Description
Natalie Hemby – Pins And Needles – 180 Gram Yellow Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Foil Numbered edition of 500
Pressed on 180-Gram Yellow vinyl
VMP Exclusive
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released on October 8, 2021, Pins and Needles is Natalie Hemby’s highly anticipated second solo album, marking the celebrated Nashville songwriter’s evolution from behind-the-scenes hitmaker to spotlight-worthy artist in her own right. Known for penning chart-topping hits for artists like Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and The Highwomen (where she’s also a member), Hemby’s solo work allows her to step into the role of performer, offering her own distinct voice and perspective. Pins and Needles showcases her sharp lyricism, heartfelt storytelling, and blend of genres, ranging from alt-country to Americana, folk-rock, and even pop influences.
As a Nashville songwriter with a deep catalog of hits and accolades, Hemby’s unique blend of intimate, vivid storytelling and strong melodic instincts shines throughout Pins and Needles, making it a standout release in both country and Americana scenes.
Background: From Hit Songwriter to Solo Artist
Natalie Hemby has long been known as one of Nashville’s most successful and prolific songwriters. She has contributed to numerous hit songs for a wide range of artists, including “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves and several key tracks on Miranda Lambert’s Platinum and The Weight of These Wings albums. However, it wasn’t until her 2017 debut solo album Puxico that she stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist.
In 2019, Hemby joined forces with Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, and Maren Morris to form the supergroup The Highwomen, further cementing her place as a prominent voice in modern Americana and country music. Pins and Needles, her follow-up solo album, builds on this momentum, showcasing her talents not just as a writer, but as a compelling performer capable of delivering emotional, narrative-driven songs with authenticity and grace.
Pins and Needles explores a wide range of sonic landscapes, combining the raw, organic instrumentation of Americana and alt-country with the polish and melody-driven sensibilities of pop. Hemby’s ability to blend genres without sacrificing the authenticity of her lyrics is one of the album’s strongest aspects.
Many of the tracks on Pins and Needles feature strong guitar work that leans toward a rock-infused alt-country vibe, giving the album a grittier, more energetic feel compared to her more stripped-down debut. Songs like the title track “Pins and Needles” and “Heroes” are great examples of this, with distorted guitars and driving rhythms providing a bold backdrop for Hemby’s soaring vocals.
Though there’s a rootsy, alt-country foundation, Hemby’s songwriting often leans into big, lush melodies and pop sensibilities. Tracks like “Radio Silence” and “It Takes One to Know One” showcase her knack for catchy hooks, offering a more polished, radio-friendly sound while maintaining the emotional depth that defines her writing.
While the album has its rock-leaning moments, Hemby also delivers beautifully understated ballads that highlight her emotional storytelling and songwriting craftsmanship. “Banshee” and “Last Resort” are intimate, introspective tracks that explore themes of heartache, resilience, and vulnerability, showcasing her ability to craft songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Notable Tracks
“Pins and Needles”: The title track sets the tone for the album with its mix of alt-country grit and introspective lyricism. The song’s energetic beat and catchy chorus make it one of the standout tracks, while its themes of longing and uncertainty resonate on a deeper emotional level.
“Heroes”: One of the more rock-oriented tracks on the album, “Heroes” features a driving rhythm and distorted guitars, with Hemby reflecting on the complexities of idolizing people only to realize they’re flawed humans too. The song blends personal introspection with broader commentary on fame and admiration.
“Banshee”: A haunting and beautifully crafted ballad, “Banshee” shows Hemby at her most vulnerable. The track’s stripped-down instrumentation allows her vocals and lyrics to take center stage as she sings about the internal ghosts and emotional hauntings that can follow us through life.
“New Madrid”: With a laid-back, almost nostalgic vibe, “New Madrid” taps into the timeless storytelling tradition of Americana. The song is reflective and steeped in imagery of small-town life, evoking a sense of longing for simpler times while acknowledging the complexities of growing up.
“Radio Silence”: A more pop-leaning track, “Radio Silence” showcases Hemby’s ability to write infectious melodies. The upbeat tempo and polished production make this song a feel-good standout, while the lyrics explore the emotional void left when someone important disappears from your life.
Pins and Needles is filled with relatable themes that reflect both personal growth and larger societal issues. As a songwriter, Hemby has always excelled at taking deeply personal experiences and turning them into songs that speak to universal emotions, and this album is no different.
Many of the songs on Pins and Needles explore questions of identity, growth, and the complexity of navigating relationships and life’s ups and downs. Hemby’s reflective lyrics ask questions about where we come from, who we look up to, and what we leave behind, as seen in tracks like “Heroes” and “New Madrid.” Hemby deftly balances vulnerability with strength throughout the album. Tracks like “Last Resort” and “Banshee” dive into heartbreak and personal struggle, yet there’s always a sense of resilience, an underlying strength that powers through even in the most emotionally fraught moments. As with much of her songwriting, themes of love, longing, and connection run through Pins and Needles. However, the way Hemby writes about relationships—whether it’s romantic love, friendship, or admiration—feels authentic and lived-in, giving the songs a grounded, real-world quality.
Pins and Needles received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Hemby’s ability to blend catchy hooks with authentic, emotionally rich storytelling. Critics highlighted how the album strikes a balance between commercial appeal and artistic integrity, offering something for both mainstream listeners and fans of more alternative, rootsy sounds.
Hemby’s established reputation as a songwriter lent the album credibility from the start, but Pins and Needles cemented her status as an artist capable of standing on her own, beyond her collaborations and behind-the-scenes work. The album’s mix of alt-country, Americana, rock, and pop influences helped it reach a broad audience, appealing to fans of modern country as well as those who appreciate thoughtful, genre-blending music.
With Pins and Needles, Natalie Hemby delivers an album that is both a reflection of her years in the music industry and a bold step forward as a solo artist. Her ability to craft songs that blend memorable hooks with introspective lyrics makes Pins and Needles a standout in the world of modern country and Americana. Hemby’s voice—both as a lyricist and performer—is as compelling as ever, and this album showcases her ability to wear many hats: hit songwriter, band member, and, most importantly, solo artist.
For fans of country, Americana, and heartfelt storytelling, Pins and Needles is an essential listen. It’s a reminder that Natalie Hemby, long celebrated for her behind-the-scenes contributions to some of the biggest names in music, is an artist in her own right, with a voice and perspective that deserves to be heard.
Track Listing
Heroes
New Madrid
Pins And Needles
Lake Air
Hardest Part About Business
Banshee
Radio Silence
Heart Condition
Pinwheel
It Takes One To Know One
Last Resort
