Tigirlily Gold: ‘Blonde’ – Album Review

Tigirlily Gold release their new album, Blonde, out now, July 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

For sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, their debut album as Tigirlily Gold is representative of who they are and what they stand for. Out now on Monument Records, the duo’s Blonde, goes much deeper than a hair color.

“I hope listeners feel like they could hang out with us on a Friday night or have a heart-to-heart on a Sunday morning, that every emotion you feel is valid, that some nights you want to go shoot tequila and some nights you want to cry over a boy who shattered you,” shares Kendra in a statement. “At the end of the day, no one has it all together, and we’re all figuring out how to navigate love, loss, friends, memories, self-love, confidence.”

Featuring ten tracks, eight of which the pair co-wrote, Blonde takes listeners on a unique journey through love, loss, and self discovery. “Blonde is all about being undeniably and unapologetically yourself,” reveals Krista. “We want everyone to feel confident and vulnerable enough at the same time to say what they need to say.”

The album opens with its titular track, a light and twangy fête to those fair and flaxen locks. While it may seem surface level, the song invites listeners to embrace their inner Dolly with its sing-songy call and response. It’s a fun intro to the collection, immediately inviting listeners in for more.

“You can’t buy happiness // But you can buy hair like these // It’s a Dolly Parton state of mind // It’s Marilyn leavin’ Norma Jean behind // From dirty to platinum // We’re just trying to have some fun // When we’re feeling // Low, we highlightin’ up // Everyday’s a good day when you’re wakin’ up // Ugh blonde // Oo-oo oo-oo yeah // So blonde”

Likewise, the viral hit “Shoot Tequila” is a rousing ode to the love-hate relationship with their drink of choice. For them, tequila is responsible for great nights, bad decisions, and even worse mornings. It’s the perfect female-led drinking song, and almost everyone can relate to its messaging.

“I shouldn’t do it // But I don’t remember why // Such a bad influence, but you’re looking good tonight // Ah, shoot tequila // You’re good at what ya do, tequila // And it goes like One tequila, two tequila, three tequila more If I had a little sense, I would’ve stopped at four // ‘Stead of cursing your name on the bathroom floor // Swear to God I won’t drink tequila no more”

The sibling duo deals with bad boys who made bad decisions on songs like “I Tried a Ring On,” “Stupid Prizes,” and “Leroy.” While “Stupid Prizes” is a swampy and gritty look at the mind games that lead to seemingly unexpected consequences, “Leroy” is about a guy who can’t grow up and outrun the negative influence of his friends. 

“I Tried a Ring On” is a clear standout, a clever heartbreak anthem about an ill-fated relationship that finds them grappling with the end of forever. While they’ll grieve and then move on, they’re stuck in the angry stage, musing, “I’m sure I’ll get over you being gone, I just feel stupid, I tried a ring on.”

It’s not all heartbreak and heartache on Blonde, with love songs taking hold on tracks like “Only Once,” “End Up Us,” and the seductive “Move On.” While the latter puts them in the mood to flirt and make the first move with a new guy, “Only Once” documents those kinds of feelings that only come along once in a lifetime. Likewise, “End Up Us” is a swoon worthy ballad about the kind of love that was written in the stars. “‘End Up Us’ is the first love song released off our Blonde album. We believe real love, if meant to be, will always find its way,” Tigirlily Gold shares. “Every love has its own journey, and we can’t wait to see people share their love stories with this song!”

“Hometown Song” provides an especially unique moment on the LP, offering an alternative view to those country songs that seem to idolize and venerate their hometowns. Here, the North Dakota natives grapple with the dichotomy of both loving and hating the town that raised them. “Took me 18 years to get out, But I’m still tryna move on,” They harmonize. “I kinda wanna run back to it // But Lord, I’m grateful to be gone”

The collection ends with a countrified cover of the 2007 Leona Lewis hit, “Bleeding Love,” that has become a staple of the sisters’ live show. Here, they stay true to the original but put a unique twang on it, breathing new life into a song that everybody knows. It’s reminiscent of Sugarland’s take on Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” and we can’t wait ‘til the inevitable Tigirlily Gold and Leona Lewis collab for a live performance.

For Tigirlily Gold, Blonde is representative of much more than a hair color, but a way of life. Here, they’re free-spirited and full of vulnerability, life, love, and so much more.