Converting the Skeptics: A Curated Guide to Ingrid Andress

Yes, we heard the anthem. But hear us out.

Welcome back to Don’t Rock the Inbox! This is the another iteration of one of our new schemes: Instead of having new (and some old) country round-ups for paying subscribers every Friday, we’re shaking things up — including with some themed, curated guides coupled with a playlist. Subscribe to get access, and listen along! And catch up on our last four guides, on Sam Hunt, Reba, Eric Church and Kip Moore.

Photo: @kirstenbalani

Though the news cycle has thankfully moved on, I can’t stop thinking about Ingrid Andress, who catapulted to the top of the national consciousness for a rather disastrous performance of the National Anthem last week (last year? Last month? Time no longer exists). Andress claimed to be intoxicated and is heading to rehab, and we wish her nothing but healing, recovery and support – alcohol is so centered in the world of country music and country music success, and though I have no intimate knowledge around Andress’ particular situation, I have seen far too many label or management teams look the other way and fail to address an artist’s addiction in favor of keeping the dollars rolling in. I hope, when she is ready, Nashville offers Andress the same warm return we have given to folks who throw chairs off roofs and say racial slurs on camera (*clears throat*).

Anyway, I am a fan of Andress. She’s a really smart writer and an engaging performer, who is a far more capable singer than one shitty, cursed day would lead you to believe (the same qualities that make her vocals interesting were probably working against her on anthem day). So we figured we’d walk you through a sampling of some of her best songs, to hopefully help anyone look past that One Bad Moment that shouldn’t define her whole future.

- Marissa