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Review: Jade Helliwell’s new album ‘Rebegin’ is a personal & heartfelt collection of songs

Jade Helliwell has steadily emerged as one of the most authentic and compelling voices in the UK country scene, blending heartfelt storytelling with a modern country-pop sensibility. Known for her warm vocals and emotionally grounded songwriting, Helliwell has built a loyal following through a series of well-received singles and live performances across the UK. Her rise has been marked by consistent growth, culminating in major recognition at the British CMA Awards, where she has been honoured with Female Artist of the Year and UK Album of the Year—an achievement that firmly establishes her as a leading figure in British country music.

Her latest project, ‘Rebegin,' arrives at a pivotal moment both personally and professionally. Written over the course of a transformative year that saw her marry, move home, welcome her first child, and redefine her artistic direction, the album reflects a genuine sense of renewal. Collaborating closely with producer and co-writer Alyssa Bonagura, alongside Laura Oakes, Phil Donnelly, and Jess Thristan, Helliwell crafts a collection that feels intimate, reflective, and rooted in real-life experience. As she prepares to take ‘Rebegin' on the road with a full-band UK tour next month, the album stands as both a milestone and a fresh starting point—capturing an artist confidently stepping into a new chapter.

From the opening moments Jade Helliwell sets the tone with ‘Look What You’ve Done,' a polished slice of pop-country that immediately feels radio-ready. Built on slick guitar lines and a smooth, contemporary sheen reminiscent of Lady A, the track blossoms into a melodic, feel-good chorus about falling headfirst into love. Helliwell’s vocal is warm and open-hearted, delivering lines like “you got me hanging around your favourite spot in town” with an easy charm. It’s a confident, catchy opener that pulls you straight into her world.

That polished, accessible sound continues into ‘Heroes & Heroines,' though here the message runs deeper. Another pop-leaning track, it trades romance for reflection, tackling the idea of growing older and recognising that real-life heroes aren’t found in celebrity culture but in everyday resilience. With its pounding drums, soaring vocals, and a standout guitar solo in the final stretch, the song carries both emotional weight and arena-sized ambition. It’s easy to imagine this becoming a standout live moment, with its anthemic chorus and universal message.

‘Lighthouse' shifts the mood slightly, introducing a darker, more atmospheric edge. Driven by a pulsing beat and richer, lower-toned vocals, Helliwell leans into a more introspective space before the track opens up into a soaring, singalong chorus. Again echoing the melodic sensibilities of Lady A, it balances intimacy with accessibility, making it one of the album’s most immediate highlights. As a tribute to a guiding presence in her life, it feels both personal and universal—arguably the emotional core of the record.

Elsewhere, ‘Drink You Outta My Mind' delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a modern country record—a breakup anthem with bite and attitude. Rather than wallowing in heartbreak, Helliwell flips the narrative into one of empowerment, soundtracked by driving drums and a lively, uptempo arrangement. It’s a song built for big nights out and bigger singalongs, capturing that defiant, starting-over energy with a wink and a raised glass.

‘Monster' offers one of the album’s most intriguing sonic turns, diving into a darker, blues-tinged palette. With echoing vocals, brooding guitars, and a steady, pounding rhythm, Helliwell explores themes of desire and obsession with a newfound intensity. There’s a rawness here that contrasts nicely with the album’s more polished moments, showing a willingness to stretch creatively while still maintaining her melodic instincts.

The title track, ‘Rebegin,' brings everything back to the heart of the album. Stripped back and reflective, it places Helliwell’s voice front and centre as she recounts a year of profound personal change—marriage, motherhood, and the reshaping of her life and career. It’s a gentle, wistful ballad that prioritises storytelling over spectacle, allowing the listener to sit with her journey.

‘Rebegin' is a cohesive and highly listenable collection that blends pop, rock, and country influences into something distinctly her own—an album rooted in real life, full of warmth, honesty and the unmistakable sense of an artist stepping confidently into a new chapter.

Tracklist: 1. Look What You've Done 2. Heroes and Heroines 3. Lighthouse 4. Five Years Ago 5. Rebegin 6. Monster 7. Drink You Outta My Head Release Date: March 20th Record Label: Independent Buy ‘Rebegin' right here


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