On Friday (May 25), country-pop singer-songwriter Lena Stone released her debut self-titled EP.
Lena has already made a name for herself as a songwriter, spending several years as a staff writer at Song Factory Publishing whilst also being at the heart of the Song Suffragettes showcase and movement in Nashville. The weekly songwriters night showcases the brightest women in county music, and as a co-anchor of the show for over two years, Lena has been able to build a loyal fan base whilst also honing her incredible songwriting and performing skills.
Additionally, Lena has also shared her songwriting skills with others, penning tracks for her fellow rising country ladies such as Kalie Shorr and Kasey Tyndall. However, now’s the time for Lena to shine in her own right thanks to her sensational debut five-track EP.
Lena Stone opens with the breezy ‘Tragic’. Armed with a summery country-pop beat and a driving chorus, the track is anything but tragic, despite its title. Instead, it is a fun love song which sees Lena hoping to get the attention of someone who’s caught her eye. The song is destined to be the soundtrack to any budding romance, and we definitely find ourselves rooting for Lena throughout.
‘Nervous’ is next up, and whether intentional or not, it’s a perfect follow up to ‘Tragic’. At this point, it seems that Lena has snapped up the one who caught her eye, and they are currently in the early stages of their relationship, with the songstress delivering her very best flirtations to play a little with her partner. ‘Nervous’ is a sweet offering which will resonate with anyone who remembers the first stages being in love.
‘Hey There Hollywood’ is an anthemic offering which emphasises the importance of staying grounded and faithful to yourself when you’re living in the big city. “Aren’t you tired of putting on a show? This isn’t how the story’s supposed to go. Hey there Hollywood, you’re trying too hard but it looks so good, slow down movie star, those big bright lights aren’t who you are”, Lena croons over a captivating melody.
The penultimate track is ‘Running Out of Red Lights’, the most brooding offering on the EP. Whilst each song allows Lena to show off her talent both vocally and lyrically, ‘Running Out of Red Lights’ is the one which stands out the most. The driving metaphor is very clever and highlights Lena’s exciting writing ability. Furthermore, the track is armed with a powerful instrumental and captures Lena’s emotion perfectly.
The EP comes to a close with ‘Can’t Think Straight’, which feels like the final part of the ‘Tragic’/’Nervous’ love story. Lena sings about a relationship which has come to an end however, she reminisces over the good times including passionate encounters in the back seat of a car. She questions if her ex still thinks of her in the early hours when they can’t sleep or can’t think straight. The track is an authentic country-pop song which is relatable and will strike a chord with many.
Lena Stone is a carefully crafted body of work which, teamed with a captivating instrumentation, shines a light on Lena’s exquisite songwriting ability and vocal prowess. From the flirtatious ‘Nervous’ to the powerful ‘Running Out of Red Lights’, Lena proves that she is a force to be reckoned with and cements her status in the country-pop genre.
Take a listen to Lena Stone below.
This debut EP is only the beginning for Lena and we can’t wait to follow her journey as she continues to rise as country-pop’s newest star.
Lena Stone’s self-titled EP is out now.