There is nothing quite like seeing a talent that you identified early as being special, go on to repay your faith by developing as an artist, getting better and better with each release. Such is the case with Macartney Reinhardt who first caught our attention with her captivating single "Shadows"which was like nothing else around, along with a cover of Elliot Smith's "Twilight" displaying an impeccable choice in source material. Since then she has not put a foot wrong releasing a string of excellent singles, a run that is not about to be interrupted by her latest "Word Gets Around".
Displaying a lovely observational touch, this song is filled exquisite little details that give it a touch of reality, it also manages to smash together three or more different country themes into one mega tune - it's a small town ,
song, mixed with a break up and happy ever after song, while still finding room to pay homage to her Mama's wisdom
What could be more country?
Opening to some acoustic guitars we find Macartney in an understandably somewhat downbeat mood - after receiving some disturbing and quite specific news.
"I heard from my neighbour - she's trying to save me
She saw your pickup - cross down in another drive
Can't say for sure but, looks like the same one
She can tell by the dent in the passenger side"
There's a touching nod to family which is used as a device to take us to the chorus
"I guess my Mama was right!"
Before the reality of small town life is laid bare
"Word gets around - in a small Georgia town
Slips through the cracks - when there's no-one around
It hits you hard - like a bullet from a gun
Right when you think - you can trust someone
Word gets around - and you'll find out it's true
I guess so did you"
The second verse is a painful listen as Macartney asks all the questions that someone betrayed would ask. It's a verse of someone hurting and wanting answers.
"Does she make you happy? Is she something special?"
"Did you say we were nothing, nothing but a one time thing?
It ends though with a cutting sassy line
"Do you lie to her like you lie to me?"
If the second verse was one of angst then the third is a marvellous renaissance, it nicely rights wrongs and brings things full circle with Macartney rising to a position of superiority.
" I found someone for me - He treats me right
You know how this town can be, so don't be surprised"
The final chorus is therefore rewritten as both a celebration and a putdown, it is delivered with the sound of someone who has won out in the overall battle!
"Word gets around around - I'm moving on
I brought him home and my Mama likes this one
Seeing me happy, might break your heart
But you get what you give and you tore mine apart
So word gets around - and you find out it's true
I'm better off without you"
That final realisation signals the sudden end of the song and is a confirmation that this person can be consigned to history, never to be mentioned again.
Macartney's vocals throughout are exemplary - there is hurt visibly on display - but she takes the higher ground and is able win out. There is a nice symmetry between how the small town grapevine initially delivers bad news yet ultimately contributes to overall happiness, It's a well thought out, proper bit of songwriting and whether born from invention or real events - it's sense of reality will no doubt chime with many of Macartney's fans.