Maddie & Tae Bring Love and Light To Joe’s In Rosemont
Break out your sequins and feather boas. It was girls’ night out on the Love and Light Tour. Maddie and Tae did a pre-show meet and greet for diehard fans. Opening for Maddie and Tae was newcomers Just Jayne. In case you are wondering if Just Jayne is just one person, you would be mistaken. Members are Jillian Steele, Taylor Edwards, and Rachel Wiggins. Country music girl groups are making a comeback with “Runaway June,” “The Castellows,” “Tigerlily Gold,” and now “Just Jayne.” If you’ve never heard of Just Jayne before, it’s probably because they only have 3 singles out now and have only been a group for about 2 years.
Taken with iphoneTheir debut single, "This Morning," which blew up on TikTok, is a response to Morgan Wallen's hit "Last Night.” They were the perfect opener for Maddie & Tae. Their upbeat heartbreak songs fit right in. I need to know where they got their outfits because I was obsessed with their sparkly jeans. Giving The Chicks meets Spice Girls, their harmonies and choreographed dance moves did not disappoint. They did a medley of classic early 2000s girl group songs pulling from The Chicks, TLC, and Destiny’s Child. They closed with their latest release, "All Backroads," is a summer-ready track that highlights their skillful songwriting. Looking forward to what this group has in store in the future.
Taken with iphoneMaddie and Tae opened with “Free Like,” which is a new one off their upcoming album, and transitioned into classic “Shut Up And Fish.” I remember burning that song on a mixed CD for my dad when I was in high school. It’s hard to believe that Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye have been on country radio for over 10 years now and they’re only 30 years old (insert shocked emoji). They came out looking as bright, sparkly, and bubbly as I remember. Despite having many sad breakup songs in their set, if you’re looking for a feel-good show, this is one for you.
Taken with iphoneTheir set was filled with well-known chart toppers as well as cheerful contemporary tracks. They went way back in their catalog for “Sierra,” which is about a mean girl at Maddie’s high school, and “Your Side of Tow,n” which is about Tae’s ex-boyfriend. “Kissing Cowboys” was my favorite addition to the setlist as it is playful and easy to sing along to. Tae brought out a tambourine for “Any Kinda Lovin’.” My one criticism is that they could’ve done more with their stage setup and lighting. I expected fun visuals, unique props, and all the bright lights. The stage did not match the energy in the room.
Taken with iphoneYou can tell by their energy that Maddie and Tae really are girls with an “I’ll help you bury the body” kind of friendship. They’re moms, artists, friends, songwriters, performers, and storytellers. Which was all captured in their new song “Chasing Babies and Raising Dreams.” Maturing from broken hearts and bathroom floors to raising babies in the public eye.
Taken with iphoneThe mood got funky during “Drunk Girls in Bathrooms” with the lighting giving a disco ball effect. Joe’s echoed during “Die From a Broken Heart,” which was the closer. Maddie really let her voice show during the last chorus of “Bathroom Floor,” which they encored with. It practically rattled the venue. Definitely a strong note to end the night on. Literally. I am excited to see how their music evolves as they move onto the next chapter of their lives. Their 4th studio album “Love and Light” comes out Friday, May 2nd. Check it out!
