Caught Between Friends and Lovers: Chase Rice and Hannah McFarland’s “Foolin'” is a Sparkling, Self-Aware Duet
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist Profiles
Chase Rice Chase Rice is a platinum-selling American country music artist who has carved out a dynamic career blending anthemic “bro-country” with later, more stripped-back, introspective acoustic storytelling. Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, Rice first gained public recognition as a runner-up on Survivor: Nicaragua before co-writing Florida Georgia Line’s diamond-certified hit, “Cruise.” While his earlier work featured high-energy, chart-topping hits like “Eyes on You,” his more recent independent albums, such as I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell and Go Down Singin’, showcase a pivot toward rugged, authentic lyricism influenced by classic country traditions and a focus on meaningful narrative.
Hannah McFarland Hannah McFarland is a rising star in the country music scene, known for her heartfelt melodies and insightful, traditional storytelling rooted in her Mobile, Alabama upbringing. McFarland honed her skills on the Nashville live circuit, leading to a major-label debut EP, Broken Hearts. Her sound is rooted in country, Americana, and alt-country, characterized by a soul-soothing vocal delivery that brings an emotional beauty to her narratives. She excels at connecting with listeners through vulnerable, relatable stories of love and heartbreak, making her a compelling new voice in the genre.
Deep Song Review: “Foolin'”
Chase Rice and Hannah McFarland’s collaborative single, “Foolin’,” is a delightful and highly relatable country duet that perfectly captures the awkward, charged tension of two friends who are clearly “more than friends” but refuse to admit it. Co-written by McFarland, Madison Kozak, and Rivers Rutherford, the song succeeds by focusing on a situation ripe with romantic tension and universal truth.
Musically, “Foolin'” embraces a clean, mid-tempo groove that bridges the gap between Rice’s recent traditional leanings and a polished, contemporary sound. The instrumentation is warm and subtle, featuring gentle acoustic guitar work and a laid-back rhythm section that creates an easy, inviting atmosphere. The production is excellent, giving both artists ample room to shine without feeling cluttered.
The core strength of the song lies in the lyrical exchange, where the two vocalists trade verses filled with self-deceptive statements. They deny the clear romantic undertones of their relationship—”Don’t wanna stay all night / Don’t wanna go home now / A couple drinks don’t mean / We’re gonna knock a bottle out”—yet the chorus playfully spills the secret: “We know what we’re doing / But who are we foolin’?” The genius of the track is how it makes the listener the knowing third party, smiling at the characters’ transparent attempts to maintain plausible deniability.
Rice and McFarland’s vocal chemistry is undeniable. Rice’s delivery is smoky and laid-back, maintaining a casual, slightly guarded masculine perspective, while McFarland’s voice provides a bright, soulful, and equally self-aware counterpoint. The blend of their voices in the harmonies elevates the track, making the central tension feel playful and authentic rather than frustrating. “Foolin'” stands out because it takes a common trope—the friends-to-lovers narrative—and infuses it with a modern, self-aware charm. It is a heartfelt, carefree, and instantly catchy single that highlights McFarland’s emerging talent for tenderhearted storytelling and complements Rice’s recent shift toward meaningful duets and compelling narratives.