Music Review: Samantha Rae – Gaslighter
- Bryon Harris
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
Samantha Rae’s Gaslighter opens with a full-bodied southern country sound that blends grit with polish. The song sets the stage with acoustic picking, strummed chords, and a steady beat punctuated by light percussion and electric guitar accents. It’s a soundscape that feels both traditional and modern, pulling you in instantly. There’s swagger here—a confidence that makes you nod along before the first lyric even arrives.
When Samantha’s voice enters on the opening lines:
“Footsteps in the night Gaslight’s dim. Wishing you were here But where you been”
—it’s clear this is storytelling at its finest. Her vocals are commanding, strong, and authentically country. She paints a vivid picture of suspicion and unease, the kind of raw emotional honesty that makes classic country so relatable.
Lyrics That Hit Hard
The chorus is where Gaslighter truly ignites:
“Hell I’d do anything
But you’re a murdering two timer
Whistle blowing old timer
Taking me out
Oo Oo Oo
Walking on a thin wire
Cage me like a dog fighterY
ou’re a, you’re aGaslighter”
This refrain is unforgettable—sharp, catchy, and unapologetically raw. The choice of imagery (“walking on a thin wire,” “cage me like a dog fighter”) captures the suffocating intensity of being caught in a toxic relationship. It’s visceral songwriting that lingers long after the final note.
Background harmonies and well-placed electric guitar solos add an extra punch, bringing in shades of southern rock that elevate the track’s energy. There’s a duality at play: a firestorm of strength in the chorus, balanced by a surprising acoustic outro that slows everything down, letting the listener sit with the story until the last beat.
Meaning & Inspiration
Gaslighter is a song about betrayal, manipulation, and reclaiming your voice in the face of toxic love. Inspired by the 1944 psychological thriller Gaslight, Samantha Rae and Jay DellIsola translated that narrative of deceit into a modern country anthem. It resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever been strung along, lied to, or trapped in the shadow of a two-timer. This isn’t just a breakup song—it’s an anthem for anyone who’s walked away from manipulation with their head held high.
Production & Musicianship
The production is top-tier. Jay DellIsola’s guitar work and arrangement anchor the song, while session musicians like Chris Loocke (electric guitar) and Sasha Ostrovsky (dobro) add texture and depth. The mix by Grammy-winner Chad Carlson ensures the track is radio-ready, while Adam Ayan’s mastering brings clarity and punch. Every layer—fiddle, banjo, piano, organ, percussion—feels purposeful, creating a full-bodied sound that balances Nashville polish with raw country grit.
About Samantha Rae
Samantha Rae is more than just a rising country artist—she’s a powerhouse performer with deep roots in New England. When she’s not training championship American Saddlebred horses in southern New Hampshire, she’s commanding stages across the Northeast, sharing bills with Keith Urban, Lady A, Dierks Bentley, and more. Her debut album The High Road has already earned hundreds of thousands of streams and media acclaim. With Gaslighter, Samantha Rae proves she’s an artist with staying power—fearless, authentic, and unafraid to call out the truth.
🎵 Listen to Samantha Rae – Gaslighter: Official Website Spotify
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