Colbie Caillat and Mitchell Tenpenny have joined forces to give a fresh country twist to the beloved track ‘Realize.’ The two artists recently collaborated on the revamped version of the song, which was exclusively revealed to PEOPLE. Caillat, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, expressed her excitement about re-recording her two-times platinum hit with a new duet partner. The artist, now 39 years old, shared that she had been eager to revisit ‘Realize’ for quite some time. However, it took a while for the stars to align and for her to find the perfect collaborator.
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The serendipity of the collaboration between Caillat and Tenpenny is a tale of fate. Tenpenny, known for country hits like “Drunk Me” and “Truth About You,” had actually approached Caillat to feature on one of his songs. Coincidentally, Caillat had also been planning to ask him to join her on ‘Realize.’ The mutual admiration between the two artists set the stage for a remarkable musical partnership. Tenpenny, 35, shared his joy at the outcome, stating that the collaboration exceeded his expectations and dreams.
The chemistry between Caillat and Tenpenny is palpable in the new rendition of ‘Realize.’ Their powerful voices inject a fresh emotional depth into the 2007 classic, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with listeners. Caillat praised Tenpenny’s interpretation of the song, noting his ability to infuse it with his unique style and emotion. She was particularly moved by his ad-lib additions towards the end of the track, expressing a desire for the song to be even longer to accommodate his heartfelt contributions.
Tenpenny fondly recalled his first encounter with ‘Realize’ back in 2008, during his senior year of high school. The song had left a lasting impression on him, and he had been singing along to it for years. The mutual respect between the artists extended to the music video for the new version of ‘Realize,’ where Tenpenny graciously allowed Caillat to take the spotlight, showcasing her original composition that she co-wrote with Jason Reeves and Mikal Blue.
The stripped-down, heartfelt quality of the music video mirrors the authentic approach that Caillat has embraced in her music. The singer, who relocated to Nashville nine years ago, shared her love for incorporating elements like the steel guitar and dobro into her songs, reflecting the influence of her newfound home on her musical style. Caillat hinted at an upcoming album, with ‘Realize’ being a standout track for her due to the emotional depth brought by Tenpenny’s collaboration.
The process of revisiting and reimagining ‘Realize’ has allowed Caillat to reflect on her journey since the song’s original release. She noted the evolution of her connection to the track and how performing it now evokes new meanings and emotions. The country reimagining of the song not only pays homage to its roots but also marks a significant milestone in Caillat’s artistic growth and exploration of new musical horizons.
As Caillat continues to make strides in her music career, with upcoming performances and projects on the horizon, her collaboration with Tenpenny serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to forge connections and create unforgettable moments. The revamped version of ‘Realize’ stands as a testament to the artists’ talent and mutual respect, offering fans a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.