Just a couple weeks after the announcement of Tae’s birth of her baby girl, Leighton Grace Kerr - Maddie and Tae’s third studio album’s release was on the horizon. The duo had been teasing fans to sneak peeks but no one really knew what, “Through The Madness” held.
Now that the album is here, I can safely say that the album holds too many treasures to take in all in one listen. With the harmonies of both Maddie & Tae, the raw and honest of the lyrics, the features and how each song is perfectly polished this album definitely shows a change in Maddie and Tae’s music but still holds the sound of the band when they first released their hit, “Girl in A Country Song”.
What It’s Like Loving You - Maddie & Tae answer the questions we all think when we’re falling fast with questions we have asked ourselves - Do you still got roots in a one stoplight hometown? And a first love heartbreak that you don’t talk about? I love songs that offer questions, this song is beautifully written and is honest and relatable. I love how this song brings more of an upbeat element instead of an acoustical kind of song that I think a lot of these songs tend to fall into!
Woman You Got - This song we heard ahead of the albums release and I think it gave us all a sneak peek into the album but also through us for a curveball when hearing other songs. The music video brings a whole other meaning to this song but for the songs sake I love the authenticity this song holds where Maddie & Tae explicitly lay it all on the table. I think most every girl can relate to this song because Maddie & Tae show how human they are in this track. I also love how this is the song after What It’s Like Loving You - “What Are You Like? Here is what I am Like” is was the placement says to me.
Don’t Make Her Look Dumb - This is what I consider different for Maddie & Tae, the song that you hear and instantly makes your heart sink. This is definitely a solid country heartbreak song that really speaks volumes. This is not a song you expect after the first two on the album, but this song is amazing! Morgane Stapleton flawlessly harmonizes with the duo and I hope to see a live performance with the three of them.
Grown Man Cry - This song packs both the swanky beat with a softer feel about it. I love the bass and drum in this song, it adds a really dancing feel to it. I love how the duo is telling this story and how they drag out some of the lyrics. The echo of some of the lyrics before the bridge is a nice touch too!
Madness - This song falls into the slower section of this album and though there are a lot of songs that talk about how a love or soulmate is the light in the darkness, I can’t help but be obsessed with this song. I don’t know if it’s the unique lyrics or the kind of beat this song has but I can’t get enough of this one.
The Other Side - The first thing I noticed is how beautiful and peaceful the guitar plucking is - Maddie and Tae are pros when it comes to pep talks and there’s one on every Maddie & Tae album. I am so glad the duo asked Lori McKenna to be apart of this song. When you hear Lori McKenna start singing you are transported to a Lori McKenna song but with a Maddie & Tae vibe.
Wish You The Best - I love how vibrant Maddie’s voice is in the beginning of the song, all around I just love how the song starts. I was ready for a sassy break up song from Maddie & Tae and boy did they deliver! I kind of wish we had more of this on the album but I’m happy this song made it on the final cut of the album.
Strangers - I’ve never been a huge fan of having the last song on the album be a slow one, I like to leave off with a fun, upbeat anthem but I understand how sweet this song is and how it really wraps up the album. The duo have not been shy about their husbands and I love the songs we have gotten from their relationships. This song, I think gives us all that ending from Maddie & Tae after a listen from their hearts.
Overall, this album is refreshing and a great album for country music. Great job Maddie & Tae and Congratulations, Volume 2 will be amazing!