CMAT – ‘Euro-Country’ Review: From Giving Icon Energy to Becoming One

Step into 2025 with CMAT’s ‘Euro-Country,’ where catchy charm meets profound storytelling in a genre-defying blend.

A Summer of CMAT Magic

If you’ve been anywhere near indie and alt music scenes this summer, you couldn’t escape the spell CMAT cast. Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, known simply as CMAT, has been everywhere—from festival stages to the airwaves. I remember catching her at a festival this year, and man, she had that crowd eating out of her hand. She nailed it with a Glastonbury moment that felt like a bold “This is just the beginning.” Her track “Running/Planning” was on constant radio rotation, while her viral TikTok dance for “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me” had celebs and fans alike shaking a leg.

There’s an infectious joy in everything she does—a bubbly charisma wrapped up with razor-sharp wit and emotional depth. CMAT’s not just about catchy tunes; she lands every lyric with the punch of someone who’s lived the rollercoaster of life, love, and everything in between.

Evolution From the Roots of Country Pop

Her previous albums, If My Wife New I’d Be Dead (2022) and Crazymad, For Me, earned her the title of “Dublin’s answer to Dolly Parton” for good reason. CMAT’s knack for turning personal heartbreak and chaotic relationships into rollicking, toe-tapping anthems hooked many of us. But with Euro-Country, something shifts—it’s not just personal tales anymore. This album dives deeper, embracing political nuance and collective pain, all while holding onto that campy humor and emotional catharsis.

The album opens with birdsong and her gentle Irish voice, drawing you into a place that’s part geography, part feeling—a blend she calls “Euro-Country.” It’s her own term, capturing both Ireland’s place in the EU and a critique of capitalism’s harsh impacts. The title track hits home with a poignant memory: “I was 12 when the da’s started killing themselves all around me,” she reflects, touching on the aftermath of the financial crash with haunting clarity.

Video Spotlight: ‘Take A Sexy Picture Of Me’

This track exploded in popularity for a reason—it’s cheeky, fun, and totally irresistible. The official video perfectly captures CMAT’s playful yet sharp approach to pop:

A Tender Yet Sharp Reflection on Ireland and Beyond

There’s a raw honesty in Euro-Country that reminds me of the emotional depths plumbed by artists like For Those I Love in Carving The Stone. Both albums grapple with the scars left by economic greed and societal upheaval, but CMAT’s approach feels lighter in tone, with sprinkles of humor and hope.

Take “When A Good Man Cries,” for instance—a powerhouse ballad that showcases her vocal range and lyrical growth. It’s Adele-sized in emotion, with fiddles that tug at your heartstrings and lyrics like, “All of my jokes have turned to prayers because they’re scarred just like their mother.” You can almost feel her transformation as a songwriter, blending pain and levity effortlessly.

“All of my jokes have turned to prayers because they’re scarred just like their mother.”

— CMAT

The personal meets the political over a cosy bed of dreamy pop.

Quirky Gems and Social Commentary

One of my favorite moments is “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station,” a mini-epic jam that’s both hilarious and oddly therapeutic. Who knew a motorway service station and a celebrity chef could mix into such an engaging story? Then there’s “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me,” which pulses with energy, reflecting on social media’s pressures with a wink.

And let’s not forget “Running/Planning,” that ultimate earworm that cleverly skewers societal expectations placed on women in relationships. It’s smart, biting, and totally danceable—the kind of song that sneaks up on you and sticks in your head for days.

Genre-Blending Brilliance

From the bubbling genre-mash of “Tree Six Foive” to the existential vibes of “Ready,” CMAT keeps surprising us. “Coronation St.” is an open-road anthem packed with humor, while “Lord Let That Tesla Crash” delivers some bitter, brilliant satire. Then there’s “Janis Joplining,” a heartfelt plea wrapped in showstopper energy.

The whole album feels like a warm, cozy pop blanket—comfortable and familiar but with enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes.

CMAT’s 2025 Manifesto: Confidence, Honesty, and Fun

Modern life might be failing us in many ways, but CMAT marches on with unshakable confidence. Euro-Country isn’t just an album; it’s a statement—a joyous, honest, and unapologetic embrace of her identity and voice. With courage and consistency, this record is poised to climb the end-of-year lists and cement CMAT’s place not just as a rising star but as a bona fide icon.

Album Details

• Release date: August 29, 2025
• Record label: CMATBaby/AWAL

Wrapping It Up: The Rise of an Icon

CMAT has been giving icon energy for a while now, but Euro-Country is where she truly becomes one. It’s an album that balances heartfelt storytelling with sharp social insights, all wrapped in irresistibly catchy tunes. If you haven’t tuned in yet, now’s the perfect moment to get swept away in CMAT’s uniquely captivating world.

Are you ready to dive deeper into Euro-Country and experience CMAT’s blend of humor, heartache, and hope? What’s your favorite track that hit you right in the feels or made you laugh out loud?

FAQ

• What does the term ‘Euro-Country’ mean in CMAT’s album?
  It’s a term CMAT coined to describe her unique take on country music with a European twist, reflecting Ireland’s place in the EU and critiquing capitalism’s impact.
• How does Euro-Country differ from CMAT’s previous albums?
  While earlier albums focused more on personal relationship stories, Euro-Country delves deeper into political and societal themes alongside her signature humor and charm.
• Which track has the viral TikTok dance challenge?
  “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me” became a TikTok sensation with a dance challenge endorsed by celebrities.
• What themes does CMAT explore in her lyrics?
  CMAT combines humor, heartbreak, political commentary, and personal reflection, often addressing societal pressures, economic hardships, and identity.
• When was Euro-Country released?
  The album was released on August 29, 2025.

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