Helene Cronin – Maybe New Mexico (self-release, 2025)
Helene Cronin’s Maybe New Mexico is her most personal album to date, presenting an intimate, acoustic-driven sound. The singer-songwriter took full creative control, carefully selecting songs based on their significance in her live performances and their lasting impact.
Produced by Grammy-winner Mitch Dane at Nashville’s Sputnik Sound, the album features a mix of longtime collaborators like Lisa Carver and Scott Sean White, as well as first-time co-writers. It leans toward stripped-down arrangements, staying true to Cronin’s live performance style, with occasional fuller production.
Cronin also contributes her own acoustic guitar work for the first time, and on “Rifleman”—the album’s most autobiographical track—she sings all background vocals, preserving its personal nature. The record continues her collaboration with top-tier musicians, including Bobby Terry, Matt Pierson, Charlie Lowell, and Paul Eckburg.
With Maybe New Mexico, Cronin delivers a collection of emotive songs rooted in American folk music, Americana and country, that invite reflection, resonate with shared experiences, and reinforce music’s power to connect and heal.
Maybe New Mexico – Song Descriptions
- Copperhill
Inspired by the environmental devastation of Copperhill, TN, this song tells the story of a town nearly destroyed by copper mining. Despite the toxic history, residents recall it fondly. The music reflects the rugged landscape and history, incorporating swampy instrumentation. - Power Lines
Explores the power imbalance in relationships, where the less invested party holds control. The lyrics highlight how love, friendships, and communication can become one-sided, shaping the dynamics of human connection. - Maybe New Mexico
A ballad about seeking solace in New Mexico’s vast landscapes to move on from heartbreak. The instrumentation captures a Southwestern feel, with layers of steel guitar and piano adding depth. This song serves as the album’s title track. - Rifleman
A deeply personal song about the songwriter’s father, a war veteran dealing with PTSD. The narrative reflects on the lingering effects of war on families, resonating with listeners who have similar experiences. - People
An ode to humanity’s contradictions—both flawed and beautiful. Originally considered a darker song, it evolved into a more uplifting reflection on the complexity of human nature. - Switzerland
Tackles the division of friendships in a breakup, questioning why neutrality is rarely an option. The song uses “Switzerland” as a metaphor for an impossible middle ground. - Not the Year
Imagines a world where people know the day of their death but not the year. The song explores how such knowledge would impact emotions, relationships, and daily life. - Ain’t That Just Like a Man
A traditional country-style song celebrating positive masculinity. The lyrics depict qualities of protection and reliability, with cowboy imagery reinforcing the theme. - Maker’s Mark
A play on words that shifts from a bourbon brand to the idea of leaving a meaningful legacy. The song carries a gospel-inspired message about making a positive impact on the world. - Dear Life
A stripped-down piano ballad addressing mental health struggles. The song conveys life’s emotional highs and lows, emphasizing perseverance with the refrain, “holding on for dear life.” - God Stopped By
A reflection on faith, inspired by the idea of God persistently visiting without forcing belief. The lyrics evolved to emphasize divine presence in everyday life. - Visitors
A philosophical song about the temporary nature of human existence. It encourages inclusivity and unity, suggesting that life’s meaning comes from how we treat others.
Musicians: Helene Cronin on lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar; Bobby Terry on acoustic guitar, mandolin, dobro, gut-string guitar, pedal steel; Paul Eckberg on drums, percussion; Matt Pierson on bass; Charlie Lowell on Hammond b3, piano, keyboards, Mellotron; Mitch Dane on harmonica, additional keyboards, jean slaps, piano; Matt Singleton on backing vocals; Caitlin Anselmo on backing vocals; and Melodie Chase on cello.
Buy Maybe New Mexico.
Author: Ryan Emmert
