Tyler Rich Crafts a Definitive California Love Letter with ‘Poppy & Iris (Deluxe)’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Since his breakout debut, Tyler Rich has always been an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve, but with the arrival of Poppy & Iris (Deluxe), he has delivered his most comprehensive and vulnerable work to date.
The deluxe edition isn’t just a repackaging—it’s the final, triumphant chapter of a creative odyssey that spanned two separate albums, a major transition to independent artistry, and a deep dive into the roots of his own life.
By combining the tracks from his dual projects, Hello California and Leaving California, into one 23-song master collection, Rich provides a panoramic view of his journey: the distance, the grit, and the enduring love that has anchored him through it all.
The New Heartbeats: “Cowboy Tears” & “Redwood”
The crown jewels of this deluxe release are two brand-new tracks that feel like natural extensions of the “California” narrative.
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“Cowboy Tears” Written by Rich and Andrew Capra, this track is a masterclass in long-term romantic reflection. It’s about the beauty of “chasing what you already have.” Produced by the seasoned duo of Brad Hill and Lalo Guzman, the song has a warm, mid-tempo glow that honors the comfort of a decade-long partnership. In a clever and touching nod, the title shares its name with his wife Sabina Gadecki’s lifestyle brand, blurring the lines between art and life in the most sincere way possible.
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“Redwood” If “Cowboy Tears” is about the emotion of love, “Redwood” is about its strength. Rich collaborates here with a diverse writing room—Aaron Gillespie, Matty Mullins, and Cody Quistad—to create a powerful metaphor for resilience. Like the iconic trees of his home state that grow back stronger after a fire, “Redwood” celebrates a love that stands tall through life’s inevitable storms. It’s an anthem for deep roots and unshakable foundations.
Comfort for the Soul: “Dogs Don’t Die”
Perhaps the most poignant addition to the project is the bonus track “Dogs Don’t Die.” Written alongside Blake Bollinger and Steven Lee Olsen, this heartfelt tribute to Rich’s late dog, Abby, is a tear-jerker that offers universal comfort. It beautifully captures the sentiment that a pet’s love “lives on the front porch of your mind,” serving as a reminder that some bonds are simply eternal.
A Renaissance Man: Beyond the Stage
2025 has been a milestone year for Rich, who has successfully expanded his storytelling into the world of literature. He released his first two children’s books this year—Dogs Don’t Die and Leave the Wolf Wild—proving that his ability to connect with an audience transcends the three-minute country song. Whether he’s writing for a festival crowd or a child at bedtime, the common thread is a relentless pursuit of authenticity.
The Verdict
Poppy & Iris (Deluxe) is a towering achievement. By weaving together the upbeat “hello” and the somber “leaving” of his California era, Tyler Rich has created a definitive soundtrack for anyone who has ever felt caught between where they are and where they belong. It is rich in production, deep in lyricism, and serves as a perfect capstone to his independent era.
Rating: 4.7/5 Stars