Kelsea Ballerini : ballerini Review

Kelsea Ballerini is a vocalist, songwriter, and performer who, in 2019, became the only female country artist to achieve three consecutive #1 songs from a debut album. Miss Me More had five number ones, and when the album went platinum, the Grand Ole Opry welcomed her as their youngest current member. She also garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, and took home the iHeartRadio Music Awards honor for “Best New Artist.” Ballerini’s latest album, ballerini, is 13 songs of her most authentically, self-aware lyric writing to date. Writing or co-writing all of the songs on the record, and the writing credits, in her words, are “pretty RAD.” In addition to Nashville royalty Shane Macanally, Hillary Lindsay, and Ashley Gorley, she wrote with Ed Sheeran (“love & hate”), Tayla Parx (“overshare”), and Julia Michaels (“needy”). This is the first time Ballerini has been in the producer’s chair throughout the project, co-producing each track. Ballerini is a stripped-down version of kelsea with the same track-list.

Ballerini explores the depth of her song’s lyrics; for example, the fun-loving “Club” is given a more introspective meaning and musical setting. The lyrics and theme still sing strong with Ballerini’s voice capturing the new mood’s emotion and subtlety. The piano supports her tender singing and harmonies. Synth sounds float in to fill the space. Ballerini is a master in pop-country.

“Love me like a girl” is Ballerini showing her traditional country roots. With a soft guitar accompanying her, her vocals soar through the melody and touching storyline. Her vocal sound is impressive, and the stripped-down version of the song really places the focus on her beautiful voice and delivery.

Ballerini strikes an elusive balance of country, pop, and soft-rock acoustic music on ballerina. Each song’s power is stunning when both albums are listened to, and that is a testament to the songwriting and singing. Get this one.

Kelsea Ballerini: Website