Madelyn Rose – ‘Teenage Heartache’ [EP] [Album Review]

Teenage singer-songwriter Madelyn Rose releases her EP, Teenage Heartache, a five-track collection of country songs infused with tangs of pop and country.

“Working on ‘Teenage Heartache’ was such a surreal experience for me,” says Rose. “The first three singles were recorded in June of 2022, where I was in a completely different place in life. I later recorded ‘Sober’ and ‘Missing Me Now’ in May of 2023, giving more of a rock meets country vibe.”

Co-written and produced by Madelyn Rose, along with Justin Klump, Lauryn Tauber, Tori Tullier, Deanna Walker, and David Spielburg, Teenage Heartache explores the rollercoaster of emotions, including love and heartbreak, experienced by a sixteen-year-old emerging on life’s path.

The EP begins with “Taillights Fade,” riding low-slung country-pop flavors and a thumping kick drum. Rose’s voice, reminiscent of early Taylor Swift, imbues the lyrics with plush, silky tones, giving the tune soft, swaying textures.

Entry points include “Heart Space,” arguably the premier track on the EP, because of its twangy, shimmering guitars and Rose’s drawling vocals, backed by light, radiant harmonies. Glittering breakdowns shift the melodic flow, followed by escalating to burnished layers of translucent colors.

Madelyn Rose, photo courtesy of Madelyn Rose

“Missing Me Now,” a bit darker, reveals hints of country-rock while still leaning on its country foundation. Urgently gorgeous, Rose’s evocative voice discloses nuances of nostalgia, regret, and melancholy.

Set apart by not only Rose’s willowy voice but also by its engaging lack of superfluous overproduction, which gives her music an organic authenticity, hopefully, Rose continues to eschew, choking her delicious music with needless digital manipulation.

Paced well, Teenage Heartache allows plenty of time to luxuriate in the remarkable voice of Madelyn Rose, ringing with sumptuous clarity.

Teenage Heartache Track Listing:

1. Taillights Face
2. Won’t Be Me
3. Heart Space
4. Sober
5. Missing Me Now

Run Time: 15:30
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Record Label: Vere Music