Parmalee Rides Forward with “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Parmalee is back with their first studio album since 2021, “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl,” and it signals a confident step forward for the band. While maintaining their signature blend of modern country and heartland rock, the album explores themes of love, commitment, and finding your place, with a sound that feels both familiar and refreshed.
The album arrives on the heels of the band’s continued success, and it’s clear they’re not content to simply rehash past hits. Tracks like the current single, “Cowgirl,” showcase the band’s ability to craft catchy, radio-ready anthems that still possess a sense of genuine enthusiasm. It’s a song that will undoubtedly connect with audiences, fitting seamlessly into their live shows.
But “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl” offers more than just upbeat, feel-good moments. One of the album’s standout tracks, “God Knew Better,” delves into more emotional territory. This mid-tempo ballad expresses gratitude for finding a love that provides stability and solace. The band describes the song as feeling like “running into an old friend you didn’t know you needed to see,” and that sentiment resonates in the song’s heartfelt delivery. It’s a moment of reflection that adds depth to the album’s overall narrative.
The album as a whole, which is the first part of a two-part album series, demonstrates Parmalee’s continued evolution. They’re a band that knows their strengths — strong melodies, tight musicianship, and relatable lyrics — but they’re also willing to experiment within their established sound. From the nostalgic opener “Feels Like Home” to the carefree energy of tracks like “Cowgirl,” the album takes listeners on a journey through various facets of love and life. There are songs for celebrating new relationships, finding comfort in a partner, and navigating the complexities of connection.
Parmalee has become a mainstay in country music, and “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl” should only further solidify their position. They’ve consistently delivered hits, and this album demonstrates their ability to craft a cohesive and engaging listening experience. It’s an album that feels both current and timeless, showcasing a band that is comfortable in its own skin while still striving to push its creative boundaries.
Fell In Love With A Cowgirl Track Listing:
- Feels Like Home (Ashley Gorley, David Fanning, Matt Thomas, Beau Bailey, Ned Cameron)
- Day One (Ashley Gorley, David Fanning, Matt Thomas, Steph Jones, Ben Johnson, Taylor Phillips)
- God Knew Better (Abram Dean, David Fanning, Jamie Collazo, Andy Albert, Parmalee)
- Cowgirl (James Daniel Lewis, David Fanning, Peter Daniel Newman, Robbie Jay, Thomas Frank Ridley Horsley, Parmalee)
- Enough (Matt Thomas, David Fanning, Abram Dean, Sydney Cubit, Dave Villa)
- Beautiful (Matt Thomas, David Fanning, Michael Tyler, Ben Stennis)
- Miss Me When You’re Drinkin’ (Matt Thomas, Ben Williams, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan)
Produced by: David Fanning *Produced by David Fanning & James Daniel Lewis