What makes Start Here by Maddie & Tae notable?

Start Here received critical acclaim for its clever lyrics and strong vocal performances, particularly highlighted by the breakout hit 'Girl in a Country Song', which topped Billboard charts and sparked conversations about gender representation in country music. The album's commercial success helped solidify Maddie & Tae's place in the genre, earning them nominations at major award shows. Released as their debut album in January 2015, Start Here marked Maddie & Tae's entry into the country music scene following their viral success with the single 'Girl in a Country Song'. This album set the stage for their career, showcasing their harmonies and songwriting skills while establishing them as prominent voices in contemporary country.

Who is Start Here for?

Start Here works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, heartfelt stories of youth and for road trips.

How many songs are on Start Here?

Start Here has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Start Here

Maddie & Tae · 2015

37 min · 11 tracks · country pop

A fresh blend of catchy melodies and relatable lyrics that encapsulate modern country pop with a youthful spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Girl in a Country Song — This track cleverly critiques stereotypical portrayals of women in country music, using humor and catchy melodies to engage listeners while delivering an important message.
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Downside of Growing Up — The poignant lyrics reflect on the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, resonating with a young audience facing similar struggles, showcasing the duo's lyrical depth.
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Waitin’ on a Plane — This song perfectly captures the anticipation and excitement of travel, embodying the themes of adventure and longing that permeate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and relatable lyrics but follows familiar country pop structures.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a lively tempo, while the fourth introduces a more relaxed groove, creating a noticeable shift in energy.
Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns between the two lead singers, enhancing their harmonies and interplay.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
heartfelt stories of youth
for road trips
uplifting tunes for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced intensity
seek complex, layered compositions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released as their debut album in January 2015, Start Here marked Maddie & Tae's entry into the country music scene following their viral success with the single 'Girl in a Country Song'. This album set the stage for their career, showcasing their harmonies and songwriting skills while establishing them as prominent voices in contemporary country.
Stylistic neighbors: Dan + Shay· Kacey Musgraves· Little Big Town