Start Here

Last updated
Start Here
Start Here by Maddie & Tae.png
Studio album by
Maddie & Tae
ReleasedAugust 28, 2015 (2015-08-28)
Recorded2014–15
Genre Country
Length37:04
Label
Producer Dann Huff (all tracks)
Aaron Scherz (track 2) [1]
Maddie & Tae chronology
Maddie & Tae
(2014)		Start Here
(2015)		One Heart to Another
(2019)
Singles from Start Here
  1. "Girl in a Country Song"
    Released: July 15, 2014
  2. "Fly"
    Released: January 25, 2015
  3. "Shut Up and Fish"
    Released: November 2, 2015
  4. "Sierra"
    Released: May 16, 2016 [2]

Start Here is the debut studio album by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. It was released on August 28, 2015 via Dot Records and Republic Nashville. [3] The album, produced by Dann Huff and Aaron Scherz, features eleven tracks. [4] Its release was delayed so the duo could have more time to work on it. [5]

Contents

Background

The album was originally scheduled to be released on June 2, 2015, but Maddie & Tae pushed back the album’s release date to August 28. Marlow said "what we had was good, but we knew it could be so much better", while Dye added "we wanted to get the feel — the sound of it — and the music right. You only make your first album once". [6]

Content

Maddie & Tae stated: "we told our stories in this first album and that’s exactly what we plan to do for the albums to come, we want our fans to come along on this journey with us." [7]

Album artwork

The official album cover was shot by photographer Allister Ann: "The thing about us that really defines Maddie and I is we’re not those girls who want to spend a lot of time getting our hair done," Dye said. "We’d rather be out on a four-wheeler, playing guitar or just hanging out, having fun. That’s what the songs are made of. We thought the pictures should look like that, too". [6]

Singles

Four singles have been released from the album, the chart-topper "Girl in a Country Song", "Fly", "Shut Up and Fish" and "Sierra". [8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 80/100 [9]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [10]
Billboard Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Digital JournalStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [12]
Exclaim! 8/10 [13]
Newsday B+ [14]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Spin 7/10 [17]

Start Here received general acclaim from music critics, scoring an 80 out of 100 on the review aggregate website Metacritic, based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Stephen Thomas Erlewine at AllMusic bestowed a four and a half stars out of five rating upon the album writing: " In another's hands, such scheming could seem crass or nasty but placed in the context of Start Here, where it's surrounded by both sweetness and swagger, it simply adds another dimension to an album that embodies all the complex contradictions and unfettered optimism of modern country-pop in 2015." [10] Rolling Stone 's Jon Dolan conferring a three and a half star rating out of five on the album saying: "Even when the sentiments are more traditional, though, Maddie & Tae sound tough-minded and stout-hearted." [16]

Bequeathing a four star rating out of five upon the album at Billboard , Jewly Hight describing: "Just as the Chicks burnished a blend of modern bluegrass, singer-songwriter-style narration and adult contemporary pop sophistication a generation ago, Maddie & Tae are hyper-focused on shaping their own chipper, closer-harmonizing, string band-based aesthetic, though vocally, they're not yet the evocative storytellers they could be. And much as the Chicks have been known to embody a bold brand of femininity, the younger act strikes a posture of winsome self-assurance across these 11 tracks." [11] Spin 's Jonathan Bernstein granted the album a seven out of ten stating: "Start Here does a great job of cataloging the highs and lows of early milestones: first kisses, first breakups, leaving home for the first time." [17]

Presenting a seven out of ten stars rating for PopMatters, Dave Heaton commenting: "There's a foundation here for greatness: on Start Here they seem to be aiming less for a towering achievement than for that sort of solid foundation upon which to build a career. The album is essentially packed-full of pleasantly put-together hooks, enjoyable melodic settings and observant if easy-to-slip-past-you lyrics." [15] Judging the album an eight out of ten release, Stuart Henderson of Exclaim! suggesting: "Unlike those of many of their contemporaries, this album isn't offering much faux hard-won wisdom, and there's no late-night barstool proselytizing to speak of. Instead, Start Here channels the naïve wonder, genuine openness, and hopeful abandon of post-adolescence." [13]

