“Crazy Always Comes Back,” The New Single From Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Donna Ulisse
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Donna Ulisse has long been a beacon in the bluegrass and country music worlds, celebrated for her uncanny ability to translate personal truth into universal song. With her new single, “Crazy Always Comes Back,” she offers listeners a roots-infused journey into the past, proving that a life well-lived is a source of endless artistic inspiration. This isn’t just a song; it’s a knowing smile and a shared wink, wrapped in a melody that feels both fresh and timeless. The track, a vibrant showcase of her signature bluegrass-country style, stands as a testament to the idea that some of life’s most memorable moments—the wild, the unpredictable, the downright crazy—never truly leave us.
The heart of “Crazy Always Comes Back” lies in Ulisse’s candid and witty self-reflection. She reveals that the song “fell off my pen pretty fast,” a direct result of it being her “truth to melody.” The lyrics explore her early career days on Music Row, a period she describes as a mix of “wild and just hanging on.” This kind of lyrical honesty is a hallmark of Ulisse’s work, but here it’s paired with a sense of playful acceptance. She’s not lamenting the past; she’s embracing it. The memories of her younger, more reckless days are not a burden, but a “haunting” that feels “good.” This mature perspective gives the song a depth that elevates it beyond a simple story, turning it into a piece of folk wisdom set to a driving beat.
Musically, the song is an absolute treat for fans of traditional roots and bluegrass. Produced by Ulisse and Rick Stanley, the arrangement is a masterclass in clean, powerful instrumentation. The rhythm section lays down a solid, foot-tapping groove with Evan Winsor’s bass providing a warm, steady foundation and Greg Davis’s banjo offering a relentless and energetic pulse. On top of this, the song is filled with rich layers of string work. Cody Kilby’s guitar and Nate Burie’s mandolin engage in a nimble, intricate dance, creating a melodic texture that is both complex and instantly catchy. But it’s Jason Carter’s fiddle that truly sings, adding a soulful, expressive voice that punctuates the lyrical narrative with raw emotion. The combined harmony vocals from Ulisse and Stanley create a full, resonant sound that feels both polished and deeply authentic.
The meticulous production by Chris Latham at Gorilla’s Nest Studio deserves special mention. Every instrument is given space to breathe, allowing the individual performances to shine without losing the cohesive whole. The sound is immediate and organic, conveying the feeling of a live session. This warmth is the perfect backdrop for Ulisse’s vocal performance, which carries the story with an expert blend of playful charm and lived-in experience. She delivers each line with the poise of a seasoned artist who knows exactly what she wants to say, and how to say it with a wink.
“Crazy Always Comes Back” isn’t just another song in Donna Ulisse’s extensive catalog; it’s a finely crafted anthem about the permanence of our past. It reminds us that our personal histories are not just a collection of events, but a living part of who we are today. With its sharp lyrical wit, impeccable musicianship, and heartfelt message, this single is a powerful addition to her body of work and a rewarding listen for anyone who appreciates music that tells a genuine story.