Madison Parks, a rising country singer/songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia, is changing up the game again with this single, "Next to Me," the second single from her upcoming debut EP. The lead single, "Crazy Like That" was quite different from this single, adopting the female bro-country song trend. This song shows considerable improvement from that release, and also embodies more of who Madison Parks is as a person, and as an artist. This song is one that couldn't be sung by just any singer, but only by Parks.
This song is an upbeat coming of age country pop track, in the vein of Kelsea Ballerini and Danielle Bradbery. It's a meshing of two tracks of the aforementioned artists, "Underage" by Ballerini and "Young in America" by Bradbery. Parks embodies the excited but somewhat reflective tone of Ballerini's song, while also including the carefree attitude of Danielle Bradbery's most recent release. Parks has often spoken about how this is her favorite song she's ever written. And rightfully so. Parks masterfully captures the feeling of being seventeen. The feeling that you're getting older, but you're still young. It's a carefree time in life, and Parks describes the feeling of falling in love as a teen perfectly.
"Next to Me" is the superior song in comparison to "Crazy Like That" production wise as well as lyrically. The song is a little less rocky, and has a bit more focus on the vocals. The instrumentals are prominent, but not overpowering. It has a feeling of some of the older Taylor Swift songs, mixed with some more modern influences. Parks also shines vocally on this song, partially because her vocals are the star of the show, not hidden behind too many instruments.
Madison Parks has improved, even from her last release to this one. This song is a special one, a song sure to connect with teenagers, and older women and men who fell in love as teenagers. Young love is reckless, fearless, and special. Parks is able to capture that all in this three minute song. Now that takes some talent.
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
"Next to Me" is the superior song in comparison to "Crazy Like That" production wise as well as lyrically. The song is a little less rocky, and has a bit more focus on the vocals. The instrumentals are prominent, but not overpowering. It has a feeling of some of the older Taylor Swift songs, mixed with some more modern influences. Parks also shines vocally on this song, partially because her vocals are the star of the show, not hidden behind too many instruments.
Madison Parks has improved, even from her last release to this one. This song is a special one, a song sure to connect with teenagers, and older women and men who fell in love as teenagers. Young love is reckless, fearless, and special. Parks is able to capture that all in this three minute song. Now that takes some talent.
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
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