Single Review: 'Better Than You Left Me' by Mickey Guyton

by Aprille Hanson
There are times when a new country song comes on the radio and I promptly switch it. Could be that I’m just not in the mood for new music or I’d rather sing along to the radio. That’s how I felt when I first heard Mickey Guyton’s first single “Better Than You Left Me.” I reached out to switch the dial, but then I waited … and waited … and waited until the song was over and I just heard a new song I really enjoyed. It’s about a woman who refuses to go back to her ex because, as she explains, she’s better, stronger than he left her. It’s a common country-song theme, but her voice makes it stand out. Its smooth vocals with a lot of heart. Only did I find out later that Guyton was African-American -- doesn’t change the song of course, but it was a welcome addition to the country line up of artists desperately lacking in diversity. It’s a country song about strength and courage, not partying, drinking or tearing up back-roads somewhere. It’s just a good set of lyrics, a beautiful voice and vulnerability. Though it’s a good song on its own, in the hands of the wrong artist, it could have easily been forgettable. But with a vocal talent comparable to Carrie Underwood, Guyton should have a bright future ahead of her.