Root 49 Records has officially unveiled That’s Love Y’all, the second single from the forthcoming debut CD by country music’s Bridgette Tatum.
Now available for download via iTunes, Amazon.com and other digital retailers, the track was released April 5, 2010, as the follow-up to the brunet artist’s no-holds-barred freshman solo single, (I Like My) Cowboys Dirty, which was a fan favorite among the rodeo set, thanks to its fall 2009 video premiere via the National Finals Rodeo Web site.
From Hit-Country Songwriter to Solo-Country Singer
Dubbed as being among the “Ones to Watch: The Class of 2010” by Country Weekly magazine, Tatum is not a newcomer to the country charts, having co-penned Jason Aldean’s 2009 smash, She’s Country, which was named the “Most Played Country Song of 2009,” according to the industry’s MediaBase charts.
As a recording artist, however, Tatum is a fresh face, with a unique voice to match, and her latest single finds the tomboy-all-the-way performer exploring a more vulnerable side that’s full of real emotion. Tatum penned That’s Love Ya’ll with her frequent co-writer, Kirsti Manna, and it puts the Nashville-based artist’s often-sultry vocals front and center.
New Song Strikes Relatable Chord Among Country Fans
Discussing the song’s impetus, Tatum, in an April 2010 e-mail correspondence, said, “Well to be honest, I got engaged—felt euphoric, got married—wondered what the heck I did, and got divorced—(and felt) relieved, all in one year. This song was born out of that euphoric feeling I spoke of earlier.”
In writing the blues-tinged song, Tatum continued, “I reflected over the years in my life and over past relationships, wondering how I ever got to the point of marriage. … Sometimes people have to move on and grow, but the song will always be special to me and I hope it provides encouragement for all the ‘love mustangs.’ Love will find you. It can run faster.”
Bridgette Tatum's New Country Album Set for 2010 Release
Granted, while Tatum’s marital union didn’t last long, its memory has endured via the contemplative That’s Love Y’all track, which is part of the throaty singer-songwriter’s soon-to-be released Sex. Church & Chicken CD, an 11-song album that was the first country record to be recorded at the Las Vegas-based The Studio at The Palms, with Danny Myrick leading its production.
As for the critics, they’ve likened the South Carolinian's vocal stylings to that of Bonnie Raitt and Shania Twain, and even dubbed her country’s answer to Pat Benatar. Like redneck-diva Gretchen Wilson, Tatum is relatable to most within the country-music masses; plus, she’s got guitar-slingin’ girl power that translates well among both the genre’s male and female listeners.
Hit-Country Artist Makes Music for the Honky-tonk Heart
Musically, Tatum’s original sound is long on grit, gumption and guitars, and on That’s Love Y’all, she graciously gives fans a glimpse of her softer side, trembling vibrato included, with all its raw emotion. It’s a much-welcomed dose of sensitivity from the honky-tonk hipster, ready to be enjoyed.
Still, don’t get too used to her honey-laden, groove-infused approach, just indulge while you can. After all, Tatum’s hit-making history, if nothing else, demonstrates that the hard-driving artist’s usually in full-tilt mode, churning out attitude-infused country that’s custom-made for sawdust-on-the-floor, beer-drinkin’ Saturday nights.
Lisa L. Rollins - Texas native Lisa L. Rollins, Ph.D., is an award-winning feature writer, interviewer and journalism educator.
Join the Conversation