KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS - Religion and Politics - Sony Music Nashville

Lake City, FL native Karley Scott Collins first stepped into the country music spotlight in 2023 and her star is only shining brighter as she continues to enjoy her breakout year in 2024.  Her latest release is one that incorporates the trademark elements of her catalogue along with a sentimental, softer side to add to her musical repertoire.   “Religion And Politics” is available now, both digitally and on all streaming platforms, via Sony Music Nashville.

As one can imagine, the idea of a song with a title centered around religion and politics would certainly get people talking, and it was an idea that Collins had for some time before actually writing the song.  But drawing inspiration from a period of heartbreak, the talented singer-songwriter went to a familiar place to find her muse.

“I went back home for the first time in a while, and you know when you go back home, you talk with your friends about everything that’s changed and what’s happening back in your hometown,” Karley said.  “I had just gone through a breakup, and I knew that when I went home, they were going to ask me about him.  So I ended up adding religion, politics, and you are the things that I don’t want to talk about when I go back home”.

Quickly becoming known for her rare combination of powerhouse vocal delivery and her soulful, gritty musical approach, Karley invites the listener into her personal life with her songwriting, and in this new track, a softer, more vulnerable side. 

In stark contrast from her swooning, rocking numbers in the past, “Religion And Politics” is a more subdued offering, focusing on the lyrical storytelling, vividly delivered with an edgy, open-faced honesty of a broken-hearted songstress.

“Religion and politics

Are on the list of we don’t speak of’s

It always hits a nerve, so we’ve learned

What not to bring up

Hate how it brings me down

And damn I wish they knew

Not to talk about religion, politics, and you”

In perhaps her final release of the year, “Religion And Politics” follows “Quit You”, “How Do You Do That” featuring Charles Kelley, and fan favorite “Marlboro Reds” as noteworthy tracks that have put over on the mainstream country  map.

Recently named to Nashville Briefing’s Artists to Watch Class of 2024, Collins has been on the road with Carly Pearce on her ‘hummingbird’ world tour, as well as with Corey Kent and Nate Smith on their respective headlining runs. 

After making her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 26^th of this year, where she welcomed Lady A’s Kelley for a performance of their aforementioned duet “How Do You Do That”, Karley will return to the circle on October 22^nd for another highly anticipated performance.  The 2024 CMT Next Women of Country honoree is set to wrap up her career-changing year with this latest release, building further anticipation for what’s to come in the months ahead.

(Review Written By: Chad Carlson)