Latecomer
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The Tennessee singer-songwriter Meghan Hayes returns with a 4th album, where the themes surround the many artistic and personal challenges she’s recently faced, and it’s a bit more stripped back than her earlier work, but no less impactful.
“Surprised” opens the listen with Hayes’ stirring voice and emotive guitar playing that’s heartfelt, and the title track follows with her gentle voice amid the poetic mood.
In the middle, the fuller spirit of “Evangeline” welcomes Fats Kaplin’s warm fiddle to the rural melodies, while “Unlock The Door” offers a charming duet of timeless folk ideas that’s eloquent and memorable.
Deeper still, “I’m Getting There” enlists some serious self-reflection that radiates much sincerity and wisdom, and “Work” exits with Hayes’ inimitable delivery that’s cozy, intimate and pretty, where Mando Saenz’s meticulous guitar won’t go unnoticed.
Hayes wasn’t sure she would make another album, but we’re all better off that she did, and let’s hope there’s more in the future, cause her timeless vision and appreciation of folk, Americana, country and roots sounds will always be much needed.
Travels well with: Meghan Hayes- Seen Enough Leavers; Meghan Clarisse- Shadows Of A Ghost Town