STEPHANIE QUAYLE - Why Do We Stay? - Big Sky Music Group

Since breaking onto the country music scene with the nostalgic infused “Drinkin’ With Dolly,” Stephanie Quayle has continually elevated her sound with a bright spotlight on her incredible vocal prowess, hitting a full scope of her range through the summertime flare of “Winnebago,” the sultriness of “Selfish,” the heartfelt storytelling of “We Buy Gold,” and the open letter wish list, “I Want The World For You.”

But right down the middle of each next evolution of her music, pieces of who she is at her core have slowly been revealed to the listener, culminating in the release of her most personal album to date, 2022’s On the Edge.

The diary of her life’s darkest road has already resulted in a healing journey for herself that’s powerfully resonated a restoration of broken hearts. However, as part of the deluxe version of the album, On The Edge: Forgiven (May 10, 2024), she now stamps a bold exclamation point on her story with the very powerful new track, “Why Do We Stay?”

With a soft sway embedded into the addictive flow of the melody, Quayle allows her voice to float within a vibe of freedom as she comes from a place of overcoming while unselfishly extending a hand back to those who are needing a lift out of their own situations and up into the place where she’s standing at today atop the mountain.

While the lyrics expertly place strong focus on the characteristic traits of a toxic relationship, Quayle craftily resists pointing blame at the other party, consistently signaling what to recognize in your own changing behaviors that define your acceptance of what should never be; “We tell our friends we're on the mend, "It's better than before,” “Excuses made, smiles are fake, pretending things are good,” etc.

There’s a noticeable shift as song progresses into the bridge, and the final chorus, that sees Quayle fully embracing the roll of encourager, reminding you through her own lived experiences that it’s okay to walk away from what’s not right for you.

There’s a therapeutic comfort that Quayle tallies through the tones of her voice that masterfully offers an understanding shoulder to lean on so that is always feels as if the tough love advice she’s offering is coming from the perspective of a longtime friend who once stood in your shoes.

But while understanding your situation just like any good friend should, Quayle also doesn’t want you to stay stuck in that toxic place as she uses each line of this song to continually help you discover your inner strength and find redemptive peace in waking away and into your next chapter of self-worth and freedom.

(Review Written By: Jeffrey Kurtis)

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