Madison Hughes - Goodbye To Neverland EP (2024) Hi-Res

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida-born Madison Hughes' recording career to date has primarily been cover songs. Her versions of Morgan Wallen's I Deserve I Drink, Bob Dylan's Knocking on Heaven's Door, and Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark collectively earned her multi-million streams. It could be argued that the latter two were 'safe choices,' but they offered Hughes the opportunity to showcase the angelic pureness of her vocals.

"GOODBYE TO NEVERLAND" is a six-track mini album that sees Hughes venturing into a variety of musical styles, mainly through material co-written with New Jersey songwriter Rich Deans. It follows their full-on bluesy co-write 'Hate That You Love Me,' released as a single in March of this year. While that song is not included on this album - presumably it will be part of her full-length record due for release later this year - it sets the stage for an artist who is not afraid to experiment and grow both lyrically and vocally.

Among the standout tracks on this record are 'If My Heart Was A Train,' reminiscent of mid-career Shelby Lynne, and the title track, a well-constructed country ballad. These songs showcase her knack for easy-to-access melodies but she also delves into a high-octane vibe with the Carlene Carter 90s-styled rootsy gems' Ring The Doctor' and 'Nowhere Fast,' and the pedal steel-drenched country rocker, 'Too Far To Reach.' The inclusion of the aforementioned 'Dancing in the Dark' is a testament to her versatility, but it's the original material that truly shines.