Singer/songwriter Madison Hughes' debut album, ‘All That I Am,’ offers an exploration of life, love, and ambition through poetic expressions, serving as a musical snapshot of who she is at this moment.
‘All That I Am’ – Madison Hughes
Upon first hearing Madison Hughes, you may be reminded of Lee Ann Womack. Their vocal styles complement each other perfectly—subtle, tender, and restrained, yet there is an underlying simmering anger. Much like Womack, it’s what Hughes leaves unsaid that resonates. Her songwriting possesses a literary quality, with each song resembling a short story, where every character embarks on their own journey, which I imagine continues well after the song ends.
Hughes sounds incredibly seasoned for a new artist; her music and vocal performance feel like they've been a part of your audio experience for ages, almost as comforting as a well-worn book that you haven't read in years but still remember fondly.
All That I Am, released on April 11, is co-produced by Lera Lynn (known for her work on True Detective, and with artists like Roseanne Cash) and Todd Lombardo (who has worked with Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone, and Ella Langley).
You might recognize Hughes from The Voice, where she showcased rock & roll classics alongside viral covers of contemporary country hits. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, she frequented her mother’s local music festival, where she performed some of her initial shows as a teenager alongside artists like Shovels & Rope, Drew Holcomb, and Lera Lynn. Hughes later reconnected with Lynn in Nashville, who became a co-producer for her debut album. Hughes also pursued a degree in digital film production before relocating to Nashville in her twenties.
“I started in music in a very DIY fashion, creating songs on my computer and producing them in my own little universe,” Hughes explains to Atwood Magazine. “This was my first experience working with producers, and I loved the collaborative process—they truly brought the best out of me.”
Madison Hughes © Libby Danforth
Drawing influences from southern Gothic Country, Hughes evokes comparisons to Lindi Ortega and Lynn herself. The album is rooted in the Americana tradition, but don’t be misled into thinking it's confined to a single genre. All That I Am is a continuously evolving record that grows with each listen. The common thread throughout the ten tracks is a dynamic tension—a balance of struggle and connection, not always marked by pain but also representing a dance between emotions or individuals.
The album opens with its title track, co-written by Hughes, Lynn, and Lombardo. It starts as a haunting Appalachian tune, featuring Hughes’ delicate vocals, before transforming into a powerful pop anthem in the chorus. The song’s narrative, much like its musical progression, encapsulates that push and pull.
He lives for the night
And I am the sun
I wanna shine my love light on him
But he’s always on the run
Oh you know there is something about
the way that he turns away that makes my fire burn
All that I am, gonna take all that I got to walk away
From the back of his beautiful head
His hair waving goodbye makes me stay
– “All That I Am,” Madison Hughes
Madison Hughes © Libby Danforth
“All That I Am” is also her favorite track from the album. “It’s my favorite song on the record,” she says. “‘All That I Am’ tells a true story about how my anxious attachment style has impacted my relationships – the continual struggle between craving something genuine and the difficulty of letting go of someone who is emotionally unavailable.”
“Nobody Knows Your Love” features a duet with Brent Cobb, presenting a dreamy love song. Their voices intertwine beautifully, moving in sync as they approach and retreat from each other, creating an engaging exchange.
Whenever I lose sight of you
No matter what the miles
I’ll always hear the music
That my mind makes when you smile
Cause you are my sunshine, my red wine,
My midnight storm
And what I’m livin’ for
Duets can be both easy and challenging. They are easy because anyone can perform together, even across distances, thanks to technology; however, not all duets capture the essence of collaboration like Hughes and Cobb manage to do. The blending of their voices and the sincerity of the lyrics creates a believable narrative—a rare feat in music.
“This album felt like my own version of grad school, a deep dive into crafting not just songs, but a cohesive world,” Hughes reflects. “Crafting ten tracks might seem simple, but creating something that feels like a unified body of work required a lot of effort.”
Madison Hughes © Libby Danforth
In the second-to-last track, “So Close To Forever,” Hughes confronts the end of a relationship, reflecting on how to assess the situation by revisiting every
Neil Young is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music, a songwriter who has generated a vast amount of analysis and critique. Many
Goya Gumbani holds a fluctuating understanding of home, discovering refuge in both music and location. These musical centers contribute to molding the
Glasgow’s Bottle Rockets burst forth with intense passion and intent in their dynamic sixth single “Video Call,” a heartfelt indie rock anthem that seems poised to solidify the rising Scottish quartet's place in the music scene.
Aaron Taos and Tyler Lindsay explore their artistic depth as Showpony, infusing theatricality, intensity, and genuine emotion into their vibrant and energetic debut single, "Shine."
If you had inquired pre-COVID whether UK rap radio was dead, most would have replied affirmatively with a confident nod and immediately delved into their pockets to retrieve memories of Channel U.
.jpg)
The ultimate guide by DIY to the top new music.
Through the art of poetic expression, singer/songwriter Madison Hughes' debut album 'All That I Am' captures her experiences of life, love, and ambition, serving as a musical snapshot of her current self.