As Matt Bailie entered a new decade in 2020, he also entered a new chapter in his career. Since releasing a successful debut album back in 2010, the Florida native left Music City after his label closed and returned to the Sunshine State. Fast-forward a decade and Bailie is back in Nashville and back to work. Last year as an Independent artist, Bailie released two singles “Whiskey Away” and “Naked” off his new album of the same title. Set for release tomorrow via Cavalla Records, the seven-track album is exclusively premiering today with The Country Note.
That time away helped Bailie discover himself as an artist, a singer and a songwriter, as he co-wrote six of the seven tracks on the album. Each track talks about moments and experiences that anyone can easily relate to: love, loss, and learning one’s limits. Holding such a connection to each of these songs, Bailie takes us through the album track by track:
1. Gypsy Rain – Matt Bailie/Micheal Wilkes/Brent Baxter/Brad Watkins
“Gypsy Rain is about a beautiful mysterious woman that blows in and out of a particular town on her travels. Leaving a man waiting on her return each time she leaves. Always on adventures and no telling on her return. He wants her to settle down with him, but if she did she wouldn’t be Gypsy Rain.”
2. Like It Ain’t Nothing – Micheal Wilkes/Ben Gallaher/Colin Healy
“We’ve all had this relationship. You want out, there’s nothing good or uplifting about it. But then she smiles and for that moment it feels good. The morning doesn’t matter. It’s just for the moment, like it ain’t nothing.”
3. Naked – Matt Bailie/Henri Gates/Cassie Verhaeghe
“The lyrics to the powerful, yet tender, contemporary country ballad read like a heartfelt love letter to my muse in a real and vulnerable way that is at the core of my artistry. Unlike the provocative title may suggest, “Naked” honors the woman by assuring her that she doesn’t need all the trappings of makeup and glam style to hold his attention and reminds her that she is amazing in the beauty that she possesses naturally.”
4. Whiskey Away – Micheal Wilkes/Barrett Baber/Colin Healy
“After a long day you head into the bar start a tab and before you know it a beautiful woman walks in the bar as well. Not the type of guy to be the aggressor and walk up to her with confidence. He orders a drink and then another and another. Eventually the beautiful woman and him are making eye contact. Still working up the courage. The music video shows her finally making the move.”
5. Cinderella’s Shoe – Matt Bailie/Henri Gates/Cassie Verhaeghe/Mitchell Lee
“A relationship ends leaving the broken-hearted man knowing he will never find someone like her again. He begins searching for the perfect fit only to be let down every time he tries.”
6. Drinkin’ and Drunk – Matt Bailie/Micheal Wilkes/Brent Baxter
“The difference between Drinkin’ and Drunk is a big one. It takes time and patience to learn but when you do finally learn, it is incredible. This song came about with the realization that didn’t know or feel real love until I met my wife. Before her I was just drinking just tippin’ ‘em back, but with her I am drunk completely spinning in love.”
7. Better Believe It – Matt Bailie/Micheal Wilkes/Henri Gates
“This song brings the reality of long-term marriage to life. Most couples go through a phase of “Do I still love you, is this still what I want.” And the answer is “Better Believe It.” Marriage is a wonderful union when both parties truly choose to love each other and give each other their all. This song reiterates the longevity that marriage should be, through the changes and through all the obstacles, through the struggles. Because it is worth it.”
Listen to the exclusive premiere of NAKED below:
For more information on Matt Bailie, visit his website mattbailie.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.