Believin’ Is Seein’
Trendy Girl, 2023
8/10
The country singer and guitarist Re Mattei brings along a large cast for these 10 warm and playful songs that are both heartfelt and authentic.
“Try To Break My Heart” starts the listen with Mattei’s smooth voice alongside Michael Johnson’s warm pedal steel and Marshall Richardson’s thumping drums for the breezy country rock, and “Feels Like It’s Gonna Rain” follows with the cozy acoustic guitar and eloquent singing that highly emotive.
Entering the middle, the thicker “Ya Got Two Wheels” uses dense electric guitar, Steve Peffer’s well timed keys and plenty of grit, while the title track recruits soulful backing vocals that complement the dreamy melodies.
The last 2 tracks are among the best, where “Country Love” is populated by Pete Huttlinger’s skilled banjo and Rex Schnelle’s agile electric guitar, and “Santa’s Gone Country” exits with a swift, roots rocker that’s destined to get your body moving to the contagious rhythm.
Formerly of the 7 piece The Uptown Girls, Mattei’s move to Nashville in the ‘90s set her solo career in motion, and these timeless, well executed and classic country tunes sure are memorable.
Travels well with: Rebecca Folsom- Sanctuary; Laura Zucker- Lifeline