Midtown Diaries – Mitchell Tenpenny

Mitchell Tenpenny’s Midtown Diaries is a heartfelt collection of country-pop tunes that reflect both the artist’s personal growth and his talent for storytelling. With 8 tracks, the album offers an intimate glimpse into Tenpenny’s world, filled with love, heartache, and the everyday experiences that define his life and career. Blending modern production with a classic country sensibility, Midtown Diaries showcases Tenpenny’s ability to craft songs that resonate on an emotional level while keeping his sound fresh and engaging.

From the opening track, “To Us It Did,” Tenpenny sets the tone for an album that feels both personal and relatable. This song, in particular, stands out as a nostalgic anthem that reflects on youthful love, reckless abandon, and the memories that stay with us forever. It’s a universal story of growing up and looking back, told through Tenpenny’s lens. His voice carries the weight of those memories, making the song both uplifting and bittersweet.

Tracks like “Truth About You” and “Bucket List” dive deeper into Tenpenny’s emotional spectrum. “Truth About You” has the potential to be an instant breakup anthem, driven by a catchy chorus and relatable lyrics about navigating the aftermath of a toxic relationship. The clever lyricism—“if you quit telling lies about me, I won’t tell the truth about you”—gives the song an edge, setting it apart from standard breakup ballads. It’s direct, raw, and speaks to a universal feeling of betrayal.

“Bucket List,” on the other hand, shifts gears into a reflective space. The song is a reminder to live life fully and appreciate the small moments, with Tenpenny expressing his desire to check off his own bucket list, both in terms of career and personal growth. It’s a perfect anthem for anyone feeling the weight of time and the need to live with intention.

What makes Midtown Diaries stand out is its balance of vulnerability and swagger. While Tenpenny is unafraid to dive into his emotions, he also brings a sense of fun and lightheartedness to tracks like “I Can’t Love You Any More” and “She Hates Me Too.” These songs show off his playful side, with witty lyrics and a breezy production that ensures the album doesn’t get bogged down in melancholy.

“I Can’t Love You Any More” is a perfect example of how Tenpenny mixes sentiment with levity. The song explores the idea of being head-over-heels in love with someone, all while

recognizing that no matter how much love you give, it just keeps growing. It’s a fun, feel-good track that brings out the joy of relationships without overcomplicating things. Similarly, “She Hates Me Too” is a light-hearted track about navigating a rocky breakup, but with a playful twist—both people in the relationship are in the same boat, blaming one another for the downfall, yet still having a sense of humor about it.

One of the standout aspects of Midtown Diaries is its production. Tenpenny, who has a hand in the songwriting and production process, carefully balances modern pop elements with traditional country instrumentation. The result is an album that sounds current without straying too far from its country roots. The blend of acoustic guitar, subtle banjo, and smooth electronic beats creates a soundscape that feels polished yet intimate.

Tenpenny’s voice is another highlight of the album. His raspy yet powerful vocals convey the raw emotion behind each song, whether he’s singing about love, heartbreak, or personal reflection. His delivery feels authentic and grounded, making it easy for listeners to connect with the stories he’s telling.

Midtown Diaries is a strong entry in Mitchell Tenpenny’s discography, offering a mix of introspective ballads and upbeat, radio-ready tracks. The album feels deeply personal while remaining universally relatable, and Tenpenny’s ability to balance vulnerability with humor and swagger keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, Midtown Diaries is an album that showcases Mitchell Tenpenny’s growth as both an artist and a storyteller, cementing his place in the modern country music landscape.