Caitlyn Smith: High & Low
Last year, Monument Records’ powerhouse vocalist Caitlyn Smith released High. It was the first half of a record that the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter self-produced. Now Smith is poised to release the complete project, adding six new songs to make her full record, High & Low.
Caitlyn Smith is the proverbial woman behind the curtain with more songwriting credits then we have space to list. Here are a few of the artists she’s written songs for: Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Jason Alden, Rascal Flatts, Chris Isaak, Meghan Trainer, Miley Cyrus, Lady Antebellum and Kip Moore.
Photo by Rob Morgan
In addition to her tremendous songwriting prowess, Caitlyn Smith is a virtuoso tour de force with a voice as smooth and gorgeous as warm mahogany. Songwriting. Singing. Producing. She is dazzlingly brilliant and delights all around. Is there anything this woman can’t do? Proving the adage "If you want something done, do it yourself" ~ Napoléon Bonaparte
If you are like me, you probably missed out on Caitlyn Smith’s first two albums. And if Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen have you demanding 34+ tracks albums, then feel free to combine Starfire, Supernova and High & Low into a single playlist and your cup will surely runneth over.
Smith delivers decadently delicious candied melodies, along with earnest lyrics, distributed with an unequivocally superlative instrument of a voice.
In a world full of musical choices, I am super excited to help you sift through the noise, offer a brief respite from the ordinary and review the extraordinarily gifted Caitlyn Smith’s latest offering. Let me tell you that this girl can Sang! This is not a typo. If you are on the ropes and need empirical proof, prior to High & Low dropping, then listen to the song “Tacoma” off the Supernova acoustic EP. This song will perforate your everlasting soul and it moves me, Every. Damn. Time.
The opening track “High” is equally as impressive and immediately commands your attention all the while catapulting you into another stratosphere. This song serves as a musical call to arms letting you know that you made the right decision to temporarily pause Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing At A Time” or take it off of repeat entirely. Amanda Shires’ splendid violin playing on this track is absolutely stunning, resolute and deserving of laudable mention.
My favorite song on the album is “I Think of You.” While this will certainly incite some debate, it aptly showcases her ability to take seemingly benign lyrics and craft an incredibly intricate whirlwind adventure. The tenderness and delicacy of her voice betwixt her almost unbridled passion encapsulates the sheer complexity of her songmithing.
“You knew it was all gonna come down crashing / Still trying to figure out what the hell happened / When I think of everything I had to lose / I think of you / You watching me crying on the bathroom floor / Saying I don’t wanna do this anymore”
Did he leave her for another woman? Was he, unbeknownst to her, already married? Why does she want out of a seemingly perfect relationship? He knew it was all going to end. How? The ‘65 Nova was flying. Why was he upset? Who was at fault? Despite whatever the transgression was, she thinks of him.
The totally cool part is none of the answers matter. We are along for the ride; she perhaps loses, we certainly all win.
“Lately” generates just as many questions. “They say it takes ten thousand hours” is that ten thousand hours to forget or to grieve? What happened? Is she unable or unwilling to call?
“Lately I stare at your number / Wish I was able to / Just call up and tell you”
There are no questions about “Mississippi,” featuring Garth Brooks singing background. This song will steal your heart and leave you begging for more. Brooks delightfully swoops in like a cool summer breeze. Maybe this song will also “hit you like a burning whiskey.” Caitlyn Smith keeps things simple and by doing so she continues to make seemingly small things magical. Smith effortlessly floats over the top masterfully radiating as they both reflect upon missed opportunities.
Although, one can easily sum up the album as one of heartbreak, loss and betrayal; it’s more complicated than that. It’s an album about crossing the rubicon of life coming out the other side better for the experience. Reflecting and reminiscing about what was and what could have been despite moving forward. Yes, dare I say it, it’s an album of life’s highs and lows. Finding happiness and joy in the present, dreaming about the future and never forgetting the past.
I can’t believe that it took so long for me to discover her greatness. I challenge you to curl up with a glass of chardonnay this Friday after work and give this record a spin. Caitlyn Smith’s High & Low is a phenomenal record and will capture your heart.
Smith was nominated last year for the Academy of Country Music’s New Female Artist of the Year. In my opinion, unless someone pulls a rabbit out of a hat. This album places her in pole position for a nomination as ACM Female Artist of the Year. Listen and decide for yourself. I am all in and if I had a vote it would be cast for Caitlyn Smith without any reservations.
Find out more about Caitlyn at the links below:
