Charly Reynolds, a magnetic mid-twenties singer-songwriter from sunny Florida, is making waves in the country music scene with her authentic voice and relatable storytelling. Her single releases over the past couple of years have earned her spots on Spotify's New Music Nashville and Fresh Finds Country playlists, as well as Apple Music’s New In Country playlist, among others and now she arrives, full of fierce determination and fiery fun with her debut album, ‘Off the Record.'
Reynolds gained wider recognition when her soulful rendition of ‘Neon Moon' was featured in the Season 5 finale of FOX's medical drama ‘The Resident.' This exposure introduced her to a broader audience, showcasing her vocal depth and emotional connection to classic country sounds.
Charly Reynolds' debut full-length album ‘Off The Record' is a confident, vibrant collection that weaves together traditional country sounds with modern storytelling, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and artist. Across 12 tracks, Reynolds delivers a blend of empowerment anthems, heartfelt ballads, and playful romps, each infused with her signature blend of 90s country influence and a refreshing contemporary flair.
Speaking about the album, Reynolds shares, “Putting out an album is such a surreal feeling, especially as an independent artist. I have wanted to do it for so long, and my fans have been waiting for so long, and I am so excited to finally deliver ‘Off The Record.'” She adds, “I picked these songs because they have a special meaning in my life, and I can truly relate to each one. I feel like my listeners will, as well. Each song has its own story to tell.”
The album kicks off with ‘Another Man Will' an irresistibly upbeat, fiddle-driven track that sets the tone for the album's recurring theme of female empowerment. With a breezy, fun melody and sharp lyrics, Reynolds makes it clear that she's no longer waiting around for a lackluster partner, and her decision to walk away is wrapped in an infectious, feel-good sound that leaves listeners smiling.
The title track, ‘Off The Record' takes a darker, more dramatic turn. In this mid-tempo, Carrie Underwood-inspired murder ballad, Reynolds spins a Southern Gothic tale of a missing husband, backed by subtle gospel harmonies. The clever lyricism and stripped-back charm elevate the storytelling, leaving you rooting for her character as she gets away with the crime. The shift in mood highlights Reynolds' versatility and ability to blend lighthearted tracks with more serious, narrative-driven songs.
‘People Think' is a defiant, fiery anthem with a Shania Twain vibe, embracing a bold attitude of self-assurance. The fiddle and funky guitars drive the song forward as Reynolds proudly declares that she doesn’t care what others think. It’s a statement of confidence that matches the album’s overarching message of staying true to oneself, even in the face of judgment.
Tracks like ‘Shade of Blue' and ‘Love You Long' slow the pace, offering a glimpse into Reynolds' more introspective side. The former captures a moment of emotional recovery wrapped in a playful honky-tonk groove, while the latter is a smooth, plaintive ballad about a woman who leaves before emotions get too deep and complicated. ‘Love You Long' is particularly notable for flipping the typical gender roles, allowing Reynolds to explore the complexities of relationships with vulnerability and nuance.
‘Freedom Ain’t Free' explodes with big melodies and powerful, Carrie Underwood-esque vocals. It's a classic noughties-style country banger that channels female empowerment through pounding drums, fiddles, and guitars. The wife in the song finally snaps and decides to take back control, embodying the same strength that runs through many of the album’s tracks.
Reynolds displays her emotional depth in ‘Visiting Hours,' a heartwarming, mature ballad about longing to visit a loved one in heaven. With its tender fiddle lines and reflective lyrics, the song offers a universal sentiment of loss and connection, showcasing Reynolds’ ability to tap into deep emotional truths.
Another standout ballad is ‘Hurt People Hurt' where Reynolds confronts a toxic relationship head-on. The song’s haunting steel guitar and introspective lyrics capture the painful realisation that love can’t heal all wounds. It's a testament to Reynolds' maturity as a songwriter and her ability to craft timeless country music that resonates.
The upbeat and defiant ‘Word on the Street' echoes the attitude of tracks like Carrie Underwood's ‘Before He Cheats' while the sweet, stripped-back ‘Somebody In Love' offers a tender glimpse into the early stages of romance. Both songs contribute to the album’s dynamic emotional range, balancing heartbreak and joy with ease.
Reynolds even tackles a pop classic with her country rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive.' With fiddles and banjos in tow, Reynolds keeps the song’s disco heart intact while infusing it with a fresh country twist, adding a layer of resilience that aligns with the rest of the album.
The closing track, ‘Blame It On My Boots,' rounds off the album with an upbeat, fun-filled anthem about independence and self-reliance. Packed with references to Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin' Boogie” and Casamigos shots, it’s the perfect way to end an album full of energy, wit, and personality.
‘Off The Record' is a strong debut that firmly plants Charly Reynolds as a rising star in the country music world. With its mix of empowerment, emotional depth, and catchy melodies, the album showcases her talent and promises a bright future ahead. Whether she’s singing about heartbreak, empowerment, or the joy of love, Reynolds delivers each song with authenticity and charm, making this an album well worth your time and attention, particularly if you are a fan of female artists and that classic 90s sound.
Tracklist: 1. Another Man Will 2. Off the Record 3. People Think 4. Shade of Blue 5. Love You Long 6. Freedom Ain't Free 7. Visiting Hours 8. Hurt People Hurt 9. Word on the Street 10. Somebody in Love 11. I Will Survive 12. Blame it on My Boots Release Date: September 20th Record Label: Independent Buy ‘Off the Record' right here.
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