The Stunning Country Goodness of Charlie Marie’s New EP
Fine gentlemen of country music, guard your hearts as you foray deep into the music of Charlie Marie, for the very real possibility of falling head over heels in love with this chanteuse is a clear and present concern when partaking in this incredible channeling of country music’s dulcet tones and classic styling. Ladies of country music, lose yourself in the astonishing pain and deeply personal stories that Charlie Marie spins in the timeless fashion of Patsy Cline, and in such an incredibly haunting manner you feel like you’ve fallen into an immersive suspension of 50’s country musical goodness.
All the people of country music, rejoice that despite all the woes about whatever is supposedly endangering the genre on a given day, in the hearts of gifted entertainers still lies such incredible passion and talent for this music, it has the ability to make the spine tingle, the heart swoon, and the mind spark with wonder and nostalgia like it did the first time you heard your first country song, and you knew it was the style of music that spoke to your soul most personally. Listening to Charlie Marie’s new self-titled EP is falling in love with country music all over again, reminding you why you got wrapped up in caring about this music in the first place, and finding yourself thankful for being alive in an era when an artist like this can still be discovered despite the oppressive media regime that disallows someone like Charlie Marie from being broadcast to the masses.
Rhode Island is an unlikely origination point for a country music singer who has perfected both the writing and performance of classic country music in such a masterful manner, it leaves you in almost disbelief. But this is the story of Charlie Marie, and she’s not trying to hide it or make excuses. Instead, she embraces her unique perspective, and uses it as an invaluable illustration of how the love of country music defies geographical borders, and can be harbored in the heart of anyone who understands how the music delivers so much more than simple entertainment.
Inspired by the music of Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn that her grandmother would play when she was growing up, Charlie Marie chose the burden of performing country music in a classic style. There’s no bandwagon for her to jump on here as a Rhode Islander. There’s no riches awaiting the end of this journey except for those rewarded from within. This music comes from a obvious and sincere passion that translates into the stunning results. Not completely unfamiliar with life in the South, Charlie Marie attended Belmont University in Nashville, and participated in some co-songwriting sessions while in the city, getting a serious dose of the culture and influences she had enjoyed from afar for many years before.
Following up another self-titled EP released in 2015 that is also worth laboring to hear, this new Rhinestones EP does in five songs what most country records fail to do in 10 or more, which is to connect with the audience on a deeply human level, and satiate all the expectations present in the dedicated country listener. The sound of Charlie Marie’s voice is like an audible translation of the emotions expressed by the pining heart, proven in the songs “Rhinestones” and “Shot in the Dark.” “Countryside” is her lesson into the foolhardy notion that country music is only for those in designated regions. And if “Rodeo” had been released in the time of Patsy Cline, it would be a classic of the country music canon known far and wide by now, and covered in countless in bars and honky tonks across the country.
The other stunning, almost daunting assessment to behold about Charlie Marie is there still exists room for improvement. Ten songs this potent might be too much for the country listener to take, but it’s something Marie must achieve for her music to be more widely considered by both listeners and critics. Small adjustments to cadence and writing, and perhaps an enhanced production suite would have made this album even more impressive, but with nothing taken from the effort as it is.
The old soul is rendered sated in the presence of Charlie Marie’s self-titled EP, with the only hope being that the future affords even more music from this brilliant, beautiful, gifted, and compelling classic country music performer.
Two Guns Up (9/10)
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Melissa W
May 3, 2019 @ 8:09 am
She was a recent discovery for me when someone on here name dropped her in the comments section. I haven’t had a lot of time to listen to her but plan on it! I definitely hear the Patsy & Tammy influence with her style but she still has her own identity not just a knock off. She has a fantastic voice AND is country.. just good ole’ country!! Thanks for the review Trigger.
Kross
May 3, 2019 @ 8:17 am
I like her Instagram account.
Piggy
May 5, 2019 @ 6:49 am
Don’t think @charlie_marie is her
Joseph Johnston
May 5, 2019 @ 7:31 am
Go to her website http://www.charliemariemusic.com, that will link you to all her videos, etc
Thanks, Joe Johnston, Joaquinproductions
Amanda
May 5, 2019 @ 8:57 am
@CharlieHorsie is her instagram account.
Lewis
May 3, 2019 @ 8:20 am
Well that’s shockingly good. Thanks for pointing to these artists who we’d never hear of otherwise.
Clark
May 3, 2019 @ 8:36 am
This is killer, the real deal. I’ve been excited about a lot of the reviews lately, but this is my favorite by far.
Also, Trig, I’m so happy to see so many reviews of new artists on SCM lately. I know you have to generate content to bring in the traffic, but reviews like this are the reason I read SCM everyday.
Trigger
May 3, 2019 @ 9:55 am
Highlighting new artists is always a priority. Whether there’s a bunch of new artists to highlight at any point is what changes. The crop of new names in 2019 has been really great, one of the best in years.
