Maddye Trew’s “Single of the Year” is a honky-tonk heartbreak anthem that pairs equal parts sorrow and sass. Set for release on May 23 via TLG/Virgin/Trew Blue, the track serves as a standout from her upcoming EP Here Goes Nothin’, and it delivers exactly what the title suggests: a witty, emotionally bruised, barroom-ready anthem that tips its hat to country tradition while giving it a cheeky spin.
URL: https://www.maddyetrew.com/
Right from the opening line—“At this point a break-up would be catchin’ a break / I can’t seem to make it to my first second date”—Trew gives us a hook with teeth. It’s clever, sad, and instantly relatable. And just when you think she’s done twisting the knife, she lands a chorus that’s destined for quotable status: “All my friends are tying the knot / And I’m over here just tying one on.” The line drips with self-aware humor, but there’s a deeper ache beneath it all.
Veteran producer Steve Marcantonio keeps the track firmly planted in that sweet spot between polish and grit. The arrangement features bright guitars, a steady rhythm section, and an old-school twang that never feels forced. The sound is traditional without being throwback, familiar without feeling stale. Adam Ayan’s mastering adds just the right gloss, rounding out the edges without sanding off the emotion.
Vocally, Trew’s Memphis roots come through with authenticity. Her delivery is rich, expressive, and layered with personality. She doesn’t oversell the pain or push the punchlines—she lets the lyrics do the work, and that’s what separates her from imitators. She channels a bit of the spirit of Loretta, a touch of Tanya, and a whole lot of herself.
Trew has already shown signs of promise with earlier cuts like “Long Gone John” and “Dear Loretta,” but “Single of the Year” feels like the moment where all the elements click. The songwriting is razor-sharp. The vocals are confident. The production wraps around it like a worn leather boot—tight, sturdy, and built to travel.
What gives the song staying power isn’t just its relatability or radio-readiness, but its honesty. Beneath the jokes is someone who’s been through it, dusted herself off, and turned her trials into a toast. It’s the kind of track you hear at last call that makes you want to dance and cry at the same time.
Maddye Trew isn’t just playing the part of the brokenhearted country girl. She’s telling the truth—and telling it well.
Rating: 9/10 – Pure country gold with a sly grin and a bruised heart.
Garth Thomas