Maggie Antone Rhinestoned (CD)

(Love Big) 10 tracks

Maggie Antone's voice has always won people over. Singing along to the radio in her childhood seat, she first won over her parents, who supported her through singing lessons, musical theater and performances of the national anthem in her hometown of Richmond. Later, when she recorded “Lady May” by Tyler Childers, Antone's voice also won over the Internet and was praised so much that she released an entire collection of covers entitled “Interpretations” the following year. But lately, fans have been singing along to every word of her songs at Antone's sold-out concerts: Because even though it's her voice that draws you in, it's the vulnerability of her songwriting that keeps you coming back for more.

Antone's forthcoming album Rhinestoned features ten songs that prove the Virginia-born singer could be the next big thing in country music. The album, which will be released on August 23, 2024 on her own label Love Big via Thirty Tigers, builds on the resounding success of her debut single Suburban Outlaw - a song Holler praises for its lyrics that seem like snappy one-liners from teen movies.

The raucous, witty and irresistible album opener “Johnny Moonshine” showcases Antone's talent for storytelling with one croaky double entendre after another. In the timeless “Mess With Texas,” Antone brings her honky-tonk sensibilities to life, playfully recounting the ex-boyfriends she met in various places before hitting it big in the Lone Star State. And the outstanding piece “High Standards” contrasts.