Stringbuzz
May 3, 2019 @ 1:42 pm
Dee White PLEASE?
TwangBob
May 6, 2019 @ 8:06 am
Yes! Dee…. what a great album!
Benny Lee
May 3, 2019 @ 9:05 am
Don’t usually bother with EPs, but will check this one out. Very promising.
JB-Chicago
May 3, 2019 @ 9:28 am
Another great discovery. She’s good, real good! Ya know what else I love? She’s out there playing shows, a whole summer full! Even if they’re just local that’s fine for now. Gettin out there and playin’ is what it’s about. Not just putting out an EP and sitting around waiting for the phone to ring or a break like many do. Total respect.
Trigger
May 3, 2019 @ 9:58 am
I hate to harp on this subject too much because it can be misunderstood, but it’s a very important point. Women definitely face a greater uphill battle in country music, but they’re also less inclined to hit the road than the men, which is where you can build your career from if you’re good. Nobody can count on radio or big opening spots on tours to open up for them. There are thousands of artists waiting on that. But if you hit the road and have something unique to share, you can build a sustainable career. Sitting in Nashville playing acoustic rounds and working on co-writes, waiting for your turn at superstardom via radio is wishful thinking.
Michelle
May 3, 2019 @ 9:40 am
I agree with your comment on the production.
Dave D.
May 3, 2019 @ 9:45 am
Good stuff, thanks for publicizing it. Sounds a little like Iris Dement.
Pierre Brunelle
May 3, 2019 @ 11:59 am
Wow!
This is going on my playlist from now on.
Many thanks!
Kate
May 3, 2019 @ 12:40 pm
Love this Charlie Marie EP! Thanks so much for your on-point support of this awesome artists. Wahoo!!!
Stringbuzz
May 3, 2019 @ 1:43 pm
You generally don’t do EPs. You’ve been pretty adamant about it.
Did you feel this was just so good needed to be?
Trigger
May 3, 2019 @ 2:36 pm
Generally speaking I hate EPs. But if it’s a new artist few have heard of before and the songs are really strong, it can still be effective. This EP qualified. Still, I think a full album may have been better to get the wider attention of the public. People tend to overlook EPs more than LPs. Hopefully that’s not the case with this one.
ShadeGrown
May 4, 2019 @ 10:10 am
Best EP I’ve ever heard is Southern Isolation. Depressing and atmospheric female vox. Not country but not a stretch for country fans to dig. Never was a full album as the project dissolved with her marriage…
Shastacatfish
May 5, 2019 @ 6:15 am
Jar of Flies is easily the EP I have heard. Brilliant all the way through and just long enough to really satisfy a listener.
Euro South
May 3, 2019 @ 3:30 pm
Trigger, Rhinestones is a single, the EP is self-titled.
Trigger
May 3, 2019 @ 4:00 pm
I am calling this the “Rhinestones” EP because she already has a 5-song self-titled EP. This is where we really get in the weeds when it comes to EPs, and post production stuff that can be confusing. I did add some clarification about this to the review.
Euro South
May 3, 2019 @ 4:50 pm
Maybe she could combine the two EPs into a self-titled LP to make it easier on us (or to make the confusion complete :)).
She sounds really wonderful on first listen btw, with a promise of only growing to sound more wonderful on subsequent listens. Much obliged, as always.
618creekrat
May 3, 2019 @ 7:58 pm
I bought both EP’s off Amazon and the Amazon music app downloaded them simultaneously into a 10 song album, so there you go.
Euro South
May 4, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Problem solved, I guess 😀
Kevin Smith
May 3, 2019 @ 3:33 pm
So , Dave here suggested Iris Dement as a similarity in voice. I agree wholeheartedly. And I’m gonna go obscure on you and name another voice she reminds me of, Lacy J Dalton. Like Lacy, Charlie has that little warble or tremelo in her voice as well as some down home twang. Of course Lacy came by it honest. I don’t imagine there’s legit twang in Rhode Island, I’ve been there once and they all talk very east coast. Still…this lady pulls it off.
Charlie is really something, tremendous find Trigman. Curious to see her live, that’s a good indicator of where she can likely go with this. I’m wowed.
Of course some of you are gonna go “too throwback” or “fake hipster”, whatever…I dig it.
Joseph Johnston
May 4, 2019 @ 7:02 am
Hi Kevin, My name is joe Johnston and I live in the same town in RI and have known Charlie Marie (Charlene) since she was 10 years old. We are best friends and along the way I used to manage her and do booking and sound (still do some bookings and sound) I would be happy to mail to you at no cost both of her EPs. if you can get me and address. you can reach me at joaquinproductions78@gmail.com Don’t know what part of the country you are from, but you can see where Charlie is playing out on her website, http://www.charliemariemusic.com Thanks, Joe
Jack Williams
May 4, 2019 @ 8:05 am
Countryside made me think of Zoe Muth.
