It’s tempting, as an Englishman, to assume that every single person in Nashville is a star—but Music City native Chase Matthew is going to be.
His debut album, Chase, delivers exactly what country fans crave—heartache, storytelling, and an undeniable sense of authenticity.
From the start, it’s clear that Matthew—who co-writes or writes nine of the tracks here—isn’t reinventing the wheel, but he doesn’t need to. He executes the classic country formula with undeniable charm and a voice that perfectly balances grit and vulnerability.
“She Drives My Truck” kicks things off with what might be the most country song ever. A twang-filled anthem, it’s got all the staples—trucks, heartbreak, and a bluesy swing that makes it irresistible. “Missing Me Missing You” follows, proving that Matthew can handle a love song, but with an edge of tough realism.
The standout ballad “Heart Half Empty” takes a different approach, delivering a whiskey-soaked duet in the modern tradition—exquisitely performed. “No Name Roads” is another highlight, a track where he tries to drive away from his past but fails—miserably.
As country-pop goes, Matthew is as good as it gets. “I Don’t Wanna Know” is a guaranteed hit, while the slower “Fire In Her Eyes” showcases his smooth, emotive vocals. The album takes a deeply emotional turn with “Driving Through My Hometown,” a track brimming with nostalgia, and the tear-jerker “If I Had Wings” doubles down on that raw sentiment. But just when things get too heavy, “You Turn” and “Waiting On You To Call” bring the listener back to familiar country terrain.
Of course, this kind of record has been made before—but so what? If you can resist the pull of “Backroads Of My Mind,” this album simply isn’t for you. And if “Sunday Clothes” doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, well, you might just have a heart of stone.
In the end, Chase is a record about heartbreak, nostalgia, and life on the backroads. And with “No Way Around It,” Matthew signs off in true country fashion—dotting the i’s on another timeless tale of love and loss.
Look, he’s already counting his streams in the billions, and he’s Music Row’s One to Watch, so Chase Matthew is going to be huge. His debut is pitched just right. He won’t need to chase stardom—it will come.
Rating: 8/10
REVIEW: CHASE MATTHEW – CHASE (2025)
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