Maggie Rose’s new single ‘Looking Back Now’ is the reason her debut album ‘Cut to Impress’ ended up on a number of Top Albums of 2013 lists. For some, there is a special place for women who commit acts of violence in the name jealousy or safety. Never has a country song told a revenge story in such vivid detail, however.

Rose’s story of double-murder and subsequent execution will make some (men) uncomfortable. Great art does that.

And I was kicked back in his easy chair / Holding a fifth, tapping the barrel / Of a fresh cleaned, steel blue polished up 38 / And I was kind of hoping he'd at least look scared / But all he said was Okay, she was good and you don't dare,” Rose sings to close the first verse. Her pacing is more spoken-word until this point, but at the chorus, the Maryland-born singer opens up for a commanding performance.

Looking back now I probably should've let him run / Paybacks are hell where I come from,” she sings with sterling harmonies supporting her. This is the ‘I Ain’t Your Mama’ singer’s finest vocal spotlight yet. She reveals a warm, rich voice, even if her story is as cold surgical steel.

As each man dares her to pull the trigger, Rose dares radio to play a song that will surely trigger a visceral response from both sides. Sure justice is served, but country music’s first execution will still be a tough sell. Radio response and song quality aren’t always BFFs, however. The success of this song will be measured in downloads and concert tickets sold.

Why Fans Will Love It: This song makes 'Gunpowder and Lead' by Miranda Lambert seem like a children's story. It's difficult to recall another country song with two murders and an execution described in detail.

Key Lyrics: "My hands are cold as I start to slip / Sodium thiopental drips / The room goes black and I wonder if he heard me"

Did You Know?: 'Looking Back Now' first appeared as 'Whiskey and a Gun' on songwriter Lisa Carver's 'Bedtime Stories' album (2010). Her version is equally as riveting.

Listen to Maggie Rose, ‘Looking Back Now’

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