SINGLE REVIEW: MACARTNEY REINHARDT - DO I EVEN COUNT?

Heading to make her UK debut at Country Calling 2026 is Macartney Reinhardt and ahead of that, comes her latest single "Do I Even Count?", which is certainly her biggest and boldest song, in terms of both sound and songwriting with a bold tune and lyrics that will surely reach out to a wide audience.

#TEAMw21 have been supporting Macartney for over five years now and she has rewarded us with a consistent unbroken stream of excellent singles, yet as the acoustic guitar and fiddle plays out the introduction, even we were surprised at quite where this song takes us as it confronts a most serious subject, the feelings of doubt and being overlooked. With a blossoming career, it might be perceived that someone like Macartney would never face such issues yet the heartfelt, honestly delivered lyrics say otherwise.

"If I had a dollar for every mirror that gave me hell

I'd be standing on a money mountain just trying to fix myself

If I could fill some bleachers, with all the friends I've made

There'd never be a lonely hour, where I wish for better days"

Macartney's vocals have a real sense of owning the words of which she is singing, there's a sense of disdain, frustration poured out as she sings "Gave me hell". They come after the fiddle in the background has set the perfect sympathetic background, it is only fifteen seconds or so but it hits the spot in creating the perfect atmosphere. It lulls you into a false sense of security as it in no way prepares for the explosion of sound that comes with the chorus.

"I've been running for the longest time

And I've been begging just to find some peace of mind

For a light in the dark

Even if it's a spark

I'm finding my way out

But I can't help but wonder

Do I Even Count?"

It's a pernicious feeling, one that cannot be helped by someone telling you all is well if you cannot bring yourself to believe and the angst is written in every word. The second verse really brings to the fore the anxiety being felt, a feeling that is sure to resonate with others.

"What if there's a reason for the things I hear them say?

Honestly the honesty, they couldn't handle anyway

Is there something different?,

Am I who I'm supposed to be?

Is it adding up, am I enough ?

Will I ever feel like me?"

The final word of the second chorus is delightfully extended and takes us into a big old guitar solo!

With the bridge really nailing home the issue, that there is no need to match up to anyone or their expectations, Macartney offers that spark of light, that beacon of hope to others in a similar situation

"If comparisons the thing within that steals me of my joy

I'll put it under lock and key and take away its voice"

The final chorus starts with just Macartney and a guitar, giving you a chance to really appreciate her voice before the band once more rejoin. There's an exquisite final touch where Macartney wistfully coos her closing vocals, only to be echoed by the fiddle, closing out in the same impressive way in which it had started the song.

"Do I Even Count?" is released 27/3

Macartney Reinhardt will make her UK debut at Country Calling 2026 14th - 16th August.