Recommended Tracks: “YOU TURN,” “DRIVES MY TRUCK,” “I DON’T WANNA KNOW”
Artists You Might Like: Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Conner Smith
Chase Matthew is quickly proving himself as one of country music’s most compelling rising stars. A true Nashville native, he’s built his career from the ground up, earning a fiercely loyal fanbase with his deep twang and a “country-or-nothing” mentality. His third studio album, CHASE, cements his status as an artist to watch, blending classic country themes with modern production.
On February 21, Matthew marked a significant milestone in his career with a headlining performance at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, in addition to releasing CHASE. The Ryman, often referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” provided a fitting backdrop for an artist whose roots run deep in Nashville’s rich musical heritage. Following this landmark performance, Matthew will share the stage with Megan Moroney on her Am I Okay? Tour. Additionally, Matthew is set to expand his reach even further by joining country superstar Keith Urban on select dates of the High and Alive World tour in 2025.
Whether he’s tearing down backroads, chasing memories or wrestling with the push-and-pull of love and loss, CHASE weaves a restless energy through every song.
The album kicks off with “DRIVES MY TRUCK,” a radio-ready anthem that embodies Matthew’s country-rock energy. A song ready to be performed live, the pounding drums, bluesy electric guitars, and country at its roots sound, sets the tone for the entire album and showcases that Matthew isn’t messing around. Following that, “MISSIN’ ME MISSIN’ YOU” takes a more modern approach, blending country with pop influences, much in the vein of Morgan Wallen, while keeping that irresistible, stadium-ready chorus.
The album’s emotional depth shines brightest in “HEART HALF EMPTY,” a breathtaking duet with Lauren Alaina that could easily become a country classic. Slowing down the track, their voices intertwine beautifully, bringing to life the heartbreak of moving on while still holding onto what was. The song’s title line — “a glass half full and a heart half empty” — perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of love lost.
From here, Matthew continues his add in his high-energy bangers and stripped-down reflections. “NO NAME ROADS” and “I DON’T WANNA KNOW” are polished, radio-friendly hits with anthemic hooks, while “FIRE IN HER EYES” and “YOU TURN” simmer with passion and regret. The latter, in particular, feels like a hybrid of Kane Brown and Jason Aldean—modern yet undeniably country at its core.
But it’s in his slower, more introspective tracks that Matthew delivers some of his finest work. “DRIVING THROUGH MY HOMETOWN” is a nostalgic gut-punch, reflecting on change, loss and the memories tied to a familiar place. The song pairs seamlessly with “IF I HAD WINGS,” a piano-driven ballad that strips everything back, letting Matthew’s voice carry the raw emotion of longing and grief. Similarly, “SUNDAY CLOTHES” delivers one of the album’s most powerful moments, mourning someone gone too soon with the heartbreaking line, “Saturdays ain’t meant for Sunday clothes.”
As the album reaches its final stretch, “WAITING ON YOU TO CALL” and “BACKROADS OF MY MIND” circle back to themes of love that refuses to fade. And then, in true country fashion, “NO WAY AROUND IT” closes things out with an energetic, fist-pumping anthem ensuring CHASE ends on a high note.
CHASE is the definition of what country is. Each track is infused with reflections of his past and travels the roads moving forward. While the album doesn’t reinvent country, Matthew showcases the blending of traditional country roots with modern appeal in a way that makes it impossible to turn off.
Keep Up With Chase Matthew: Website // Instagram // Facebook // TikTok
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