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{{for-multi|the Marié Digby EP|Marié Digby discography|the Gloria Record album|the Gloria Record}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| Name = Start Here
| Type = Studio | name = Start Here
| Artist = ] | type = Studio
| artist = ]
| Cover = Maddie_&_Tae_-_Start_Here_album_cover.jpg
| Released = {{Start date|2015|8|28}} | cover = Start Here by Maddie & Tae.png
| Recorded = 2014–15 | alt =
| released = {{Start date|2015|8|28}}
| Genre = ]
| Label = {{flatlist| | recorded = 2014–15
| venue =
* ]
| studio = *] (Nashville, Tennessee)
* ]
*Love Shack (Nashville, Tennessee)
*Room With A View (Nashville, Tennessee)
*Sound Stage (Nashville, Tennessee)
*Starstruck (Nashville, Tennessee)
| genre = ]
| length = {{Duration|m=37|s=04}}
| label = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
}} }}
| producer = ] (all tracks)<br>Aaron Scherz (track 2)<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Start Here|others=Maddie & Tae|publisher=Dot Records|year=2015|type=booklet|id=B0023172-02}}</ref>
| Producer = {{flatlist|
| prev_title = ]
* ]
| prev_year = 2014
* Aaron Scherz
| next_title = One Heart to Another
}}
| next_year = 2019
| Last album = ''Maddie & Tae (EP)''<br/>(2014)
| misc = {{Singles
| This album = '''''Start Here'''''<br/>(2015)
| name = Start Here
| Next album =
| Misc = {{Singles | type = Studio
| Name = Start Here | single1 = ]
| single1date = July 15, 2014
| Type = Studio
| single 1 = ] | single2 = ]
| single2date = January 25, 2015
| single 1 date = {{start date|2014|7|15}}
| single 2 = ] | single3 = ]
| single3date = November 2, 2015
| single 2 date = {{start date|2015|1|25}}
| single4 = ]
| single4date = May 16, 2016<ref>{{cite web|title=Single Releases|url=http://www.musicrow.com/calendars-2/single-releases/|website=]|date=4 January 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>
}} }}
}} }}


'''''Start Here''''' is the debut ] by American country duo ]. It is set to be released on August 28, 2015 via ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bjorke|first1=Matt|title=Maddie & Tae "Start Here" Tracklist and Cover Art|url=http://roughstock.com/news/2015/06/35452-maddie-tae-start-tracklist-cover-art/|accessdate=June 3, 2015|work=Roughstock|date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> The album, produced by ], features eleven tracks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McDonnell|first1=Brandy|title=Maddie & Tae reveal cover and new Aug. 28 street date for full-length debut album 'Start Here'|url=http://newsok.com/maddie-tae-reveal-cover-and-new-aug.-28-street-date-for-full-length-debut-album-start-here/article/5424659|accessdate=June 3, 2015|work=]|date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> Its release was delayed so the duo could have more time to work on it.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hollabaugh|first1=Lorie|title=Maddie & Tae Move Release Date, Unveil Cover Art|url=http://www.musicrow.com/2015/06/maddie-tae-move-release-date-unveil-cover-art/|accessdate=June 3, 2015|work=]|date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> '''''Start Here''''' is the debut studio album by American ] duo ]. It was released on August 28, 2015 via ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bjorke|first1=Matt|title=Maddie & Tae "Start Here" Tracklist and Cover Art|url=http://roughstock.com/news/2015/06/35452-maddie-tae-start-tracklist-cover-art/|access-date=June 3, 2015|work=Roughstock|date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> The album, produced by ] and Aaron Scherz, features eleven tracks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McDonnell|first1=Brandy|title=Maddie & Tae reveal cover and new Aug. 28 street date for full-length debut album 'Start Here'|url=http://newsok.com/maddie-tae-reveal-cover-and-new-aug.-28-street-date-for-full-length-debut-album-start-here/article/5424659|access-date=June 3, 2015|work=]|date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> Its release was delayed so the duo could have more time to work on it.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hollabaugh|first1=Lorie|title=Maddie & Tae Move Release Date, Unveil Cover Art|url=http://www.musicrow.com/2015/06/maddie-tae-move-release-date-unveil-cover-art/|access-date=June 3, 2015|work=]|date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>


