Kelsea Ballerini : Patterns Review
by Shannon Smith
Released in October 2024, Kelsea Ballerini’s fifth studio album, Patterns, marks a significant evolution in her blend of country roots and mainstream pop appeal. Ballerini steps into a more introspective and sonically adventurous space with this release. Co-produced with Alysa Vanderheym, the album collaborates with artists like Noah Kahan and boasts her highest charting debut yet. Beyond its commercial success, Patterns invites a deeper reflection on the cyclical nature of relationships and self-discovery, an aspect that permeates the album but has yet to be fully explored in reviews.
The album’s title, Patterns, suggests more than just melodies and rhythms—it gestures toward the repeating motifs of life, love, and personal experiences. Ballerini skillfully uses the song lyrics to easily create imagery to depict how old habits resurface and how familiar emotional landscapes are revisited. The opening track, “Patterns,” exemplifies this with lyrics like “Maybe more than I like healing,
I like the feeling of the feeling, That leaves me staring at the ceiling.” The song’s intertwining acoustic sounds and shimmering subtle synth lines evoke the sensation of circling back to unresolved moments.
“Cowboys Cry Too” (featuring Noah Kahan) highlights Ballerini’s engaging knack for storytelling with emotional nuance. The track upends traditional gender tropes, offering a vulnerable portrayal of heartbreak from a male perspective. The duet’s interplay of voices creates an arresting call-and-response narrative, made richer by the sparse, country-inspired instrumentation and building chord progression.
“We Broke Up” is electro-pop mixing with elements of country to tell the story about unraveling relationships. Ballerini’s vocals glide between soft vulnerability and powerful resolve, supported by easily identifiable electro-pop sounds in the drums. The song’s form swells into an electronic crescendo of sounds. The refrain, “It’s over,” becomes a mantra of resilience.
“Baggage” is a mid-tempo number that juxtaposes nostalgia with the acceptance of change. The acoustic and electronic instruments support the catchy melody and layered harmonies nod to her country roots, while the chorus’ lush, atmospheric production hints at pop influences. The lyrics reflect on outgrowing past identities without bitterness: “I got Baggage,
Patterns resonates with lyrics that will appeal to listeners who have experienced the duality of nostalgia and progress. Ballerini’s openness about her personal journey—including themes of vulnerability, healing, and self-reclamation—cements her role as a voice for those navigating similar emotional landscapes.
With Patterns, Kelsea Ballerini continues to mix genre boundaries and deepens her artistic narrative. The record’s exploration of recurring life patterns feels universally relatable. Its sonic palette—a blend of country warmth and modern electro-pop—underscores Ballerini’s ability to balance authenticity with her lyrical and vocal maturity. Patterns is a standout release that solidifies her status in country music and invites listeners to find meaning in their recurring stories.