From Teenage Rebellion to Relatable Anthem: Devon Cole’s “Sorry Mom” is a Hug in Musical Form
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Devon Cole, the Canadian songstress who has become synonymous with empowering and often hilarious takes on modern life, has once again struck a chord with her latest single, “Sorry Mom,” released via Arista Records. Far from a solemn apology, this track is a warm, witty, and utterly relatable embrace of our past selves and the unwavering love that helped us through. It’s a testament to Cole’s unique ability to blend self-reflection with a lighthearted touch, making even the most universal growing pains feel like a shared, chuckle-worthy experience.
“Sorry Mom” is, at its heart, a heartfelt mea culpa to the matriarchs who weathered the storms of our teenage years. It’s a playful nod to those questionable fashion choices, defiant declarations, and general youthful exuberance that, in hindsight, might have caused a few grey hairs. But crucially, it’s also a profound thank you for the unconditional love that never faltered, even when we were, as Cole puts it, “an absolute teenaged diva.”
Devon’s own words perfectly encapsulate the song’s spirit: “’Sorry Mom’ is a cheeky confession and heartfelt love letter rolled into one song. I was challenging to raise – rebellious, defiant, stubborn, unruly. An absolute teenaged diva. But I’ve grown up to be a woman who loves all of those things about me, even if it caused my mom some serious grief in the past. We’re both better for it now – those years gave us some great dinner time stories for years to come. I know there’s a boatload of mischievous souls out there who will relate to this song. Equal parts apology and anthem, ‘Sorry Mom’ is for the rebels who turned out alright (eventually).”
This sentiment is the core of what makes “Sorry Mom” so endearing. It’s an acknowledgment of the often-rocky road of self-discovery, tempered with the wisdom that comes from looking back. It celebrates the journey, not just the destination, and champions the idea that our past “mischievous” selves were simply laying the groundwork for who we are today. For anyone who’s ever cringed at an old diary entry or replayed a particularly awkward teenage interaction, this song feels like a collective exhale.
Musically, “Sorry Mom” fits perfectly within Cole’s evolving, genre-bending sound. While specific musical details aren’t yet widely available, knowing Cole’s previous work, we can expect a track that is both catchy and nuanced. Her strength lies in crafting emotionally sharp narratives that are conversational, frequently funny, and ultimately deeply human. This new single promises to add another compelling layer to that rich tapestry.
This track follows hot on the heels of Devon’s impressive 2024 EP, ‘Two Shades Blonder,’ which truly showcased her multifaceted artistry. That EP deftly navigated themes ranging from “empowerment and bad-bitchery to messier things like the thrill of the chase and feeling insecure,” featuring highlights like the empowering dance-anthem “Sugar Daddy” and the soulful “Good Guy.” Her friendship anthem “I Got You” became a breakout hit, soaring into the top 10 at Top 40 and Hot AC in Canada, earning critical acclaim and being likened to “stepping into pure sunshine.” This consistent output of relatable, well-crafted music has led to Devon Cole’s catalog surpassing an impressive 218 million streams – a testament to her growing connection with listeners.
Devon has also been busy on the live circuit, bringing her infectious energy directly to her fans. Late last year, she celebrated the release of ‘Two Shades Blonder’ with her debut headline U.S. tour, an intimate series of performances that even included exclusive merch and an on-site hairdresser – a truly unique touch that underscores her dedication to creating memorable experiences. More recently, she wrapped up a successful headlining Canadian run, further cementing her reputation as a compelling live performer.
“Sorry Mom” is more than just a song; it’s an ode to growth, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds that shape us. It’s a clever, heartfelt, and ultimately comforting reminder that we’re all a little bit rebellious in our youth, and that’s perfectly okay, especially when there’s a loving parent waiting to catch us when we eventually (mostly) turn out alright. Devon Cole continues to prove she’s a master of crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, and “Sorry Mom” is a beautiful addition to her already impressive repertoire.
Photo Credit: Caity Krone