Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald has made a vibrant return to the music scene with her sixth studio album, Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For?, released on July 11, 2025. Issued through BMG and Infectious Records, the 36-minute record blends emotive folk-rock with contemporary electronic textures, marking Macdonald’s strongest, most personal work to date .
The album arrives nearly four years after her 2020 release The Human Demands. Macdonald took a hiatus to reflect on the shifting dynamics of the music industry—particularly the rise of streaming—and to reassess her relationship with music as art versus commerce . In a candid voice-over during her recording vlog, she noted fans’ growing hunger for constant output and her own need to slow down and reconnect with the creative process .
Recording sessions unfolded across London and Munich between late 2024 and early 2025. Macdonald enlisted the talents of Grammy‑nominated producer Jim Abbiss, known for his work with Adele and Arctic Monkeys, and emerging German producer Nicolas Rebscher . Their collaboration yielded a crisp, energetic sound that meshes organic instrumentation with subtle electronic elements.
Critics have responded positively. The Skinny awarded the album four stars, praising its “signature blend of melodic pop-rock and unmistakable Scottish grit,” noting that its themes explore survival, identity, and standing one’s ground with sincerity and urgency . The title track—a euphoric, foot-stomping anthem—channels the energy of a live performance and reflects her response to the relentless demands of streaming culture . Music Talkers highlighted its emotional depth and cohesion, observing Macdonald as “confident in her craft, rooted in gratitude, and still playing to sold‑out crowds” .
Lyrically, Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For? delves into themes of resilience, toxic relationships, emotional survival, and reflective liberation. Songs such as “Trapped” tell intimate stories, including a moving portrayal of a friend navigating divorce (“Can you break me out? / Help me break these chains around my feet?”), while “Can You Hear Me?” and “Forward” radiate communal solidarity and defiant optimism amidst global hardships .
Beyond its sonic character, the album is deeply personal for Macdonald. With over 12 million records sold and over a billion streams in her catalog, she described this record as perhaps her most introspective yet, connecting her established voice with newfound emotional transparency .
The lead single, “Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For?”, premiered on BBC Radio 2 on April 24, 2025, celebrating her return to form and laying the groundwork for the album’s launch . Since then, she rolled out additional singles—“Forward” on May 16 and “Can You Hear Me?” on June 18—to critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response .
To mark the release, Macdonald performed a surprise free show in her hometown Glasgow on April 25, delighting local fans and building momentum for the album drop . The accompanying summer tour kicked off at Warrington’s Neighbourhood Weekender Festival on May 24, followed by festival performances at iconic events such as Isle of Wight on June 20 and Switzerland’s Moon & Stars Festival on July 16 .
Demand for her shows has proven robust. She announced a major UK and European arena tour spanning late 2025 into early 2026. Notably, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro originally scheduled for December 12 sold out in under six months—prompting the addition of a second date on December 11 to meet fan demand . Macdonald expressed her astonishment at the speed of the sell-out, calling it “faster than I ever imagined,” and citing global challenges—from inflation to geopolitical strife—as inspiration behind tracks like “Forward” .
With this album and her upcoming tour, Macdonald bridges her folk-rock roots with a more polished, arena-ready sound. The 10-track collection clocks in at just over 36 minutes—tight, focused, and resonant .
Overall, Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For? represents a confident re-emergence. Balancing vulnerability and empowerment, Macdonald delivers a cohesive record that honors her past successes while forging a path forward in an ever-evolving industry. It’s a statement of purpose from an artist who refuses to be defined by trends, choosing instead introspection, nuance, and artistry.
Fans and critics alike are embracing her return—and her refreshed outlook. As Macdonald tours the globe, her latest offering is poised to resonate deeply with audiences seeking authenticity, emotional depth, and the thrill of live connection.