Glenn Gamboa assessing the album a B+ at Newsday calling: "The duo's debut "Start Here" (Big Machine) does not have anything to match their smart and savvy single that lampoons the objectification of women in country hits while using the same trappings of a bro-country hit." [14] Digital Journal's Markos Papadatos rewarding the album with a four and a half out of five stars commenting: "Overall, Maddie & Tae deliver on their newest studio album Start Here. Many of the songs on this release are compelling and relatable. It is great to hear female artists again on the country radio airwaves."

Commercial performance

Start Here debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, and No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart, with 24,000 copies sold in its debut week. [18] The album has sold 103,800 copies in the US as of July 2016. [19]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Taylor Dye and Madison Marlow, with additional co-writers as noted

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Waitin' on a Plane"
  • Danny Myrick
3:25
2."Girl in a Country Song"
  • Aaron Scherz
3:38
3."Smoke"
  • Scherz
  • Brad Tursi
3:03
4."Shut Up and Fish"
  • Scherz
  • Pete Sallis
3:19
5."Fly"
  • Tiffany Vartanyan
3:38
6."Sierra"
  • Scherz
2:46
7."Your Side of Town"
3:03
8."Right Here, Right Now"
3:39
9."No Place Like You"
3:19
10."After the Storm Blows Through"
3:43
11."Downside of Growing Up"
3:30
Total length:37:04
Target Exclusive Deluxe Edition (bonus tracks) [20]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
12."After the Storm Blows Through" (acoustic version)
  • Scherz
  • Willmon
3:50
13."Downside of Growing Up" (acoustic version)
  • Anderson
  • Rogers
3:22
Total length:44:16

Personnel

Maddie and Tae
Additional Musicians

Charts

Related Research Articles

<i>Pawn Shop</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Brothers Osborne

Pawn Shop is the debut studio album by American country music duo Brothers Osborne. It was released on January 15, 2016 via EMI Nashville. It includes the singles "Stay a Little Longer", "21 Summer", and "It Ain't My Fault".

<i>Night Train</i> (Jason Aldean album) Album by Jason Aldean

Night Train is the fifth studio album by American country music artist Jason Aldean. It was released on October 16, 2012, via Broken Bow Records. The album features a collaboration with Luke Bryan and Eric Church on "The Only Way I Know". It was produced by Michael Knox and features Aldean's road band, with songs written by various songwriters.

<i>Bring You Back</i> 2013 studio album by Brett Eldredge

Bring You Back is the debut album by American country music artist Brett Eldredge. It was released on August 6, 2013 by Atlantic Records. The album was originally titled One Way Ticket, and was to include Eldredge's second single "It Ain't Gotta Be Love". However, the album was renamed before release and "It Ain't Gotta Be Love" was scrapped from the final track listing. The album includes the singles "Raymond", "Don't Ya", "Beat of the Music" and "Mean to Me". "Don't Ya", "Beat of the Music" and "Mean to Me" reached number one on the Country Airplay chart. The album has gained critical acclaim by music critics.

<i>Feels Like Carolina</i> 2013 studio album by Parmalee

Feels Like Carolina is the fifth studio album by American country music group Parmalee. It was released on December 10, 2013 by Stoney Creek Records. The album produced four singles: "Musta Had a Good Time", "Carolina", "Close Your Eyes", and "Already Callin' You Mine".

<i>Just as I Am</i> (Brantley Gilbert album) 2014 studio album by Brantley Gilbert

Just as I Am is the third studio album by American country rock singer Brantley Gilbert. It was released on May 19, 2014 via Valory Music Group. The album includes the number one singles "Bottoms Up" and "One Hell of an Amen". Gilbert wrote or co-wrote all 11 tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maddie & Tae</span> American female country music duo

Maddie & Tae are an American female country music duo composed of Maddie Font and Tae Kerr, both of whom are singers, songwriters, and guitarists. The duo was signed to the revived Dot Records in 2014. Their debut album, Start Here, was released on August 28, 2015, and includes the singles "Girl in a Country Song", "Fly", "Shut Up and Fish", and "Sierra". Following the closure of Dot, they signed to Mercury Nashville in 2018. They released their second studio album The Way It Feels for this label in April 2020, and the first part of their third studio album, Through The Madness in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girl in a Country Song</span> 2014 single by Maddie & Tae

"Girl in a Country Song" is a song recorded by American country music duo Maddie & Tae, co-written with Aaron Scherz. It was released in July 2014 as the lead single from their debut studio album Start Here. The song criticizes the "bro-country" subgenre in contemporary country music, specifically in how women are portrayed by men, with lyrics containing references to a variety of popular recent country songs.

<i>Anything Goes</i> (Florida Georgia Line album) 2014 studio album by Florida Georgia Line

Anything Goes is the second studio album by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was released on October 14, 2014, by Republic Nashville. The release of the album was announced August 15 from Central Park in New York City on Good Morning America. The album was produced by Joey Moi. Its first single, "Dirt", became Florida Georgia Line's sixth number one hit when it peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby Be My Love Song</span> 2014 single by Easton Corbin

"Baby Be My Love Song" is a song written by Jim Collins and Brett James and recorded by American country music artist Easton Corbin. It was released in September 2014 as the second single from Corbin's album About to Get Real.

<i>Lifted</i> (Dallas Smith album) 2014 studio album by Dallas Smith

Lifted is the second solo album by Canadian country music artist Dallas Smith. It was released in Canada on November 25, 2014 via 604 Records. The album was available for pre-order on iTunes after the release of the single "Wastin' Gas," which was released on October 28, 2014. In the United States, Lifted was instead released via Big Loud Mountain Records as a six-song EP containing only the material not released on previous EP, Tippin' Point, except for a live recording of the title track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fly (Maddie & Tae song)</span> 2015 single by Maddie & Tae

"Fly" is a song recorded by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. It was released in January 2015 as the second single from their debut studio album, Start Here. The song, written by the duo and Tiffany Vartanyan, is an inspirational anthem about a girl wanting to find success. It garnered a positive reception from critics praising the production and the girls' vocal performances for elevating the overall theme of the song.

<i>Maddie & Tae</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Maddie & Tae

Maddie & Tae is the eponymous debut EP from American country music duo Maddie & Tae. Written by Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye, the work was recorded at Blackbird Studio, and was released on November 4, 2014 and is the first work produced by Dot Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shut Up and Fish</span> 2015 single by Maddie & Tae

"Shut Up and Fish" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. It was released to radio on November 2, 2015, as the third single from their debut studio album, Start Here. The song was written by the duo, Aaron Scherz and Pete Sallis. It garnered a positive reception from critics who praised the role-reversal of typical gender characters in country music songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sierra (song)</span> 2016 single by Maddie & Tae

"Sierra" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. It was released to radio on May 16, 2016 as the fourth and final single off of their debut studio album, Start Here. The song was written by the duo and Aaron Scherz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway June</span> American country music group

Runaway June is an American country music group consisting of Stevie Woodward, Jennifer Wayne, and Natalie Stovall. Wayne co-founded the group in 2015 with Hannah Mulholland and Naomi Cooke. Wayne was a former member of Stealing Angels and had co-written singles for other singers prior to the group's foundation. Signed to BBR Music Group's Wheelhouse imprint in 2015, the group charted two singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts prior to their breakthrough hit "Buy My Own Drinks" in 2018. This was the first of three singles from their 2019 studio album Blue Roses. Mulholland quit the group in 2020 and was replaced by Natalie Stovall, former lead singer of Natalie Stovall and the Drive; Cooke quit in 2022 and was replaced by Stevie Woodward.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maddie & Tae discography</span>

American country music duo Maddie & Tae have released two studio albums, five extended plays, seven singles, seven promotional singles, twelve music videos and appeared on two albums. Signing with Dot Records, the label released their debut single in 2014 titled "Girl in a Country Song." The song reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart their self-titled EP was released the same year. In 2015, their debut studio album was released titled Start Here. It spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums and climbed to number two. The album also entered the top ten of the Billboard 200 list. Also in 2015, their single, "Fly" reached the top ten of country charts and was also included on their debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Die from a Broken Heart</span> 2019 single by Maddie & Tae

"Die from a Broken Heart" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. It was released on May 6, 2019, as the second single from their second studio album The Way It Feels.

