Carly Pearce Unveils ’29: Written In Stone’: A Candid Journey Through Heartbreak, Healing, and Country Music Authenticity
Country music star Carly Pearce has taken her highly acclaimed 7-track album ’29’ to new depths, expanding it into a powerful 15-track concept album titled ’29: Written In Stone’. Released today, this extended body of work offers listeners an unvarnished, deeply personal narrative of the tumultuous year that was her 29th, marking a significant evolution in her artistry and solidifying her place as one of country music’s most authentic storytellers.
The journey began earlier this year when Pearce released the initial ’29’ EP in February 2021, a collection that immediately resonated with fans and critics alike for its raw honesty about loss and heartbreak. Now, with ’29: Written In Stone’, she has added eight poignant new songs, enriching the emotional tapestry of her story. These candid additions delve deeper into her experiences of profound loss, personal heartbreak, and transformative growth, inviting listeners to walk alongside her through every vulnerable moment.
In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Carly Pearce reflected on the genesis of this ambitious project. “When I started writing ’29’ in general, I didn’t know what it was. I just knew I needed to write this music,” she explained. “And so we released the EP in February, and I felt like I tapped into exactly who I was as an artist and always wanted to be.” This creative breakthrough, she revealed, was heavily influenced by a profound personal tragedy. “I think losing busbee, right at the end of ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now,’ forced me to look deep within myself and go, ‘Where do you go next? What do you want to do?'”
The late producer busbee, a pivotal figure in Pearce’s career, tragically passed away in September 2019, leaving a void but also a lasting legacy of inspiration. The Kentucky native recalled busbee’s encouraging words, “For this project, I just went for it. I kept writing. I just felt like I was on a roll creatively.” His wish for her “to fly” before his sudden passing became a guiding light, propelling her to explore new emotional depths in her songwriting. It was during this intensely creative period that the “Hide The Wine” singer realized the true scope of her work. “Then all of a sudden, I realized all of this music belongs together,” she detailed, seeing an undeniable connection between the initial 7 tracks and the new compositions.
What emerged was far more than just an extended album; it was a cohesive “full body of work,” meticulously crafted to chronicle a specific period of immense personal upheaval and profound self-discovery. Pearce elaborated on how the album naturally evolved into a concept piece, despite it not being her initial intention. “I never sought out to make a concept album at all. But I think, unfortunately, with the circumstances that went on in my life, I am not a songwriter who can walk in and write about something else for the day,” Carly revealed, highlighting the intensely personal nature of her creative process. Each track, from the poignant “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” featuring fellow country powerhouse Ashley McBryde, to the raw vulnerability of “What He Didn’t Do,” serves a purpose in this narrative.
Pearce articulated the album’s core mission: to take the listener on an authentic and relatable journey. “This is why I knew it was all supposed to be together. I’m taking you on a journey of realizing, grieving, healing, and overcoming,” she stated. This emotional arc is not just for her own catharsis but also for those who have experienced similar pain, aiming to provide solace and understanding. The expansion into ’29: Written In Stone’ ensures that no part of this journey is left unexplored, offering a complete and nuanced portrayal of her experiences.
The album’s narrative meticulously traces the path from the initial shock of loss and heartbreak to the eventual embrace of self-acceptance and hope. Pearce credits the album’s concluding track, “Mean It This Time,” as the ultimate realization of her healing process. “That’s why I knew my heart hadn’t fully come to terms with all of this until the last song that I wrote called, ‘Mean It This Time.’ I felt like that when I wrote that song and I went, ‘That’s the end.’ That’s the end because I’m praying over my future,” she shared. This song serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and her renewed commitment to herself and her future relationships, signifying a complete emotional circle.
Beyond the grief of losing busbee, the “29” singer publicly navigated another profound personal challenge during her 29th year: her sudden divorce from fellow country artist Michael Ray after only eight months of marriage. This highly publicized separation added another layer of heartbreak and public scrutiny to an already difficult period. Yet, instead of retreating, Pearce courageously channeled this pain into her art, refusing to let her experiences be censored or diluted. Her unwavering resolve to share her truth, regardless of the vulnerability it entailed, has become a hallmark of her artistic integrity.
The album, therefore, is not merely a collection of songs but a declaration. “This is me getting it all out there, standing behind it, solidifying who I am as a woman, solidifying who I am, where I’ve come from, what I’ve been through, what I’ve overcome and solidifying my place in country music,” Carly powerfully asserted in her interview. This bold statement underscores the transformative power of ’29: Written In Stone’ – it’s an act of self-definition and empowerment.
The album’s evocative title, “Written In Stone,” carries a profound personal meaning, directly referenced in the lyrics of the final track. “‘Written in stone’ is actually a lyric from the last song on the album. When it says, ‘When I say forever, I’m gonna write it in stone,’ I’m saying to my future, ‘When I do this, I’m going to mean it,'” Pearce explained. This powerful phrase symbolizes her renewed commitment to authenticity and permanence in her life and relationships, a vow born from the crucible of her past experiences. It’s a promise to herself, and to her future, that any pledge of forever will now be made with unwavering conviction and honesty.
Through ’29: Written In Stone,’ Carly Pearce has not only created a compelling musical narrative but also established a new benchmark for honesty in country music. Her willingness to lay bare the most painful aspects of her life has resonated deeply with fans, fostering a strong sense of connection and empathy. The album serves as a testament to her courage, resilience, and unyielding dedication to her craft, further cementing her reputation as a formidable and vital voice in the genre.
Fans eager to immerse themselves in this impactful musical journey can stream Carly Pearce’s full album, ’29: Written In Stone’, now available on all major platforms. The release of this expanded album is accompanied by other exciting news for Pearce’s devoted fanbase. In a highly anticipated announcement, Carly Pearce has also revealed the dates for her first-ever headlining tour, appropriately named ‘The 29 Tour’, set to take place this fall. This tour offers a unique opportunity for fans to experience the raw emotion and powerful storytelling of the album live, connecting with Pearce on an even deeper level.
To celebrate this momentous release, Carly extended a special invitation to her fans, hosting a unique “29 Questions in 29 Minutes” livestream on YouTube. This interactive event, which took place at 6:00 PM CT, allowed fans to engage directly with the artist, asking questions about the album, her journey, and her future aspirations. Such intimate interactions underscore Pearce’s commitment to her audience, creating a community around her music that is as authentic and heartfelt as her songs themselves. ’29: Written In Stone’ is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the power of music to heal, to transform, and to connect.