voices.
The album takes a funkier, grittier turn with ‘Breaking Dishes,' a track dripping with Southern rock attitude and heartbreak-fuelled determination. Channeling influences from Lainey Wilson to Dolly Parton, Hammack teeters on the edge of emotional turmoil, singing, “I’m so tired,” over swampy guitar licks and an ominous, rolling groove. The darkness lifts slightly with ‘What My Angel Thinks,' a tender ballad about secrets and lust. Hammack’s powerful yet fragile voice shines over delicate instrumentation, as she wonders, “Tonight, I wonder what my angels think of me,” capturing perfectly the tension between desire and morality.
Sparse production is a defining characteristic of ‘Bed of Roses,' allowing Hammack’s vocals to take centre stage. ‘Back Again' exemplifies this with its raw, emotional storytelling about rekindled flames and lost chances. The line, “You can’t be friends, then lovers, then friends… You can’t go back again,” echoes with bittersweet finality, marking one of the album’s most poignant moments. Similarly, ‘Mamas' cleverly reimagines the classic Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson hit with a feminist twist. Hammack warns, “Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to LOVE cowboys,” flipping the song’s original meaning into a cautionary tale about unreliable lovers, delivered with a wink and a nod.
The album also features standout songs such as ‘The Hill.' With handclaps, fiddles, and a hoedown-style energy, the song explores conflict resolution in a spirited fashion, notably this song was co-written with Tenille Townes. In contrast, ‘The Pot and the Kettle,' a co-write with Stephen Wilson Jr., leans on sparse instrumentation and clever lyrical analogies to explore the contradictions in relationships. These tracks highlight Hammack’s ability to balance fiery, defiant anthems with introspective, emotionally layered storytelling.
Adding a sultry edge to the record, ‘Bread and Butter' and ‘Cleopatra' turn up the heat with funky guitar riffs and smoky, seductive vocals. The former oozes confidence, as Hammack craves her lover’s attention over a pulsating, John Osborne-style groove, while the latter builds into a thrilling climax, punctuated by the album’s most electrifying guitar solo. These tracks reinforce the album’s overarching theme of female empowerment, but with a sensual twist, proving that strength and vulnerability can coexist beautifully.
Closing out the album, ‘Oh Kara' and ‘Tumbleweed Men' return to Hammack’s storytelling roots, offering wisdom and solace through gentle melodies and campfire-style arrangements. “Tumbleweed men always look better when they show up again,” she sings, cautioning against unreliable lovers in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
The entire album is a masterclass in restraint and intention, with producer John Osborne ensuring that every note and lyric has space to breathe. ‘Bed of Roses' is a powerful, carefully crafted collection that showcases Hammack’s evolution as an artist, cementing her place among country music’s most compelling current voices as she channels female empowerment, strength and desire in one defiant and fierce message spread across these 13 songs.
Tracklist: 1. Bed of Roses 2. Breaking Dishes 3. What My Angel Thinks 4. Back Again 5. Mamas 6. No I Ain't 7. The Hill 8. The Pot and the Kettle 9. Bread and Butter 10. Cleopatra 11. How Long 12. Oh Kara 13. Tumbleweed Men Release Date: 7th March Record Label: Capitol Record Nashville Buy ‘Bed of Roses' here
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