Overall rating: 5/5
Mt. Joy’s folk hit “Highway Queen” has been long-awaited by many fans of the band. Now that it is finally here, fans and non-fans alike can’t get enough of this gorgeous new dance beat.
Released on March 8, “Highway Queen” first debuted live on one of Mt. Joy’s past tours. Since then, the band has continued to play this previously unreleased track on multiple occasions while on the road, teasing their audience with the possibility of a polished version of this fan favourite.
Matt Quinn, the writer of the song, said in a BroadwayWorld interview that the track “is about being in love with someone you see a bit of yourself in.” He elaborated on this, speaking about his wife having left her home country, Brazil, when she was only 15 to chase her dreams. “Living away from home corrals your demons in a specific way; you feel like the only way to outrun them is to keep moving,” Quinn said. “It’s something I personally struggle with, so I know it when I see it in someone else, especially someone I love.”
For Quinn, “Highway Queen” is a reminder that he and his wife will have each other for the rest of their lives, figuring everything out at whatever pace they need.
A rocking folk anthem, “Highway Queen” is made to be played on a warm and breezy summer day. Laced with uncontainable feelings, Mt. Joy’s newest single is undeniably one of the band’s most beautiful love songs.
With the lyrics “We could slow it down honey, let it find you / And I want you to know nobody’s leaving, no, I ain’t scared of your demons / That’s just what makes you a real thing,” it is clear that Quinn understands love and what it means to be a real walking talking human being. It’s not perfect, but it is his.
Blaring right out of the gate, “Highway Queen” opens with a catchy folk guitar riff and the bang of a kick drum. Setting the stage for the rest of the song, the musical introduction feels uniquely Mt. Joy, upholding the band’s sonically cohesive sound.
As the track progresses, the introduction of a resonant bass line and a dancing percussive beat keeps the energy of the song high. Quinn’s soaring vocals are warm and crisp, drawing the listener into the song’s loving embrace.
This track’s status as such a fan favourite at live shows makes sense, it’s whirling sound perfect for singing and dancing amongst a group of like-minded people who happen to be complete strangers.
A perfect folk sound, “Highway Queen” takes the listener on a highspeed chase that doesn’t give them a moment to stop and catch their breath until the song finally takes its bow.