Kenya Reese crafts an upbeat & vibrant debut album, "Trailblazer"
At just 18 years old, Kenya Reese is already stepping into country music with the confidence and vision of a veteran. Her debut album, Trailblazer, released September 5th, 2025, is more than a collection of songs, it’s a declaration. True to its title, Reese is charting her own course, blending the roots of country tradition with the vitality of a modern generation. The result is an album that feels both timeless and brand new, reverent and rebellious all at once.
What makes Trailblazer instantly stand out is its inventive dual-format structure, something we have never experienced before. Every one of the five original songs is paired with an alternate take recorded through an Otari MTR-90 II 24-track analog tape machine. The studio versions shimmer with the clarity and punch of contemporary production, while the “Mastered To Tape” renditions wrap the listener in the warm, lived-in glow of the vinyl era. It’s a bold move for a debut record, but it pays off beautifully giving two windows into the same songs, each highlighting a different shade of Reese’s artistry. There’s even a bonus track, “Can’t Take Me Down”, that’s fully worth listening to the end for.
Vocally though, Reese commands every track with remarkable presence. Her voice is equal parts sweet and fiery, carrying the youthful energy of a rising star but delivered with a depth and maturity far beyond her years. Whether she’s leaning into the twang of traditional country, embracing the nostalgia of ‘90s radio classics, or stretching toward the pop-infused edge of modern country, her delivery is vibrant, powerful, and endlessly captivating. She sings these songs like she’s having the time of her life, and honestly, we’re convinced.
The instrumentation across Trailblazer is equally perfect. Pedal steel, fiddle, and acoustic guitars weave effortlessly with more contemporary flourishes, balancing tradition with a fresh pop-country sheen. There’s a palpable sense of joy in the arrangements, a reminder that this is music meant not only to be heard but to be felt, danced to, and lived with.
She writes and sings with sincerity, drawing from her unwavering faith and deep love of country living, and that authenticity bleeds into every note. And when you listen, you can’t help but believe in her too. You’ll find yourselves humming along, moving, grooving, and getting into it all purely on the first listen.
Trailblazer is an impressive debut by any measure, but for an artist this young, it’s nothing short of remarkable. Kenya Reese has arrived with a sound that honors where country has been while pointing directly to where it’s going. If this happens to be your intro to the artist, we really can’t think of a better jumping off point.
Click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for more in the works!
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