==Background== == Background ==
The album was originally scheduled to be released June 2, but Maddie & Tae pushed back the album’s release date to August 28, 2015. Marlow said “what we had was good, but we knew it could be so much better”, while Dye added “we wanted to get the feel — the sound of it — and the music right. You only make your first album once”.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1754986/maddie-taes-patience-pays-off/ |title=Maddie & Tae's Patience Pays Off |publisher=CMT |date= |accessdate=2015-08-13}}</ref> The album was originally scheduled to be released on June 2, 2015, but Maddie & Tae pushed back the album’s release date to August 28. Marlow said "what we had was good, but we knew it could be so much better", while Dye added "we wanted to get the feel — the sound of it — and the music right. You only make your first album once".<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1754986/maddie-taes-patience-pays-off/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605023615/http://www.cmt.com/news/1754986/maddie-taes-patience-pays-off/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 5, 2015 |title=Maddie & Tae's Patience Pays Off |publisher=CMT |date= |access-date=2015-08-13}}</ref>


==Content== ==Content==
Maddie & Tae stated: “we told our stories in this first album and that’s exactly what we plan to do for the albums to come, we want our fans to come along on this journey with us.”<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/maddie-and-tae-start-here-track-listing/ |title=Maddie & Tae Say 'Start Here' Is a Journey |publisher=Tasteofcountry.com |date= |accessdate=2015-08-13}}</ref> Maddie & Tae stated: "we told our stories in this first album and that’s exactly what we plan to do for the albums to come, we want our fans to come along on this journey with us."<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/maddie-and-tae-start-here-track-listing/ |title=Maddie & Tae Say 'Start Here' Is a Journey |publisher=Tasteofcountry.com |date= 4 June 2015|access-date=2015-08-13}}</ref>


==Album artwork== ==Album artwork==
The official album cover was shot by photographer ''Allister Ann'': “The thing about us that really defines Maddie and I is we’re not those girls who want to spend a lot of time getting our hair done,” Dye said. “We’d rather be out on a four-wheeler, playing guitar or just hanging out, having fun. That’s what the songs are made of. We thought the pictures should look like that, too”.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> The official album cover was shot by photographer Allister Ann: "The thing about us that really defines Maddie and I is we’re not those girls who want to spend a lot of time getting our hair done," Dye said. "We’d rather be out on a four-wheeler, playing guitar or just hanging out, having fun. That’s what the songs are made of. We thought the pictures should look like that, too".<ref name="autogenerated1"/>


==Singles== ==Singles==
Two singles have been released from the album, the chart-topper "]" and "]".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dukes|first1=Billy|title=Maddie & Tae, ‘Start Here’: Everything You Need to Know|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/maddie-and-tae-start-here/|accessdate=June 3, 2015|work=Taste of Country|date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> Four singles have been released from the album, the chart-topper "]", "]", "]" and "]".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dukes|first1=Billy|title=Maddie & Tae, 'Start Here': Everything You Need to Know|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/maddie-and-tae-start-here/|access-date=June 3, 2015|work=Taste of Country|date=May 18, 2015}}</ref>


