“Single of the Year,” the new single from Maddye Trew (out May 23 via TLG/Virgin/Trew Blue), is a slow-burning triumph of barroom melancholy and clever lyrical craftsmanship. More than just a fun country ditty, it’s a layered and emotionally resonant track that sits comfortably at the crossroads of modern Americana and classic Nashville storytelling.
WEBSITE: https://www.maddyetrew.com/
Where many artists chase the sonic trends of pop-country, Trew digs her boots deeper into the traditional soil. There’s a lilt in her voice that recalls Patsy Cline’s wistfulness, tempered by the sharp tongue of a Brandy Clark or early Kacey Musgraves. Yet she doesn’t mimic—she builds. What she’s crafted here is a track that’s at once tongue-in-cheek and deeply felt, humorous but not flippant.
Lyrically, “Single of the Year” is a masterclass in self-aware country songwriting. The chorus—“All my friends are tying the knot / And I’m over here just tying one on”—is instantly quotable, but the line’s impact isn’t purely comedic. There’s a sadness curled inside the laughter, and Trew doesn’t run from it. This is what makes Americana songwriting work: complexity without pretension, heart without spectacle.
Steve Marcantonio’s production is pitch-perfect. He keeps things lean and intimate, allowing room for Trew’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage. There’s no bombast, no unnecessary layering—just tasteful guitar work, a gently swaying rhythm, and enough sonic space to let the song’s emotions settle in. Adam Ayan’s mastering ensures it shines without losing its soul.
Vocally, Trew never oversells. Her delivery is warm and textured, rich with experience and restraint. There’s a conversational quality to the performance that makes you feel like you’re sharing a drink with her, commiserating over your latest dating disaster. And when she gets to the bridge, she doesn’t belt—she confides. That intimacy is what sets her apart from the Nashville crowd chasing arena-sized choruses.
This track builds on the promise of her previous releases, but it feels more defined, more intentional. It’s not just another single—it’s a statement of identity. “Single of the Year” positions Trew as an artist who values craft over flash, connection over conformity. She’s got the wit, the voice, and the emotional depth to carve out a space in the Americana and roots scenes that feels entirely her own.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/single-of-the-year-single/1807751501
It’s not easy to create a song that makes you laugh and ache at the same time. Maddye Trew does it with grace and grit.
Verdict: An Americana gem that deserves to be on every heartbreak playlist—and maybe even win a real award.
Kim Muncie
