The Way It Feels
Maddie & Tae · 2020
48 min · 15 tracks · country pop
A vibrant blend of heartfelt storytelling and catchy melodies that encapsulate modern country pop sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Die From a Broken Heart — This track poignantly captures the pain of heartbreak while showcasing the duo's vocal synergy and storytelling prowess. Its relatable theme resonated widely, making it a commercial hit.
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Tourist in This Town — Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, this song explores feelings of loss and longing, representing the album's reflective nature. The melody complements its poignant lyrics beautifully.
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Drunk or Lonely — This track cleverly combines humor with vulnerability as it questions the motivations behind reaching out to an ex. Its catchy chorus highlights the duo's knack for memorable hooks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout elements that would elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of vocal harmonies, with the two lead singers often intertwining their melodies throughout the tracks.
- Several songs employ a narrative structure, telling stories that unfold over the course of the verses and choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 reflective moments
- heartfelt narratives about love
- for casual gatherings
- sing-along friendly choruses
- uplifting themes of resilience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2020, The Way It Feels is Maddie & Tae's sophomore album, following their debut, Start Here, which established them as a notable presence in country music. At this point in their career, they were building on the momentum of their initial success, navigating personal experiences and industry changes to refine their sound and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dan + Shay· Kacey Musgraves· Little Big Town
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Everywhere I’m Goin’ 3:28
- 2 Bathroom Floor 2:33
- 3 My Man 3:01
- 4 Tourist in This Town 3:25
- 5 Drunk or Lonely 3:43
- 6 One Heart to Another 3:38
- 7 Trying on Rings 3:05
- 8 Write a Book 3:26
- 9 Water in His Wine Glass 3:21
- 10 Die From a Broken Heart 3:08
- 11 Ain’t There Yet 3:29
- 12 Lay Here With Me 2:58
- 13 Friends Don’t 3:08
- 14 I Don’t Need to Know 3:20
- 15 New Dog Old Tricks 3:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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