==Critical reception== ==Critical reception==
{{Album ratings {{Music ratings
| MC = 87/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/start-here/maddie-tae]]|accessdate=August 27, 2015}}</ref> | MC = 80/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/start-here/maddie-tae/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for Start Here by Maddie & Tae|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=29 August 2015}}</ref>
| rev1 = '']'' | rev1Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="AllMusic">{{|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/start-here-mw0002840657|work=AllMusic|accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref> | rev1 = '']'' | rev1Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web|first=Stephen Thomas|last=Erlewine|title=Start Here – Maddie & Tae |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/start-here-mw0002840657|work=AllMusic|access-date=27 August 2015}}</ref>
| rev2 = '']'' | rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="billboard">{{cite web|last=Hight|first=Jewly|title=Maddie & Tae Boldly Fill Country’s Post-Taylor Void With ‘Start Here’: Album Review|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6671263/maddie-tae-start-here-album-review|work=Billboard|accessdate=24 August 2015}}</ref> | rev2 = '']'' | rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|last=Hight|first=Jewly|title=Maddie & Tae Boldly Fill Country's Post-Taylor Void With 'Start Here': Album Review|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6671263/maddie-tae-start-here-album-review|magazine=Billboard|access-date=24 August 2015}}</ref>
| rev3 = '']'' | rev3Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="billboard">{{cite web|last=Papadatos|first=Markos|title=Review: Maddie & Tae superb on breakthrough country album 'Start Here|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/a-and-e/music/review-maddie-tae-superb-on-breakthrough-country-album-start-here/article/442141|work=Digital Journal|accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref> | rev3 = ''Digital Journal'' | rev3Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="Digital Journal">{{cite web|last=Papadatos|first=Markos|title=Review: Maddie & Tae superb on breakthrough country album 'Start Here|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/a-and-e/music/review-maddie-tae-superb-on-breakthrough-country-album-start-here/article/442141|work=Digital Journal|date=26 August 2015 |access-date=27 August 2015}}</ref>
| rev4 = '']'' | rev4Score = 7/10<ref name="spin">{{cite web|last=Bernstein|first=Jonathan|title=Review: Maddie & Tae Tell the Bros to Shut Up and Fish on ‘Start Here’|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/08/review-maddie-tae-start-here/|work=Spin|publisher=SpinMedia|accessdate=20 August 2015}}</ref> | rev4 = '']'' | rev4Score = 8/10<ref name="Exclaim!">{{cite web|last=Henderson|first=Stuart|title=Maddie and Tae - Start Here |url=http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/maddie_tae-start_here|work=Exclaim!|access-date=27 August 2015}}</ref>
| rev5 = '']'' | rev5Score = B+<ref name="Newsday">{{cite web|last=Glenn|first=Gamboa|title='Start Here' review: Maddie & Tae's debut album |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/start-here-review-maddie-tae-s-debut-album-1.10776897|work=Newsday|date=26 August 2015 |access-date=29 August 2015}}</ref>
| rev6 = '']'' | rev6Score = {{Rating|7|10}}<ref name="PopMatters">{{cite web|last=Heaton|first=Dave|title=Maddie & Tae: Start Here |url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/maddie-tae-start-here/|work=PopMatters|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>
| rev7 = '']'' | rev7Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine|last=Dolan|first=Jon|title=Start Here |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/maddie-tae-start-here-20150828|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=28 August 2015}}</ref>
| rev8 = '']'' | rev8Score = 7/10<ref name="Spin">{{cite web|last=Bernstein|first=Jonathan|title=Review: Maddie & Tae Tell the Bros to Shut Up and Fish on 'Start Here'|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/08/review-maddie-tae-start-here/|work=Spin|publisher=SpinMedia|access-date=20 August 2015}}</ref>
}} }}

''Start Here'' received general acclaim from music critics, scoring an 80 out of 100 on the review aggregate website ], based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". ] at ] bestowed a four and a half stars out of five rating upon the album writing: " In another's hands, such scheming could seem crass or nasty but placed in the context of Start Here, where it's surrounded by both sweetness and swagger, it simply adds another dimension to an album that embodies all the complex contradictions and unfettered optimism of modern country-pop in 2015."<ref name="AllMusic"/> '']''{{'}}s ] conferring a three and a half star rating out of five on the album saying: "Even when the sentiments are more traditional, though, Maddie & Tae sound tough-minded and stout-hearted."<ref name="Rolling Stone"/>

Bequeathing a four star rating out of five upon the album at '']'', Jewly Hight describing: "Just as the Chicks burnished a blend of modern bluegrass, singer-songwriter-style narration and adult contemporary pop sophistication a generation ago, Maddie & Tae are hyper-focused on shaping their own chipper, closer-harmonizing, string band-based aesthetic, though vocally, they're not yet the evocative storytellers they could be. And much as the Chicks have been known to embody a bold brand of femininity, the younger act strikes a posture of winsome self-assurance across these 11 tracks."<ref name="Billboard"/> '']''{{'}}s Jonathan Bernstein granted the album a seven out of ten stating: "''Start Here'' does a great job of cataloging the highs and lows of early milestones: first kisses, first breakups, leaving home for the first time."<ref name="Spin"/>

Presenting a seven out of ten stars rating for ], Dave Heaton commenting: "There's a foundation here for greatness: on ''Start Here'' they seem to be aiming less for a towering achievement than for that sort of solid foundation upon which to build a career. The album is essentially packed-full of pleasantly put-together hooks, enjoyable melodic settings and observant if easy-to-slip-past-you lyrics."<ref name="PopMatters"/> Judging the album an eight out of ten release, Stuart Henderson of '']'' suggesting: "Unlike those of many of their contemporaries, this album isn't offering much faux hard-won wisdom, and there's no late-night barstool proselytizing to speak of. Instead, ''Start Here'' channels the naïve wonder, genuine openness, and hopeful abandon of post-adolescence."<ref name="Exclaim!"/>

Glenn Gamboa assessing the album a B+ at '']'' calling: "The duo's debut "Start Here" (Big Machine) does not have anything to match their smart and savvy single that lampoons the objectification of women in country hits while using the same trappings of a bro-country hit."<ref name="Newsday"/> Digital Journal's Markos Papadatos rewarding the album with a four and a half out of five stars commenting: "Overall, Maddie & Tae deliver on their newest studio album ''Start Here''. Many of the songs on this release are compelling and relatable. It is great to hear female artists again on the country radio airwaves."

==Commercial performance==
''Start Here'' debuted at No. 7 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart, with 24,000 copies sold in its debut week.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6692394/luke-bryan-no-1-on-top-country-albums-maddie-tae-no-2-dustin |title=Luke Bryan No. 1 on Top Country Albums, Maddie & Tae No. 2; Dustin Lynch Leads Country Airplay|author= Jim Asker |date= September 9, 2015 |magazine=Billboard }}</ref> The album has sold 103,800 copies in the US as of July 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://roughstock.com/news/2016/07/40574-country-albums-sales-chart-july-12-2016 |title=Country Albums Sales Chart: July 12, 2016 |first= Matt |last=Bjorke |date= July 12, 2016 |work=Roughstock }}</ref>


==Track listing== ==Track listing==
{{track listing
{{tracklist
| collapsed =
| headline = | headline =
| all_writing = Taylor Dye and Madison Marlow, with additional co-writers as noted
| writing_credits = yes
| title1 = Waitin' on a Plane | title1 = Waitin' on a Plane
| writer1 = {{flatlist| | writer1 = {{flatlist|
* Taylor Dye
* Madison Marlow
* Danny Myrick * Danny Myrick
}} }}
Line 65: Line 88:
| title2 = ] | title2 = ]
| writer2 = {{flatlist| | writer2 = {{flatlist|
* Dye
* Marlow
* Aaron Scherz * Aaron Scherz
}} }}
Line 72: Line 93:
| title3 = Smoke | title3 = Smoke
| writer3 = {{flatlist| | writer3 = {{flatlist|
* Dye
* Marlow
* Scherz * Scherz
* Brad Tursi * Brad Tursi
}} }}
| length3 = 3:03 | length3 = 3:03
| title4 = Shut Up and Fish | title4 = ]
| writer4 = {{flatlist| | writer4 = {{flatlist|
* Dye
* Marlow
* Scherz * Scherz
* Pete Sallis * Pete Sallis
Line 88: Line 105:
| title5 = ] | title5 = ]
| writer5 = {{flatlist| | writer5 = {{flatlist|
* Dye
* Marlow
* Tiffany Vartanyan * Tiffany Vartanyan
}} }}
| length5 = 3:38 | length5 = 3:38
| title6 = Sierra | title6 = ]
| writer6 = {{flatlist| | writer6 = {{flatlist|
* Dye
* Marlow
* Scherz * Scherz
}} }}
Line 102: Line 115:
| title7 = Your Side of Town | title7 = Your Side of Town
| writer7 = {{flatlist| | writer7 = {{flatlist|
* Blair Daly
* Dye
* ]
* Marlow
* ]
* Heather Morgan
}} }}
| length7 = 3:03 | length7 = 3:03
| title8 = Right Here, Right Now | title8 = Right Here, Right Now
| writer8 = {{flatlist| | writer8 = {{flatlist|
* ]
* Dye
* Marlow
* Matthew McGinn
}} }}
| length8 = 3:39 | length8 = 3:39
| title9 = No Place Like You | title9 = No Place Like You
| writer9 = {{flatlist| | writer9 = {{flatlist|
* ]
* Dye
* Marlow
* Jon Nite
* ] * ]
}} }}
| length9 = 3:20 | length9 = 3:19
| title10 = After the Storm Blows Through | title10 = After the Storm Blows Through
| writer10 = {{flatlist| | writer10 = {{flatlist|
* Dye
* Marlow
* Scherz * Scherz
* ] * ]
Line 133: Line 138:
| title11 = Downside of Growing Up | title11 = Downside of Growing Up
| writer11 = {{flatlist| | writer11 = {{flatlist|
* ]
* Dye
* Marlow
* Benjamin Anderson
* ] * ]
}} }}
Line 142: Line 145:
}} }}
{{Track listing {{Track listing
| total_length = 44:16
| writing_credits = no
| headline = {{nowrap|] Exclusive Deluxe Edition (bonus tracks)}}<ref>{{cite web|author=Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive |url=http://www.target.com/p/maddie-tae-start-here-target-exclusive/ |title=Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive |publisher=Target |date=2015-08-23 |access-date=2015-08-23}}</ref>
| extra_column =
| collapsed = yes | title12 = After the Storm Blows Through
| note12 = acoustic version
| total_length =
| writer12 = {{flatlist|
| headline = ''Start Here'' - ] Exclusive Deluxe Edition (bonus tracks)<ref>{{cite web|author=Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive |url=http://www.target.com/p/maddie-tae-start-here-target-exclusive/ |title=Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive |publisher=Target |date=2015-08-23 |accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref>
* Scherz

* Willmon
| title12 = After the Storm Blows Through (Acoustic Version)
}}
| writer12 =
| extra12 = | length12 = 3:50
| title13 = Downside of Growing Up
| length12 =
| note13 = acoustic version
| title13 = Downside of Growing Up (Acoustic Version)
| writer13 = | writer13 = {{flatlist|
* Anderson
| extra13 =
* Rogers
| length13 =
}}
| length13 = 3:22
}} }}


==References== ==Personnel==
;Maddie and Tae
* Maddie Marlow &ndash; lead vocals
* Taylor Dye &ndash; background vocals

;Additional Musicians
* Jason Bonilla &ndash; ]
* Joeie Canaday &ndash; ]
* Dorian Crozier &ndash; ]
* ] &ndash; ]
* ] &ndash; ], ]
* ] &ndash; ]
* ] &ndash; drums
* ] &ndash; steel guitar, steel guitar solo on "Waitin' on a Plane"
* ] &ndash; ], ], ], ]
* David Huff &ndash; percussion, programming
* Charlie Judge &ndash; ]
* Jerry McPherson &ndash; electric guitar
* Mike Rojas &ndash; keyboards
* Aaron Scherz &ndash; acoustic guitar, electric guitar
* ] &ndash; bass guitar
* ] &ndash; banjo, acoustic guitar, ]
* Derek Wells &ndash; electric guitar
* ] &ndash; fiddle

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2015)
! scope="col"| Peak<br /> position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|49|artist=Maddie & Tae|album=Start Here|rowheader=true|accessdate=September 5, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|12|artist=Maddie & Tae|album=Start Here|rowheader=true|accessdate=September 9, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|UKCountry|3|artist=Maddie&Tae|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|7|artist=Maddie & Tae|album=Start Here|rowheader=true|accessdate=September 9, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCountry|2|artist=Maddie & Tae|album=Start Here|rowheader=true|accessdate=September 9, 2015}}
|-
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2015)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US Top Country Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-country-albums|title=Top Country Albums – Year-End 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 25, 2020}}</ref>
| 51
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2016)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US Top Country Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/top-country-albums|title=Top Country Albums – Year-End 2016|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 25, 2020}}</ref>
| 53
|}
{{col-end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


] {{Maddie & Tae}}
{{Authority control}}

] ]
]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 18:12, 2 December 2024

For the Marié Digby EP, see Marié Digby discography. For the Gloria Record album, see the Gloria Record. 2015 studio album by Maddie & Tae
Start Here
Studio album by Maddie & Tae
ReleasedAugust 28, 2015 (2015-08-28)
Recorded2014–15
Studio
  • Blackbird (Nashville, Tennessee)
  • Love Shack (Nashville, Tennessee)
  • Room With A View (Nashville, Tennessee)
  • Sound Stage (Nashville, Tennessee)
  • Starstruck (Nashville, Tennessee)
GenreCountry
Length37:04
Label
ProducerDann Huff (all tracks)
Aaron Scherz (track 2)
Maddie & Tae chronology
Maddie & Tae
(2014) 		Start Here
(2015) 		One Heart to Another
(2019)
Singles from Start Here
  1. "Girl in a Country Song"
    Released: July 15, 2014
  2. "Fly"
    Released: January 25, 2015
  3. "Shut Up and Fish"
    Released: November 2, 2015
  4. "Sierra"
    Released: May 16, 2016

Start Here is the debut studio album by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. It was released on August 28, 2015 via Dot Records and Republic Nashville. The album, produced by Dann Huff and Aaron Scherz, features eleven tracks. Its release was delayed so the duo could have more time to work on it.

Background

The album was originally scheduled to be released on June 2, 2015, but Maddie & Tae pushed back the album’s release date to August 28. Marlow said "what we had was good, but we knew it could be so much better", while Dye added "we wanted to get the feel — the sound of it — and the music right. You only make your first album once".

Content

Maddie & Tae stated: "we told our stories in this first album and that’s exactly what we plan to do for the albums to come, we want our fans to come along on this journey with us."

Album artwork

The official album cover was shot by photographer Allister Ann: "The thing about us that really defines Maddie and I is we’re not those girls who want to spend a lot of time getting our hair done," Dye said. "We’d rather be out on a four-wheeler, playing guitar or just hanging out, having fun. That’s what the songs are made of. We thought the pictures should look like that, too".

Singles

Four singles have been released from the album, the chart-topper "Girl in a Country Song", "Fly", "Shut Up and Fish" and "Sierra".

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic80/100
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Billboard
Digital Journal
Exclaim!8/10
NewsdayB+
PopMatters
Rolling Stone
Spin7/10

Start Here received general acclaim from music critics, scoring an 80 out of 100 on the review aggregate website Metacritic, based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Stephen Thomas Erlewine at AllMusic bestowed a four and a half stars out of five rating upon the album writing: " In another's hands, such scheming could seem crass or nasty but placed in the context of Start Here, where it's surrounded by both sweetness and swagger, it simply adds another dimension to an album that embodies all the complex contradictions and unfettered optimism of modern country-pop in 2015." Rolling Stone's Jon Dolan conferring a three and a half star rating out of five on the album saying: "Even when the sentiments are more traditional, though, Maddie & Tae sound tough-minded and stout-hearted."

Bequeathing a four star rating out of five upon the album at Billboard, Jewly Hight describing: "Just as the Chicks burnished a blend of modern bluegrass, singer-songwriter-style narration and adult contemporary pop sophistication a generation ago, Maddie & Tae are hyper-focused on shaping their own chipper, closer-harmonizing, string band-based aesthetic, though vocally, they're not yet the evocative storytellers they could be. And much as the Chicks have been known to embody a bold brand of femininity, the younger act strikes a posture of winsome self-assurance across these 11 tracks." Spin's Jonathan Bernstein granted the album a seven out of ten stating: "Start Here does a great job of cataloging the highs and lows of early milestones: first kisses, first breakups, leaving home for the first time."

Presenting a seven out of ten stars rating for PopMatters, Dave Heaton commenting: "There's a foundation here for greatness: on Start Here they seem to be aiming less for a towering achievement than for that sort of solid foundation upon which to build a career. The album is essentially packed-full of pleasantly put-together hooks, enjoyable melodic settings and observant if easy-to-slip-past-you lyrics." Judging the album an eight out of ten release, Stuart Henderson of Exclaim! suggesting: "Unlike those of many of their contemporaries, this album isn't offering much faux hard-won wisdom, and there's no late-night barstool proselytizing to speak of. Instead, Start Here channels the naïve wonder, genuine openness, and hopeful abandon of post-adolescence."

Glenn Gamboa assessing the album a B+ at Newsday calling: "The duo's debut "Start Here" (Big Machine) does not have anything to match their smart and savvy single that lampoons the objectification of women in country hits while using the same trappings of a bro-country hit." Digital Journal's Markos Papadatos rewarding the album with a four and a half out of five stars commenting: "Overall, Maddie & Tae deliver on their newest studio album Start Here. Many of the songs on this release are compelling and relatable. It is great to hear female artists again on the country radio airwaves."

