Tenille Arts’ latest album, “To Be Honest”, is a deeply personal and emotional journey, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her unwavering spirit of self-reliance. The album begins with a quiet confidence that defines much of its mood, most notably on tracks like “Next Best Thing.” Here, Arts calmly delivers the line: “You already had the best, so I wish you the next best thing,” showing a graceful, yet powerful acknowledgment that it’s his loss, not hers. This sentiment of strength and independence pulses through the entire album, making it a cohesive meditation on love, heartbreak, and personal growth.
There’s a lot of emotion in these songs, underscored by a sadness that’s palpable but never overpowering. For instance, “So Do I” carries a heaviness, as if the weight of the world is being held by Arts herself, yet there’s still a warm, hopeful undercurrent. It feels like a summer breeze—light, comforting, but with undeniable depth.
Her ability to make these emotions feel universal is helped by her polished songwriting. The production is smooth and polished, but like “Wonder Woman,” the craftsmanship sneaks up on you. The songs are meticulously arranged, but it never feels overdone. “Dying To Be Pretty,” for example, tackles the pressure of body image in the age of social media with a level of nuance and vulnerability that makes it one of the most striking tracks on the album.
The album isn’t all introspection, though. Arts knows how to deliver catchy choruses, and “Something I Can Cry To” is a perfect example of her knack for balancing emotional depth with singalong hooks. Meanwhile, the sparse “How Do You Sleep” feels like you’re delving straight into a broken heart, its simplicity allowing the raw emotion to shine.
One of the album’s most interesting dynamics is its genre-blending moments. “People Change” explores the pop side of country, with its radio-friendly sheen, while “Want Her Back” surprises with a nod to the Traveling Wilburys through its guitar work. The themes of friendship and loss resonate here, especially for anyone who’s ever lost a friend to a new relationship. “Call Me When You Get Home Friends” offers a lighthearted counterbalance, capturing the fun and easygoing nature of true companionship.
There are several emotional high points too. “Mama’s Eyes” is bound to hit close to home for many, while “Summer Don’t Go” evokes that bittersweet feeling of time slipping away—a common thread that runs through much of the album. Arts also brings in some impressive collaborators. LeeAnn Rimes’ harmonies on “Jealous Of Myself” add a haunting quality, as if Arts is battling imposter syndrome, though it’s clear from her confidence that she’s anything but. Maddie and Tae lend their voices to “Last Time Last,” and together with some stunning lead guitar, they help make the song a standout.
Ultimately, “To Be Honest” is a testament to Tenille Arts’ growth as both a songwriter and a performer.While there is a vulnerability at its core, the album is steeped in self-assurance and emotional clarity. Whether through heart-wrenching ballads or reflective meditations on love, Arts proves she’s the real deal.
Rating: 8/10
ONES WE MISSED: TENILLE ARTS – TO BE HONEST (2024)
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