Lanie Gardner’s ‘Polaroids’: A Vivid Snapshot of a Rising Star
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Lanie Gardner, already lauded as a “2025 Artist to Watch” by the Recording Academy/GRAMMY and Amazon Music, has officially unveiled her highly anticipated new EP, Polaroids, via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. This six-track collection is a compelling display of vivid storytelling, genre-bending soundscapes, and raw emotional honesty, positioning itself as the ideal companion for everything from scenic drives to golden-hour reflections. Produced by the collaborative talents of Oscar Charles, Jonathan Singleton, and Chris Ganoudis, Polaroids masterfully weaves together modern country grit with an alt-pop edge and a touch of acoustic soul, marking a significant moment for the 25-year-old artist as she fully embraces her distinctive voice and artistic vision.
Building upon the intimate rawness of her 2024 debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, Gardner expands her creative scope with this new project. Each co-written song on Polaroids offers a mellow yet engaging blend of feel-good energy and profound, message-driven meaning. The EP features previously released highlights that have already garnered attention, such as the “searing and sultry” “Buzzkill,” as described by Billboard, and the emotionally resonant “Concrete Cowboy.” Alongside these, Polaroids introduces a fresh mix of new tracks that further underscore Gardner’s impressive vocal and stylistic range.
Among the new additions, the breezy opener “Takin’ The Slow Ride” immediately stands out. It’s a windows-down anthem that effortlessly fuses country rock with Southern soul, inviting listeners into a relaxed, yet vibrant, sonic landscape. Following this, the bright, roots-pop groove of “Hold Your Horses” serves as a playful and timely reminder to pause, breathe, and truly absorb life’s moments. The tracklist is meticulously curated, showcasing Gardner’s collaborative spirit with a roster of talented co-writers:
- “Takin’ The Slow Ride” (Lanie Gardner, Matt Jenkins, Jesse Frasure, Brad Tursi)
- “Boys Like You” (Lanie Gardner, Jimmy Robbins, Henry Agincourt Allen)
- “Buzzkill” (Lanie Gardner, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis)
- “Concrete Cowboy” (Lanie Gardner, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis)
- “Hold Your Horses” (Lanie Gardner, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore)
- “Little Bit’ of Lovin’” (Lanie Gardner, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis, Kasey Tyndall)
Gardner’s ascent in the Country music scene continues to be marked by widespread acclaim and high-profile collaborations. Her recent duet, “What Could Go Right,” with country superstar Thomas Rhett, remains a consistent presence on top country streaming playlists, a testament to its widespread appeal. Furthermore, her heartfelt collaboration with Warren Zeiders on “Loving in Letting Go” beautifully highlights her emotional depth and powerful vocal delivery. This year alone has seen Gardner make her debut at the prestigious Stagecoach festival, join Corey Kent’s Black Bandana Tour, and she is set to hit the road again this fall with Gavin Adcock. Her inclusion in CMT’s 2025 Next Women of Country class and her recent invitation to make her Opry debut further cement her position as one of the genre’s most compelling new voices.
Lanie Gardner first captured widespread attention with her viral cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” which amassed over 55 million views and climbed to No. 25 on the Billboard Rock charts. This initial success quickly led to collaborations with electronic music giants David Guetta and MORTEN. Beyond her solo work, her original music has also found its way onto the soundtracks for both Twisters and Queen of the Ring, showcasing her versatility and growing influence across various media.
Polaroids is more than just an EP; it’s a collection of moments, a sonic scrapbook that captures Lanie Gardner’s journey as an artist finding her stride. With its blend of authentic storytelling, genre-fluid production, and Gardner’s undeniable vocal talent, this EP solidifies her status as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary music. It’s a project that promises to resonate deeply with listeners and further propel her on her exciting trajectory.