NYCS First Impression: Gabby Barrett ‘Goldmine’

Gabby Barrett’s biggest strength, besides her powerhouse voice and killer songwriter’s instinct, is her ability to not take no for an answer. For any female artist, unfortunately, it is a feat to get played on country radio. The NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch never let that stop her: “I Hope”, her debut single, went #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, Billboard’s Country Streaming Songs chart, and Country Digital Sales Chart. Her follow up single, “The Good Ones” has surpassed 10 million streams and it was just sent to country radio. Her debut album, Goldmine is out today, June 19th, and is as much of a firecracker as Barrett is.

Prior to the release, NYCountry Swag caught up with Barrett for a virtual interview to chat about the record, her songwriting, and her incredible career so far. Check it out in the video below.

“Thank God”, is the album’s second track following bonafide hit “I Hope”, and was co-written by Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite and, Jimmy Robbins. The lyrics explore Barrett’s don’t-take-no-for-an-answer attitude, and on the first verse, she sings, “Not having that much money/Led to dreaming that much more/And that got me to Nashville, trying to knock down slamming doors”. It’s an upbeat anthem all about being thankful for all the hardships in her life because they led her to where she is now, and she is a better person because of it.

Barrett co-wrote all but one song on the album, with the title track, “Goldmine” being the exception. The production on this song is reminiscent of an old Carrie Underwood record, and it suits her style perfectly. Caitlyn Smith is one of the writers, and although it sounds very Gabby Barrett, there’s something about the chorus and the way the lyrics are woven into the melody that also screams Smith. “Goldmine” showcases Barrett’s unbelievable range sonically and vocally. “If your kisses are your riches/then you’ve hit the jackpot”, she sings on the chorus. The track has self-confidence mixed with gratitude for her partner.

Every song on her record sounds like a hit. It’s not that there are no evocative moments on the record; “The Good Ones”, “Strong”, and “Got Me”, the latter featuring Christian duo Shane&Shane are songs where it’s clear that they’re coming straight from Barrett’s heart. Barrett’s love for her husband, family, and her faith are all strong themes throughout the record. Yet, even in the deepest of her songs, the ear-candy hooks and production buildups allow each and every song to be radio-ready while still remaining personal.

“I am so excited that my first album is finally complete,” Barrett shared in a press release. “I’ve been writing for this project for almost two years, pulling together who I am as an artist and working hard with my team to make this album an expression of that. To see it come together like this feels amazing and is such a huge blessing.”

A moment where Barrett absolutely shines is on “Hall of Fame”. There’s something very youthful and summer-esque about it, and it’s addictively catchy. The song opens with an acoustic guitar lick that’s unlike anything else on country radio. Lyrically, it’s very universal, but there are little phrases that she and the songwriters were able to flip on their heads. “Living to the rhythm of your heartbeat/Beats everything I’ve ever felt,” she sings on the first verse. The chorus is describing her relationship with husband Cade Foehner, and why she feels like it belongs in the “hall of fame”. “For the way you look at me/It should all go down in history/They’d hang your picture on the wall and write your name/If love had a hall of fame.”

There’s a willingly naive part of Gabby Barrett and an older-than-she is maturity that spreads throughout the whole album. That in part has to do with her being only 20, yet taking on the responsibility of being a wife and having a rising career. This reflects in her choice of co-writers, who are a mix of seasoned veteran writers, like Liz Rose and Josh Kear, current hit-makers, like Nicolle Galyon and Ross Copperman and newer, emerging writers, like Trannie Anderson and Emily Landis.

If this debut album is any indication, music fans will be hearing Gabby Barrett’s name for a long time. She is full of fire and has grit, while also displaying grace and class. In the words of Barrett herself, she seems to have hit the jackpot.

To keep up with Gabby Barrett, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Goldmine is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Goldmine Track List & Songwriters
1. “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
2. “Thank God” (Gabby Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
3. “Write It on My Heart” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)
4. “Footprints on the Moon” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
5. “You’re the Only Reason” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Kear)
6. “Goldmine” (Nicolle Galyon, Caitlyn Smith, Liz Rose)
7. “The Good Ones” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick)
8. “Jesus & My Mama” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Cliff Downs, Marti Dodson)
9. “Hall of Fame” (Gabby Barrett, Adam Doleac, Trannie Anderson, Zach Kale)
10. “Got Me” feat. Shane & Shane (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Shane Barnard, Cade Foehner, Bryan Fowler)
11. “Rose Needs a Jack” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Joe Clemmons)
12. “Strong” (Gabby Barrett, Emily Weisband, Ross Copperman)
13. “I Hope” feat. Charlie Puth (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite, Charlie Puth)

NYCS Staff Picks:

Hall of Fame
Strong
I Hope
Thank God

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.