Helene Cronin - Maybe New Mexico (2025)

This album kicks off with a nice tradition reminiscent of the late Nanci Griffith. But Texas-based singer-songwriter Helene Cronin has been around the barn herself a few times. Her latest starts with the upbeat story song “Copperhill” that’s all the bait you’ll need. Cronin has also the deep appeasing tone of a Carrie Newcomer & the rural authenticity of an Emmylou Harris that comes in heavy doses on “Power Lines.”

Anyone addicted to the tales woven by female artists like Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Kathy Mattea, Donna Dean, Shawn Colvin, or any of the aforementioned would add Helene. There’s no raunchy edge, flash ‘n the pan cliché riddled country-pop, or high intensity showcase to Ms. Cronin. The songs are first.

The title track “Maybe New Mexico” walks the tightrope of mainstream country but the structure is carefully woven through Ms. Cronin’s poetry & voice. Far more sincere than the singers who depend on the high note colorization bombast instead of tonality & poignancy. She keeps it lucid even in “Not the Year” that’s a strong showcase.

Grammy-winner Mitch Dane (keys/percussion/programming) produced Helene’s new 12-track LP Maybe New Mexico (Drops March 7/Independent/43:50) recorded in Nashville. Some titles suggest a cliché rich approach, but a careful listen could educate the listener. Even the autobiographical “Rifleman” which features all vocals by Helene isn’t country loopy, campy or simplistic. It’s a wonderful story with its delicacy & strength building with each verse. A wonderful tune.

Some of Helene’s songs add a mandolin with the urgency & earthy vocals similar to John Hiatt’s style. It’s how Nanci Griffith constructed her songs & went against the grain of mainstream country many times. Helene has that attraction; it radiates within her material. The songs are indeed personal, some intended to heal, unify, question, explain & at the same time maintain an entertaining value.

Nothing is approached too heavily or controversially. With the songs “Ain’t That Just Like A Man,” & “Dear Life” both melodically poignant & enduring. They could segue into Kathy Mattea’s “Where’ve You Been?” with class. Helene shows a little gutsiness when she rocks on “Maker’s Mark” — loaded with Eddie Rabbitt-type hooks & a deliciously driving melody. Radio-friendly. Helene’s worthy of being on any music lover’s radar. You can’t beat a song with a good story, melody & voice. Ms. Cronin has the benefit of all three.

Highlights – “Copperhill,” “Power Lines,” “Maybe New Mexico,” “Rifleman,” “Not the Year,” “Ain’t That Just Like A Man,” “Maker’s Mark,” “God Stopped By” & “Dear Life.”