American country singer Kelsea Ballerini released her third studio album “Kelsea” on March 20.
Its release was preceded by the single “Homecoming Queen?” with the second single, “The Other Girl,” featuring Halsey, released on April 20. Kenny Chesney is also featured on the album, contributing vocals to the track “Half of my Hometown.”
“Kelsea” is a refreshingly relatable look at country-pop stardom, with Ballerini showcasing her vulnerability through an honest songwriting voice that makes her incredibly relatable.
It’s a collection of catchy country-pop songs with a few ballads that are sure to leave you smiling at the end of it all.
Highlights
1. “Hole in the Bottle”
Beginning and ending with a tongue-in-cheek sample about drinking, the singer shows that she’s just like any normal person who might get lost in a glass of wine or two. This is a catchy tune and it’ll have you singing along in no time.
2. “LA”
Certainly the most reflective track on the album, “Kelsea” closes with Ballerini pondering her relationship with the city of Los Angeles. It’s a beautiful tune and her voice suits the melody well.
3. “Bragger”
This song has total control of its swagger and it’s a real bop. Ballerini boasts about her husband, fellow country singer Morgan Evans, through a catchy instrumental that will no doubt get stuck in your head.
Background
Ballerini started pursuing a career in music at a young age.
She signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment at 19 and dropped her debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” in July 2014.
Her self-titled debut extended play was released in November of that year and included five songs that would later be put on her debut album.
CMT proclaimed her one of their Next Women of Country the same year and she performed at the Grand Ole Opry in early 2015.
In May 2015, Ballerini’s debut studio album, “The First Time,” was released. “Love Me Like You Mean It” reached the top position on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and Ballerini became the first female country artist to have a debut single in that position since Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel” in 2006.
Her second studio album, “Unapologetically,” was released in November 2017, reaching the number seven position on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ballerini mentioned that her third album was finished in July 2019, disclosing the title and release date in January 2020. The next month saw the album’s track list revealed.
I’m normally not a fan of country music, but I do like Ballerini as an artist. Her personality and energy are infectious, and those qualities reveal themselves all throughout “Kelsea.”
These showcases include the wine-drunk tune “Hole in the Bottle” and the charming “The Way I Used To.” Ballerini commands these tracks with a spirited and twangy voice and the finished product is a wonderful mix that will show the listener the core of what makes Ballerini the person she is today.
