Country/Review Heather Smith - Stronger

"Stronger" marks the impressive debut of Heather Smith, a New Hampshire-based singer-songwriter who has taken a bold and courageous leap into the Alt-Country genre. At 51, Heather's journey is an inspiring testament to overcoming self-doubt and fear, with her music reflecting both vulnerability and strength. The album opens with "Hey There," a song she wrote at 19, before severe anxiety caused her to step away from music for years. Its inclusion feels like a triumphant reclamation of her voice, setting the tone for an album deeply rooted in personal growth and resilience.

Tracks like "The You You Never Got to Be" and the title song "Stronger" illustrate Heather’s journey of self-discovery, while her Appalachian and Motor City heritage shine through in songs like "Room for One More." The narrative of migration from the coal mines to the Detroit auto industry is a deeply American story, and Heather brings it to life with authenticity and warmth. Songs such as "Space Lightning" and "Shot in the Dark" lean into the "alt" side of the genre, exploring darker, more introspective themes of living authentically after years of repression.

Heather’s debut is raw, heartfelt, and deeply relatable—a powerful statement of newfound strength.