Trae Edwards "I Believed" album review

Trae Edwards’ debut album, I Believed, is a combination of upbeat tunes and love ballads that are guaranteed to uplift you and tug at your heartstrings.

At the age of 5, an innocent incident led to the discovery of a lifelong career path for country singer Trae Edwards. At a PTA meeting in Oxford, Alabama, his mom lifted him up on the table and handed him a fake microphone to sing.

From there, he performed in school and church to anyone who would listen, eventually earning a vocal scholarship to Jacksonville State University in Alabama and winning the male vocalist competition in the Charles Daniel Country Round-Up.

He settled in Nashville, reigning for 20 years as a session singer and a sought-after photographer and graphic artist. Trae has performed alongside Alison Krauss, Naomi Judd, Wynonna, Trace Atkins, Joe Diffee, and Tracey Lawrence.

I Believed, produced by Edwards and George Hairr, was released independently on September 17, 2012 and its 11 tracks are a blend of contemporary country with light rock and Southern Gospel influences.

Two stand-out tracks are “Nothing’s Changed” and “I Believed.”

“Nothing’s Changed” is the type of song every girl wishes a boy would sing about her. Throughout the years, the boy’s love for her has not wavered. The song is filled with images of everlasting love including couples holding hands driving in a Chevrolet and shooting stars.

“I Believed” is a very powerful track detailing Edwards’ personal history, showcasing his confidence in making a name for himself despite his meager living situations and many critics. His deep, sultry voice pairs perfectly with the determined lyrics, giving listeners the courage to fight for their wildest dreams just as he did.

“I’ve waited a long time to tell my own story and share things that really move me,” Edwards commented. “I live by the rule, ‘if you can touch a heart you can touch a life.’ I always believed that the time would come, and it just felt like this was the right time.”

According to his first single and title track, Trae Edwards “believed” in himself enough to continue pursuing his passions despite many setbacks. And now, after hearing his incredible first album, so do we.

I Believed is available on Itunes, Google Play, and Amazon.