For those in need of the background! Robyn Red is one of country music’s most electrifying rising stars, blending a vibrant, pop-infused twist with traditional country. Her dynamic performances and bold, empowered style are making waves. With themes of female empowerment and confidence, she’s carving a unique space in the genre. Robyn’s signature red hat has become an icon in her home country’s growing country scene. She debuted on the DF Concerts stage at Country 2 Country in Glasgow (2022), returned in 2023, and will headline in 2024. She’s also played Millport Country Music Festival, Buckle and Boots, The British Country Music Festival, TRNSMT, and more.
Beyond festivals, Robyn has headlined King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and performed at legendary venues like Liverpool’s Cavern Club, The Half Moon in London, and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. She’s self-promoted and sold out shows across Glasgow, growing from The Garage Attic to King Tut’s.
Robyn is one of our friends here at the magazine and we have been following her career with interest since the release of her debut single. We spoke to her recently (link below this review) and that interview fills us all in about the EP and its development.
I am familiar with a couple of the tracks but played the whole EP through and am reviewing each track afresh.
My review:
The EP has five tracks and runs to just over 18 minutes.
“Caledonia Looking Good on You.” In the interview we had asked Robyn whether she reflected her Scottish roots in her lyrics and music. She noted the emergence of this song: “I have a song called “Caledonia Looking Good on You.” You know, Scotland is a beautiful place, and we wanted a song that I could just run onto the stage to! “I feel it in my bones; I feel it in my boots…” So we have compared an audience with the countryside in Scotland and the different parts of Scotland, so you “take me higher than the highlands, the way you look at me.” The song’s lyrics are all Scotland-linked.”
This opens the EP in a really upbeat, sing-along manner. I can see why it is going well live, as it has an engaging beat and some blended instrumentalization (I enjoyed the presence of the fiddle in the background). I felt so much better listening to this, as previously I had been a bit grumpy! No More—this is a feel-good opening to the EP. It has to be one for radio play too – come on, Radio 2, get your finger out!!
“10 Years On.” This is an upbeat, sing-along ballad in traditional country-pop style. The lyrics have a nice personal touch and it makes for a pleasing listen and some wistful memories of underage drinking and kissing! Time moves on and memories come and go.
“Between the Two of Us.” This one brings in a great guitar sound and a trip down memory lane. Country music is always about storytelling and Robyn Red is one of those natural storytellers. A lot of her songs are pre-audience tested and she works hard to develop the sound that her listeners can connect to. I can see her audience swaying along to this one.
“My World is Yours.” Here we have a country ballad, reflective and wistful. Robyn has a skill at lifting her tracks upward to a chorus that connects to you and makes you touch the music. Nicely done! It has a feel of the Scottish Highlands in there too.
“Just Need the Wine.” This was the recent single. My colleague Anna-Louise reviewed it. She wrote: this track balances humor, energy, and a touch of chaos. Robyn’s storytelling shines through both lyrically and musically, proving once again why she’s a rising force in the country scene. With its infectious chorus and clever lyricism, “Just Need the Wine” isn’t just a party anthem—it’s a relatable snapshot of nights we’ve all experienced (or tried to forget).
I will add a little to that and say it closes the EP in fine upbeat fashion and I want to hear more from Robyn soon. I like how she connects herself to the music (“my red hat and I’m ready to go”).
In Summary: With this EP, Robyn Red wears the red hat as the crown of country-pop’s next big thing. From fiddle-fueled joyrides to wine-soaked wisdom, she proves she’s got the charm, chops, and chorus hooks to go the distance. If this is the sound of Scotland going country, then saddle up—we’re all in.
We hope you enjoyed reading the review. Please do check out some of our features while you are here. As a finishing point, to keep us improving the magazine, we really do need your support, and if you can go to the ‘Support us’ button and buy us a coffee, it helps us feel appreciated and keep improving the magazine.
Standout Tracks: “Caledonia Looking Good on You” and “Just Need the WIne.”
Stream Music from Robyn Red here
This song (below) is not on the EP, but we all love it here at the magazine!
By Lorraine Foley