Carter Faith writes country songs that feel like blurry Polaroids of heartbreak – faded at the edges, but still holding the colours of summer love, wrapped up in that kind of 2am loneliness where your mind starts filling in the blanks for you. With wistful yet quirky tracks like ‘Betty,’ ‘Grudge’ and ‘If I Had Never Lost My Mind’ helping her breakthrough debut album Cherry Valley resonate with fans, this rising southern star is quickly becoming one of country music’s most captivating storytellers. So, if you haven’t fallen down the Carter Faith rabbit hole yet, now is the time.
Inspired by her grandfather’s country music cassette tapes, the North Carolina native first turned to songwriting after heartbreak entered the chat at 16, Carter Faith now has country fans wondering who’s “in the back of a Chevy” at 2am. After later teaching herself piano and guitar, Carter has found her lane somewhere down a dusty backroad with the windows down, feelings hurt and ‘Joyride’ playing loud enough to convince herself she’s over it.
Cherry Valley Forever, a deluxe version dropping July 24, sees Carter return to the world of her breakthrough debut album, this time adding five brand new tracks to the already hit packed project. The original Cherry Valley release earned major praise from both fans and critics alike, even landing Carter on Rolling Stone’s list of the best debut country albums in recent memory.
Across the new tracks, Carter leans even further into the raw honesty that’s quickly become part of her signature sound. Personally, ‘Aint Over Me Yet’ already feels like an early standout from the additions, bringing that longing, late-night sadness infused with quirky lines like “all gussied up to get down, beat a dead horse into the ground,” while we can’t hit skip on fan favourite ‘Betty’, carrying a little of that classic Dolly Parton ‘Jolene’ style sass that country fans can’t help but love.
With country music feeling bigger than Texas right now, Carter Faiths’ mix of golden-hour-after-a-breakup vibes crossed with backroad cool-girl energy, creates a sound that feels uniquely her own. Honestly, these songs are perfect for late night drives; they’ll have you contemplating pulling over and texting someone you definitely shouldn’t.
To call Carter busy would probably be an understatement. Alongside the impending release of Cherry Valley Forever, she’s been sharing stages with some of the biggest names in music right now – including joining Kacey Musgraves for select dates on the Middle of Nowhere Tour before heading out on the road with Post Malone and Jelly Roll for the Big Ass Stadium Tour. Honestly, that is a stellar lineup most country artists would dream of landing.
Carter’s range as an artist is impossible to not get excited about. Just a month ago, she put her own spin on Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go to Vegas,” with the track selected as the official anthem for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. It’s the kind of full-circle country moment that feels perfectly aligned with Carter’s style, balancing classic country back-bar singer with a fresh delivery that fans are connecting with quickly.
With the trajectory Carter Faith is currently on, she’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With Cherry Valley Forever, huge touring opportunities and award show appearances all stacking up; this country comet’s rise is only getting brighter. She has also continued stepping outside the traditional country lane with her recent collab alongside Kygo,’ with their track, ‘That’s When You Know It’s Love’ released back in April. Blending Kygo’s bright, feel-good production with Carters smokey country vocals, the song feels made for windows down road trips and a full gingham-and-denim kind of love story. It’s also a perfect reminder of what makes Carter so exciting right now, a beautiful mix of dive-bar diva and future Grand Ole Opry star energy.
Between the pining, regret and hopeful heartbreak running through every track, it’s easy to see why country fans are connecting with Carter Faith so quickly. Somewhere between honky-tonk honey, Southern-state baddie and heartbreak soundtrack curator; Carter feels like an artist on the verge of a seriously exciting moment. And honestly? Cherry Valley Forever might just be the lil’ country cherry on top, safe to say, this Country Queen is riding shotgun for the joyride.
