Lily Rose: ‘Runnin’ Outta Time’ – EP Review

For rising country star, Lily Rose, the past few years have been a whirlwind of bucket list moments. However, the singer-songwriter found herself getting lost in the pursuit of success. “I really wanted to achieve and keep achieving and came to realize that it’s not the most important thing,” She shares in a statement. “What I need to achieve most is to be a good wife and a good daughter and a good friend — that will keep fueling the fire for the rest of my career.” 

On her new EP, the follow up to her 2021 album, Villain, Rose is honest and vulnerable, reflecting on the goals that mean the most, where she always finds herself returning, and what’s truly important in life. Her lush vocals perfectly accompany an array of country instrumentation on the perfectly crafted collection that is sure to continue her ascension into stardom.

“All I’ve ever wanted to do is write and perform songs just like these. In my opinion, these six songs are the most honest and accurate to who I am as an artist, and it doesn’t happen without a creative village that believes I have something special to say to the world,” The Big Loud recording artist shared on social media.

That “creative village” included the likes of Trannie Anderson, Emily Weisband, Hillary Lindsey, Seth Ennis, and more, who co-penned the collections six tracks, alongside Rose. The result is a stirring and honest body of work.

The Georgia native opens with “The Goal,” a twangy, guitar laden mid-tempo ode to all of her desired accomplishments.  They may range from playing shows to having a song on the radio, but within it all, she realizes that’s not what’s most important. “It took waking up in a quarter life crisis,” She muses. “To figure out what the point of life is.”

“Put family first, but still put the work in //  Live them words in the Sunday sermon //  See a half full glass of Bourbon and make time to go back home // Do what you love, love what you’re doing //  If you say I do, Hell, don’t undo it // Have ‘Good friend, even better human’ // Written on that headstone // Good Lord knows I ain’t there yet but damn is that the goal”

She’s nostalgic on tracks like “Parking Lot” and “True North,” with “Lot” finding her reliving the heyday of her youth, moments that were shared between friends and hard to forget. Likewise, “True North” is a love song to her hometown in Georgia, her inner compass always pointing her back South.

On the confessional “Back Pew,” the singer-songwriter grapples with her spirituality, seeking solace at the back of a church. She may be fifteen minutes late and settling way into the back, but it’s a relatable approach to religion and God that many can appreciate. “At least I showed my face, and showing up here’s the first step…” She admits.  “I got a last ditch prayer for the man upstairs, so Lord would you help me through? Even if I’m in the back pew.”

“Two Flowers” offers a special moment, finding Rose appreciating her uniquely floral name and all that it stands for.  “It wasn’t just some family hand me down ’cause I’m one of a kind // It wasn’t some name from the Bible days, ’cause that ain’t quite my style //  I guess the first time Mama held me, she could see it in my eyes // She named me after two flowers, because I was born to be wild.”

The EP ends with its title track, “Runnin’ Outta Time,” a 90’s-inspired country jaunt about just how fast time flies. “Went to bed at 21, woke up at 29,” She laments, a wistfully playful tone in her voice. “Probably ain’t true but tonight it feels like, I’m runnin’ outta time, for the time of my life.”

While Lily Rose may feel like time is passing her by and she’s Runnin’ Outta Time, this EP proves that she’s only getting started.

Runnin’ Outta Time Track List:

1. The Goal (Lily Rose, Paul DiGiovanni, Trannie Anderson, Seth Ennis) 
2. Back Pew (Lily Rose, Emily Weisband, Andy Albert, Paul DiGiovanni)
3. Parking Lot (Lily Rose, Lindsay Rimes, John Pierce) 
4. True North (Lily Rose, Trannie Anderson, Hillary Lindsey, David Garcia) 
5. Two Flowers (Lily Rose, Blake Pendergrass, Paul DiGiovanni) 
6. Runnin’ Outta Time (Lily Rose, Lydia Vaughan, Blake Pendergrass, David Garcia)

Country Swag Picks:

1. Parking Lot
2. The Goal
3. Runnin’ Outta Time