Commercial performance

Start Here debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, and No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart, with 24,000 copies sold in its debut week. The album has sold 103,800 copies in the US as of July 2016.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Taylor Dye and Madison Marlow, with additional co-writers as noted

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Waitin' on a Plane"
  • Danny Myrick
3:25
2."Girl in a Country Song"
  • Aaron Scherz
3:38
3."Smoke"
  • Scherz
  • Brad Tursi
3:03
4."Shut Up and Fish"
  • Scherz
  • Pete Sallis
3:19
5."Fly"
  • Tiffany Vartanyan
3:38
6."Sierra"
  • Scherz
2:46
7."Your Side of Town" 3:03
8."Right Here, Right Now" 3:39
9."No Place Like You" 3:19
10."After the Storm Blows Through" 3:43
11."Downside of Growing Up" 3:30
Total length:37:04
Target Exclusive Deluxe Edition (bonus tracks)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
12."After the Storm Blows Through" (acoustic version)
  • Scherz
  • Willmon
3:50
13."Downside of Growing Up" (acoustic version)
  • Anderson
  • Rogers
3:22
Total length:44:16

Personnel

Maddie and Tae
  • Maddie Marlow – lead vocals
  • Taylor Dye – background vocals
Additional Musicians

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2015) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA) 49
Canadian Albums (Billboard) 12
UK Country Albums (OCC) 3
US Billboard 200 7
US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 2

Year-end charts

Chart (2015) Position
US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 51
Chart (2016) Position
US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 53

References

  1. Start Here (booklet). Maddie & Tae. Dot Records. 2015. B0023172-02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. "Single Releases". MusicRow. 4 January 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  3. Bjorke, Matt (June 2, 2015). "Maddie & Tae "Start Here" Tracklist and Cover Art". Roughstock. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  4. McDonnell, Brandy (June 2, 2015). "Maddie & Tae reveal cover and new Aug. 28 street date for full-length debut album 'Start Here'". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  5. Hollabaugh, Lorie (June 2, 2015). "Maddie & Tae Move Release Date, Unveil Cover Art". MusicRow. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  6. ^ "Maddie & Tae's Patience Pays Off". CMT. Archived from the original on June 5, 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-13.
  7. "Maddie & Tae Say 'Start Here' Is a Journey". Tasteofcountry.com. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-13.
  8. Dukes, Billy (May 18, 2015). "Maddie & Tae, 'Start Here': Everything You Need to Know". Taste of Country. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  9. "Critic Reviews for Start Here by Maddie & Tae". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  10. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Start Here – Maddie & Tae". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  11. ^ Hight, Jewly. "Maddie & Tae Boldly Fill Country's Post-Taylor Void With 'Start Here': Album Review". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  12. Papadatos, Markos (26 August 2015). "Review: Maddie & Tae superb on breakthrough country album 'Start Here". Digital Journal. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  13. ^ Henderson, Stuart. "Maddie and Tae - Start Here". Exclaim!. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  14. ^ Glenn, Gamboa (26 August 2015). "'Start Here' review: Maddie & Tae's debut album". Newsday. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  15. ^ Heaton, Dave. "Maddie & Tae: Start Here". PopMatters. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  16. ^ Dolan, Jon. "Start Here". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  17. ^ Bernstein, Jonathan. "Review: Maddie & Tae Tell the Bros to Shut Up and Fish on 'Start Here'". Spin. SpinMedia. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  18. Jim Asker (September 9, 2015). "Luke Bryan No. 1 on Top Country Albums, Maddie & Tae No. 2; Dustin Lynch Leads Country Airplay". Billboard.
  19. Bjorke, Matt (July 12, 2016). "Country Albums Sales Chart: July 12, 2016". Roughstock.
  20. Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive (2015-08-23). "Maddie & Tae - Start Here - Target Exclusive". Target. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
  21. "Australiancharts.com – Maddie & Tae – Start Here". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  22. "Maddie & Tae Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  23. "Official Country Artists Albums Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company.
  24. "Maddie & Tae Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  25. "Maddie & Tae Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  26. "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2015". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  27. "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
Maddie & Tae
  • Maddie Marlow
  • Tae Dye
Studio albums
EPs
Songs
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