Simon RushworthMackenzie Carpenter — Hey Country Queen (The Valory Music Co.)
A Music Row Next Big Things Artists Class Of 2025 inductee, Mackenzie Carpenter is set to play on threedifferent stages at next weekend’s C2C Festival in London.
On this evidence, 33 shows probably wouldn’t satisfy demand.
Now the country music market’s more congested than Broadway on a Saturday night.
Music City wannabes are around every corner and in every bar… if they even get that far.
Standing out from the crowd is trickier than getting a table at Hattie B’s.
And you’ve likely got a better chance of making yourself heard on a hockey night at the Bridgestone Arena.
But every so often talent rises to the top.
And it’s impossible to ignore the might of Mackenzie Carpenter on this outstanding debut.
On the face of it Hey Country Queen — with its pop princess cover and cheesy title — could be the very worst of modern country.
Mass produced, generic and jaded.
But don’t judge a book by its cover.
Carpenter’s long since cut her teeth as a canny songwriter with a happy knack for wizarding wordplay.
Hit co-writes with Megan Moroney and Lily Rose have established the Hull, GA native as a go-to ideas guru.
And given the platform to pull her best work together under her own fast-rising name, Carpenter has crafted something that fuses old school cool with one eye on what’s surely a storied future.
Hey Country Queen is a compelling call to arms from a slow burning superstar now hiding in plain sight.
Carpenter building something special
We’ve already jumped on board the county collaboration of the year so far: Carpenter’s dreamy hook up with Midland — I Wish You Would — was one of February’s hottest tracks.
But Hey Country Queen has class written all over it.
Guys Like You, Dozen Red Flags and Gone Fishing aren’t afraid of leaning on tried and tested country tropes and yet Carpenter’s genius lyricism always guarantees her songs achieve next level narratives.
Sure, there’s mention of beer, football and break-ups but it’s the way she tells it.
Carpenter has a keen eye for detail and loves nothing more than teasing an unexpected twist with something disarmingly predictable.
Her voice is a strength. A classic country twang with endearing intonation in all the right places, Carpenter’s a great fit for Midland… or any other trad country crew.
But her casual confidence, cute recognition of the bigger picture and oh-so-clever marketing means Moroney et al better up their game. And fast.
You see, Carpenter is coming.
And whether she’s in bullish mood (Boots On) or slowing things down on dreamy ballad The Other Side, this album proves 2025’s C2C hot ticket can do it all.
Hey Country Queen is Carpenter’s crowning glory.
