Colbie Caillat - This Time Around (2025) (Hi-Res)

Colbie Caillat’s “This Time Around”: A Harmonious Celebration of Legacy and Collaboration. By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine. For over a decade, Colbie Caillat has been a defining voice in pop music, her gentle, sun-soaked melodies providing the soundtrack for a generation. Now, the 5X GRAMMY nominee returns with This Time Around, a duets album that is both a loving tribute to her past and a bold step into her future. The project reimagines her greatest hits with a fresh lens, enlisting an impressive roster of country, pop, and soul artists who are also her longtime friends. With over 15 billion global streams and a career built on heartfelt songwriting, Caillat uses this album not just to look back, but to create something entirely new. This Time Around is a masterclass in collaboration, proving that the enduring magic of her songs is amplified when shared with others.

Song-by-Song Breakdown:

1. “Fallin’ For You” featuring Maren Morris The album opens with a vibrant new take on “Fallin’ For You.” Maren Morris’s country-pop sensibilities add a new layer of warmth and a slightly grittier texture to the sweet, romantic original. Their voices blend seamlessly, turning the youthful infatuation of the song into a more mature, powerful declaration.

2. “Brighter Than The Sun” featuring Walker Hayes Walker Hayes brings his signature rhythmic, conversational style to “Brighter Than The Sun.” The pairing is an unexpected delight, as Hayes’s unique vocal cadence provides a charming counterpoint to Caillat’s smooth delivery. The song’s joyous, optimistic message is perfectly suited to their combined artistry.

3. “Bubbly” featuring Amos Lee The song that started it all, “Bubbly,” gets a soulful reimagining with Amos Lee. Lee’s warm, gravelly tones ground the song in a new way, transforming the breezy innocence of the original into a richer, more profound ballad. The duet feels intimate and timeless, a testament to the song’s classic structure.

4. “Kinda Single” featuring Lee Brice This new original track is a standout, blending Caillat’s pop-folk roots with Lee Brice’s modern country sound. The song explores the complicated feelings of being “kinda single,” with both artists delivering a nuanced performance that perfectly captures the ambiguity and emotional weight of the subject.

5. “Live Without” featuring Maddie and Tae The harmony-driven energy of Maddie and Tae elevates “Live Without,” an original co-written by Caillat. Their tight, melodic blend feels like a natural extension of Caillat’s sound, creating a cohesive and compelling track that feels instantly classic.

6. “Circles” featuring Gavin DeGraw Gavin DeGraw’s powerhouse vocals and piano-man style add a dramatic flair to “Circles.” His soulful intensity complements Caillat’s softer approach, creating a dynamic duet that builds to an emotional crescendo. It’s a powerful and memorable take on the original.

7. “Realize” featuring Mitchell Tenpenny Mitchell Tenpenny brings a country sensibility to the beloved hit “Realize.” His smooth, earnest vocals add a fresh layer to the song’s timeless message of love and connection. The result is a heartfelt and beautifully rendered duet that honors the original’s spirit.

8. “Lucky” featuring Jason Mraz The GRAMMY-winning, 4X platinum duet gets a long-awaited reunion on this album. Caillat and Mraz’s chemistry is as palpable as ever, and this reimagined version feels like catching up with old friends. The track is a nostalgic and joyful highlight, reminding listeners why they became such a legendary duo.

9. “Try” featuring Hillary Scott Hillary Scott’s powerful vocals add a rich, soulful depth to the empowering anthem “Try.” The message of self-acceptance and inner beauty is amplified by their combined voices, creating a moving and uplifting new rendition that feels even more impactful than the original.

10. “I Never Told You” featuring Chris Young Chris Young’s deep, resonant voice is a perfect match for the tender melancholy of “I Never Told You.” His country ballad style gives the song a cinematic quality, transforming the quiet heartbreak of the original into a sweeping, emotionally charged duet.

11. “Can’t Say No” featuring Ryan Hurd Another new original, “Can’t Say No” with Ryan Hurd, showcases Caillat’s seamless transition into a more collaborative sound. The song is a playful, flirty track that benefits from the charming back-and-forth between the two artists, showcasing their easy chemistry.

12. “If You Love Me Let Me Go” featuring Russell Dickerson The album concludes with this emotional duet featuring Russell Dickerson. His bright, pop-country style gives the song an energetic, driving feel. The track is a powerful closer, leaving listeners with a feeling of catharsis and a sense of optimism for the future.

Overall Impression:

This Time Around is more than a simple greatest hits album with new features; it is a meticulously crafted project that celebrates the evolution of Colbie Caillat as both a songwriter and a collaborator. The album succeeds in introducing her to new audiences while reminding longtime fans of the timeless quality of her music. Each duet feels deliberate and meaningful, with the featured artists adding their unique perspectives without ever overshadowing Caillat’s signature sound. It is a testament to her enduring influence and her ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The album not only honors her legacy but solidifies her place as a true musical icon.

Tracklist
1. Fallin’ For You (feat. Maren Morris) (3:37)
2. Brighter Than The Sun (feat. Walker Hayes) (3:50)
3. Bubbly (feat. Amos Lee) (3:19)
4. Kinda Single (feat. Lee Brice) (3:19)
5. Live Without (feat. Maddie & Tae) (3:13)
6. Circles (feat. Gavin DeGraw) (3:46)
7. Realize (feat. Mitchell Tenpenny) (4:25)
8. Lucky (feat. Jason Mraz) (3:09)
9. Try (feat. Hillary Scott) (3:44)
10. I Never Told You (feat. Chris Young) (3:23)
11. Can’t Say No (feat. Ryan Hurd) (3:25)
12. If You Love Me Let Me Go (feat. Russell Dickerson) (3:52)