<i>Blue Roses</i> (Runaway June album) 2019 studio album by Runaway June

Blue Roses is the debut studio album by American country music group Runaway June. It was released June 28, 2019 via Wheelhouse. "Buy My Own Drinks" was released as its debut single in August 2018 and reached the top 20 of the Billboard Country Airplay charts, making it the first time a female group or trio had done so in 14 years.

<i>The Way It Feels</i> (Maddie & Tae album) 2020 studio album by Maddie & Tae

The Way It Feels is the third studio album by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. It was released on April 10, 2020. It is a concept album and serves as the follow-up to their 2015 debut album Start Here.

<i>Country State of Mind</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Josh Turner

Country State of Mind is the eighth studio album by American country music singer Josh Turner. It was released on August 21, 2020, via MCA Nashville.

References

  1. ↑ Start Here (booklet). Maddie & Tae. Dot Records. 2015. B0023172-02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ↑ "Single Releases". MusicRow . 4 January 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  3. ↑ Bjorke, Matt (June 2, 2015). "Maddie & Tae "Start Here" Tracklist and Cover Art". Roughstock. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  4. ↑ McDonnell, Brandy (June 2, 2015). "Maddie & Tae reveal cover and new Aug. 28 street date for full-length debut album 'Start Here'". The Oklahoman . Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  5. ↑ Hollabaugh, Lorie (June 2, 2015). "Maddie & Tae Move Release Date, Unveil Cover Art". MusicRow . Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Maddie & Tae's Patience Pays Off". CMT. Retrieved 2015-08-13.
  7. ↑ "Maddie & Tae Say 'Start Here' Is a Journey". Tasteofcountry.com. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-13.
  8. ↑ Dukes, Billy (May 18, 2015). "Maddie & Tae, 'Start Here': Everything You Need to Know". Taste of Country. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Critic Reviews for Start Here by Maddie & Tae". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  10. 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Start Here – Maddie & Tae". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  11. 1 2 Hight, Jewly. "Maddie & Tae Boldly Fill Country's Post-Taylor Void With 'Start Here': Album Review". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  12. ↑ Papadatos, Markos (26 August 2015). "Review: Maddie & Tae superb on breakthrough country album 'Start Here". Digital Journal. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  13. 1 2 Henderson, Stuart. "Maddie and Tae - Start Here". Exclaim!. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  14. 1 2 Glenn, Gamboa (26 August 2015). "'Start Here' review: Maddie & Tae's debut album". Newsday. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  15. 1 2 Heaton, Dave. "Maddie & Tae: Start Here". PopMatters. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  16. 1 2 Dolan, Jon. "Start Here". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  17. 1 2 Bernstein, Jonathan. "Review: Maddie & Tae Tell the Bros to Shut Up and Fish on 'Start Here'". Spin. SpinMedia. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  18. ↑ Jim Asker (September 9, 2015). "Luke Bryan No. 1 on Top Country Albums, Maddie & Tae No. 2; Dustin Lynch Leads Country Airplay". Billboard.
  19. ↑ Bjorke, Matt (July 12, 2016). "Country Albums Sales Chart: July 12, 2016". Roughstock.
  20. ↑ Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive (2015-08-23). "Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive". Target. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
  21. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Maddie & Tae – Start Here". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Maddie & Tae Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Official Country Artists Albums Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company.
  24. ↑ "Maddie & Tae Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Maddie & Tae Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2015". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.