Gabby Barrett has found herself facing a unique dilemma. As her highly-anticipated second album, Chapter & Verse, is set to release this week, the due date for her third child falls just a few days apart. While it seems the album may have won the race, Barrett confidently declares that her baby takes precedence. With a joyful smile, she affirms, 'I would have to put the baby over the album.'
Already a mother to 3-year-old Baylah and 15-month-old Augustine, Barrett and her husband, Cade Foehner, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second daughter. Despite the excitement surrounding both the baby and the album, Barrett acknowledges that they hold different levels of importance in her life.
The tracks on Chapter & Verse reflect the core aspects of Barrett's existence: faith, family, love, and marriage. It is a significant departure from her breakthrough hit, 'I Hope,' which was born out of a high school heartbreak when she was just 18. Now, she focuses on themes that resonate with her present reality rather than dwelling on the past.
Fans have already embraced the lead single, 'Glory Days,' a co-write with Barrett that celebrates the simple joys of raising a family. This theme permeates two more co-written tracks on the album, 'The Chapter' and 'Growin' Up Raising You,' which showcase her emotional maturity and her extraordinary voice.
'Growin' Up' serves as a heartfelt tribute to herself and her firstborn, capturing the essence of their journey together. Lyrics like 'Years will go fast, nights will go slow / Lord knows the best thing that I'll ever do / Will be growing up raising you,' tug at the heartstrings and highlight the deep love and connection between mother and child.
The title track, 'The Chapter,' which kicks off the album, provides a snapshot of Barrett's current life. With a driving beat reflecting her fast-paced lifestyle, she captures the essence of embracing new experiences while still relying on others for support. It embodies the spirit of growth, strength, and resilience.
Barrett's faith is seamlessly woven throughout the album, evident not only in its title but profoundly in the closing tribute, 'The Verse.' A collaboration with Christian artist Phil Wickham, the track features the traditional Doxology, a solemn and reverent expression of worship.
Among the standout tracks is 'Had It All,' a nostalgic reflection on Barrett's childhood, and 'Off the Highway,' an upbeat tune perfect for date nights and spontaneous adventures. Additionally, the album includes two noteworthy tributes to her husband, 'Cowboy Back' and 'You're My Texas,' the latter of which she co-wrote with country superstar Miranda Lambert. The album also features co-writing credits from another big name in the industry, Luke Combs, on the feel-good track 'Dance Like No One's Watching.'
Interestingly, the collaboration with Combs on 'Dance Like No One's Watching' came about unexpectedly. Barrett received a song pitch from Combs while relaxing in her bathtub. Upon learning that he and his wife were expecting a boy, Combs felt that the song no longer suited him and offered it to Barrett. Grateful for the opportunity, Barrett convinced Combs to lend his voice for a harmony track on the recording. She hopes for a chance to perform the song as a duet with Combs in the future.
However, before that can happen, Barrett will be taking a break to focus on her growing family. She plans to begin her maternity leave and anticipates returning to touring sometime in the summer. Her husband, who plays lead guitar in her band, and their children will accompany her on the road. While a nanny assists during performances, Barrett takes pride in being a hands-on mom. She estimates that more than half of her time is dedicated to her family, as that is where her true happiness lies.
Her children have played a significant role in shaping Barrett's perspective on priorities. She shares that being a mother and prioritizing her family above everything else brings her immense joy. Barrett credits her faith for empowering her to find balance between her career and family life. Harmoniously blending both roles, she believes she can allocate the necessary time for music and her loved ones.
As her daughter, Baylah, gets older, Barrett is witnessing the convergence of her two worlds. Baylah is beginning to understand her mother's work and even accompanies her during soundchecks. Barrett beams with pride as she recounts how her daughter requests specific songs like 'Glory Days' and 'Pick Me Up.'
Recently, while out shopping, Barrett and Baylah heard 'Glory Days' playing over the mall's sound system. Amazed by the coincidence, Baylah innocently asked, 'That Momma singing?' Barrett recalls the surreal moment and marvels at how ordinary activities can intersect with her extraordinary career. It was a dream come true for Barrett, who had once imagined such scenarios during her own childhood.
Gabby Barrett's journey from the heartbreak-fueled beginnings of 'I Hope' to the faith-filled storytelling of Chapter & Verse showcases her evolution as an artist and as a woman. With a mature perspective and an unyielding commitment to her family, Barrett effortlessly weaves together her roles as a mother and a singer-songwriter. As fans eagerly await the arrival of both her baby and her album, it's clear that Barrett's greatest joy lies in the perfect balance she has achieved between the two.
