In an era when major-label country often drifts into pop polish and thematic safety, Maddye Trew’s “Single of the Year” arrives like a breath of honky-tonk air—sharp, wry, and rooted in a deep understanding of country music’s narrative traditions. Releasing May 23 via TLG/Virgin/Trew Blue, the track is a brilliant example of how independent-minded artists are reclaiming emotional nuance and clever storytelling in the genre.
From the first line—“At this point a breakup would be catchin’ a break”—Trew plants her flag. This isn’t just another song about love lost. It’s about the slow, awkward ache of not even getting far enough to experience a breakup. It’s a country ballad that sidesteps melodrama and lands somewhere more complicated—and more honest. That tension between humor and heartache is where great country lives.
The production from Grammy-winning engineer Steve Marcantonio is tastefully restrained but emotionally resonant. Electric guitars swirl, a fiddle flickers in the background, and the rhythm section keeps things moving with an effortless sway. It’s traditional enough to please purists but crisp enough for modern playlists. The mastering, courtesy of Adam Ayan, is radio-ready without sacrificing warmth—a tough balance in 2025’s hyper-processed landscape.
Vocally, Trew delivers a compelling performance that hints at her Memphis roots and Belmont training. Her tone is full-bodied, clear, and conversational. She doesn’t oversing. Instead, she leans into the phrasing like a storyteller with nothing to prove—just something real to say. It’s that understated control that draws comparisons to Miranda Lambert’s early work and Ashley McBryde’s lyrical authenticity.
What sets “Single of the Year” apart in the crowded field of up-and-coming country singles is its precision. Every word serves the narrative. Lines like “All my friends are tying the knot / And I’m over here just tying one on” don’t just rhyme; they land like well-thrown darts. You can almost hear the crowd cheering when it plays live.
There’s also a smart branding strategy at play here. By naming the song “Single of the Year,” Trew flirts with self-deprecating humor while also planting a tongue-in-cheek marketing flag. It’s the kind of title that begs for playlist inclusion, editorial notice, and even awards-show commentary. That dual-layer of emotional content and industry savvy is something her team would do well to lean into.
As the lead single from her upcoming EP Here Goes Nothin’, “Single of the Year” builds smartly on the momentum of past releases like “Long Gone John” and “Dear Loretta.” This time, though, there’s a clarity of vision. Maddye Trew knows exactly who she is as an artist—and she’s ready to make sure Nashville knows it too.
A breakout moment for a rising artist who plays the long game—and plays it well.
Mindy McCall
