Andrea Vasquez Sets a High Bar with “Used To”

Have you ever waited on someone to rise to the potential you know that they are capable of? I’m not a father, but lately, I now know what my dad went through when I tried to pursue a goal. The best part of my job is watching people grow. I enjoy hearing about readers attempting a recipe for the first time and sharing their stories about how they made that recipe their own. Then there is the artist. I get a front-row seat to their music career, and many have become close personal friends. I get to see what they are fully capable of, sometimes before they do. I first met Andrea Vasquez a little over a year ago. Back then, she was impressive. Now, with the release of “Used To”, her talent is undeniable.

I know I’m giving Andrea a colossal compliment, and it’s not fluff. She deserves every bit of it. That said, I have personally struggled with her type of country music. It’s not a personal attack at all; I’m simply not a fan of pop-country. It’s my taste, and you may feel completely different. With that said, Andrea Vasquez is one of the most talented people I know, and I maintained hope that one day she would gut-punch this party of one. Today is that day.

I first gave “Used To” a listen at a local coffee shop turned office. Just a few seconds of music and Andrea singing, “When did you stop loving me” I wanted to jump out of my seat and pump my fist like someone hitting a scratch-off. Trying to maintain my composer in public, it all went to my face. Honest to God, the barista thought I was fixing to have a seizure. After reassuring her I was ok, I removed the earbuds from my ears, and we started listening to “Used To” together. Then the shop began to get quiet. As I looked around, everyone was trying to listen in. That’s when I knew I was not the only one who thought this song was GREAT.

“Used To” is the most country I have ever heard Andrea Vasquez sound. The song is heartbreaking and big. What do I mean by big? “Used To” is not for your dad’s honky-tonk. Instead, it would feel right at home in the largest stadium money can buy. Letting my mind wander for a bit, I can see a blacked-out stadium with one lone spotlight focused on Andrea. In many ways, Andrea’s latest single has a Reba McEntire feel all over it. Is that a bad thing? I can’t possibly come up with any reason why Andrea Vasquez would not want a career filled with stadium shows spanning decades.