Rising country singer-songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter is set to make her mark with her highly anticipated debut album, ‘Hey Country Queen,' out today, March 7 via The Valory Music Co. Co-writing all 13 tracks, Carpenter showcases her dynamic storytelling while paying tribute to the trailblazing women of country music who paved the way for her to embrace honesty, heartache, and fun in her songs.
With recent releases like the anthemic ‘Sound Of A Heartbreak,' the romantic ‘Only Girl' and the infectious ‘Boots On' she has already captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike, earning recognition as one of MusicRow Magazine’s ‘Next Big Thing’ artists for 2025. A seasoned songwriter with credits on hits for artists like Lily Rose and Megan Moroney, Carpenter now steps fully into the spotlight, offering listeners a deeply personal collection that celebrates girlhood, love and resilience.
Mackenzie Carpenter’s debut album ‘Hey Country Queen' is a strikingly confident first release that doesn’t feel like a debut at all. With a collection of songs that range from playful and empowering to heart-wrenching and reflective, Carpenter showcases her sharp storytelling, dynamic vocal ability, and a deep appreciation for 90s country influences. Heavy-hitting writers like Nicolle Galyon, Rhett Akins, and Liz Rose lend their talents to this project, helping to create a record that is both relatable and emotionally resonant.
The album opens with ‘Dozen Red Flags,' a clever and breezy track co-written with Nicolle Galyon. It’s a funky and playful takedown of a toxic relationship, packed with wordplay that turns a lack of flowers into a dozen red flags instead. This cheeky, empowering tone carries into ‘Boots On,' a flirtatious, rockabilly-tinged anthem reminiscent of early Shania Twain, where Carpenter teases her man to come home because she’s got nothing but her boots on. The energy remains high on songs like ‘Don’t Mess With Exes,' a fierce, Texan-infused warning against rekindling old flames, driven by plaintive guitars and Carpenter’s emotionally charged delivery.
Humor and sharp storytelling shine through in ‘Gone Fishin’, a standout track with echoes of The Chicks’ ‘Goodbye Earl,' as Carpenter turns a tale of cheating and revenge into a rollicking, singalong anthem. The momentum continues with “Sound of a Heartbreak,” a massive, guitar-driven anthem reminiscent of Bryan Adams’ 90s stadium rock era, complete with soaring vocals and the best guitar solo on the album. Carpenter then slows things down with “Only Girl,” a tender, pedal steel-driven love song that channels the timeless style of Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood, capturing the feeling of being truly cherished.
Alongside ‘Boots On', which was more playful, the album takes a sultry turn with ‘I Wish You Would,' a duet featuring Midland’s Mark Wystrach. With Countrypolitan influences and Texan overtones, the two artists create a smouldering, whiskey-soaked story of temptation and romance. That longing is echoed in songs like ‘Red Wine Blue,' a heartbreak-laden play on words about drowning one’s sorrows after a breakup. The bluesy, boozy tone adds depth to the album’s emotional journey. Carpenter further explores longing in ‘Jesus, I’m Jealous,' one of the album’s most poignant moments. Watching a couple dance at a bar, she prays at the barstool, not for the man, but for a love she’s never known—a mature, slick piece of storytelling that feels beyond a debut effort.
While the album primarily leans into 90s country nostalgia, Carpenter surprises listeners with ‘Cowgirl Like Me.' This track brings a modern twist with heavy bass, 808 beats, and a loud, banjo-infused Western pop production reminiscent of Morgan Wallen’s sound. It’s an exciting detour from the album’s core aesthetic but still fits within Carpenter’s confident musical identity. ‘Guys Like You' returns to the bar setting, this time with Carpenter lamenting the effortless charm of a girl who attracts all the guys—including herself. This clever play on words makes for another relatable, heart-tugging ballad.
The penultimate track, ‘The Other Side,' strips things back to an acoustic, sparse arrangement, letting Carpenter’s vocals and emotions take center stage. It’s a wistful reflection on unrequited love, the pain of watching someone be with another, and the difficulty of choosing between losing them entirely or suffering in silence. Finally, the album closes with its title track, ‘Country Queen.' This empowering anthem offers a message of resilience and sisterhood, encouraging women everywhere to hold their heads high. With echoes of The Chicks, it’s a fitting and uplifting finale to an album that celebrates strength and self-worth.
‘Hey Country Queen' is a mature, confident debut that blends humour, heartbreak, and empowerment into a compelling listen. Carpenter’s knack for storytelling, combined with her strong vocals and 90s country influences, results in an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh. With a mix of playful anthems, emotional ballads, and modern country twists, this record cements her as a rising star in the genre.
Track list: 1. Dozen Red Flags 2. Boots On 3. Only Girl 4. I Wish You Would 5. Don't Mess With Exes 6. Gone Fishin' 7. Red Wine Blue 8. Jesus, I'm Jealous 9. Sound of a Heartbreak 10. Cowgirl Like Me 11. Guys Like You 12. The Other Side 13. Country Queen Record Label: Big Machine Records Release Date: March 7th Buy ‘Hey Country Queen' right here
This article contains an affiliate link. Purchases through this link may result in us earning a commission.