Sana Mello
May 3, 2019 @ 4:38 pm
My kind of music, thank you!
tucker33585
May 3, 2019 @ 4:59 pm
I usually don’t care for female artists but she is great
Corncaster
May 3, 2019 @ 6:22 pm
Good, not stunning. Happy about it.
Bill Goodman
May 3, 2019 @ 7:17 pm
This is good. These are the articles I click on and check out. More of this and a hell lot less of the mainstream shit that we don’t care for please.
Dumas Walker
May 3, 2019 @ 7:49 pm
“Ten songs this potent might be too much for the country listener to take, ” I think I am up for the challenge. Good music.
Keeepin it Country
May 3, 2019 @ 8:57 pm
Holy shit. There’s few women country singers voices I like. Thanks Trigger
Joseph Johnston
May 4, 2019 @ 6:51 am
Hello, my name is Joe johnston and I am from the same town as Charlie Marie. Have known her since she was 10 years old. Still do sound and book her out on some shows. If you like her new CDS for free, I will mail them to you if you can get me an address, conatact me at joaquinproductions78@gmail.com She is and incredible friend and artist. Thanks
JerseyBoy
May 4, 2019 @ 4:37 am
Like her, has the same feel as zephaniah, I wonder who produced it and who played on it. Thanks for the spotlight Trig!
K. Robert
May 4, 2019 @ 6:43 am
Wow. This is the best new country I’ve heard since finding Colter Wall. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for bringing her to my attention!
Hey Arnold
May 4, 2019 @ 10:18 am
“If I was a Cowboy” by Stephanie Quayle is also worth a listen
Black Boots
May 4, 2019 @ 10:53 am
Wasn’t crazy about Rodeo, but Countryside hooked me in.
albert
May 4, 2019 @ 1:58 pm
interesting to me how the best stuff …the real stuff ……the honest stuff is always so readily identifiable as such …hearing it is almost ‘ matter-of-fact ‘ …it resonates immediately and naturally without even trying ( or so it seems )……..almost like a given that THIS is what we’re talking about …THIS artist gets it ……..
WHAT in God’s name is the big deal about that mainstream fakery ?
WHY can’t EVERYONE just ‘get it’ when an artist like Charlie Marie comes along ?
What’s wrong with the people who DON’T get that THIS is the real stuff ?
Just wonderfully refreshing to hear something so mature for listeners who can still think.
Corncaster
May 4, 2019 @ 4:23 pm
She sounds like a very young Lucinda Williams. Putting her on the “follow” list with Courtney Marie Andrews, Kristina Murray, Leah Blevins, and others.
Amanda
May 4, 2019 @ 6:42 pm
Whenever I hear Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt I have to double check that it’s not Charlie Marie. I am really excited for the future of country music seeing such positive reactions to a girl slaying country classic sounds. Long overdue. Great words, Trigger.
Joseph Johnston
May 5, 2019 @ 7:39 am
Charl actually used to sing Blue Bayou when she was younger at some of her shows. She always loved that song. Joe Johnston joaquinproductions78@gmail.com
Eric Luhman
May 5, 2019 @ 12:27 am
Trigger, I’m glad I found this site a handful of years ago! Always stop in about every other month and look back through recent posts. Around 2013 I got fed up with mainstream country music and almost entirely gave up listening to this genre even though it’s what I grew up listening to almost exclusively in the late 90’s and early/mid 2000’s. Moved on to rock music and while I’m glad I’ve expanded my musical enjoyment it’s always nice to come back to solid country music. I don’t always connect the same way I used to to country music. But I’m glad I have this site to come back to. To find the best of country music at present, whether it’s mainstream or not. Keep up the great work!
Trigger
May 5, 2019 @ 8:07 am
Thanks for reading Eric.
fakaza2018, Fakaza2019, Fakaza, Amapiano songs
May 5, 2019 @ 9:28 am
Moved on to rock music and while I’m glad I’ve expanded my musical enjoyment it’s always nice to come back to solid country music.
Suttree
May 6, 2019 @ 10:27 am
This song “Rodeo” is simply amazing. I pray the vulgarians never get a hold of her.
Stetsons and spotlights fade in the sun — almost Shaver-esque (Shaverean?)
Great find
Scott
May 30, 2019 @ 7:56 pm
Trigger, keep up the great work showcasing these artists I would otherwise never find. I love finding out about these artists from Sturgill (way back on some of your initial posts on him) to Cody, Jarrell and many more. And now Charlie Marie added to the list.
Matt
December 1, 2019 @ 1:38 am
This is an incredibly positive review, and justifiably so. I’m finally getting around to listening to it and I understand why you feel so strongly. It’s really a pleasure. I hear some similarity int he vocal to Iris Dement, whom I love. A little Judy Collins too.