In case you didn’t know, Kelsea Ballerini just released her third album! Over the last couple of weeks, it has become my new favorite thing to listen to during the day while working from home. It’s also my shower playlist, my sanity walk playlist…basically, I’ve been listening to this album nonstop. So to celebrate a new album that I love, I decided to recreate the album cover and review each song. Below you’ll find my favorite line, overall thoughts on the song and where I rate it 1-13. (so 1/13 is my number one song on the album, just for reference….it’s a rating not a fraction).
overshare
favorite line: I overshare, because I over-care // ‘Bout the person over there, who’s completely unaware that // I overthink,
thoughts: I feel like Kelsea climbed inside my own head to write this song. For one thing, I love that it’s the album opener because its fun and super catchy. The other day, someone was telling me I need to learn stop talking because I always overshare when I’m nervous. So I feel seen. ranking: 3/13
club
favorite line: I don’t wanna wake up on the floor of a bathroom // Lookin’ at the stamps on my hand like a tattoo // Say I’m never doin’ that again if I don’t have to
thoughts: Another insanely relatable song, right when I needed it. Of course, now I’m kicking myself for ever saying no to any sort of social gathering. As relatable as I find this song, it’s not my favorite but I’m so glad I’m not the only person who feels this way sometimes. rating: 12/13
homecoming queen?
favorite line: Did you want the crown// Or does it weigh you down// Nobody’s feeling sorry for ya
thoughts: So this was the lead single off of this album, and I’m a little surprised it was. Of course it’s super moving, relatable and I love the music video (I even did a recreation for it) but compared to the other songs on the album, I’m not the biggest fan. Doesn’t mean I dislike the song, I just love all the other ones better. rating: 13/13
the other girl (with halsey)
favorite line: I bet you’re bold, I bet that’s why// You seem to occupy his mind
thoughts: I’ve been a fan of Halsey for years and it makes me so happy they are friends! I love a country-pop crossover. I think the concept of the song is brilliant and weird enough, I really enjoy songs about ‘the other woman’. The only thing that throws me off is that Kelsea is married and when I picture her husband trying to be unfaithful or get with Halsey… it just doesn’t make sense in my head. rating: 4/13
love me like a girl
favorite line: I love the way you make me feel like I’m safely// In the palm of your hand
thoughts: I like how this song starts slow and it sounds like how the album looks: fields of green, hints of pink and blue skies. I totally understand this song and what Kelsea is saying. And I’m all for support from the girls when you’re feeling down. Not that I’ve ever related to this song, but I keep thinking to myself when I listen to the chorus… “You known Kelsea…some women are gay…” But I know that’s not what she’s saying or the point of the song. I just think it’s funny. rating: 7/13
love and hate
favorite line: We used to be so happy, didn’t we
thoughts: I didn’t even know Ed Sheeran helped write this until like two days ago. The hook surprised me because when I first heard this song, I thought it would be about a more overarching ‘love and hate’ concept. Like a more worldly view, not so much about a relationship. But I always talk to my friend Jesse about how close love and hate are in the brain, so you gotta be careful…Kelsea gets it. rating: 10/13
bragger
favorite line: I’ve got his nights, I’ve got his name// There ain’t no shame in this girl’s game
thoughts: Ooooo spicy. I like this vibe. It’s cute she’s bragging about her husband. Get it girl. I’m feeling some pop undertones with this song, and I totally envision like a cat and mouse/ James Bond-spy movie like music video. rating: 9/13
hole in the bottle
favorite line: I won’t cry// About love gone wrong// ‘Cause tears would water down this ruby red I’m sippin’ on
thoughts: The talking in the beginning and end are so funny! What a classic country song. Makes me want to line dance with a bottle of wine with the girls. I love clever songs like this that are basically just a sarcastic satire serenade. rating: 6/13
half of my hometown (feat. kenny chesney)
favorite line: They knew the words, they sang them loud// And all I wanna do is make them proud// ‘Cause half of me will always be// From Knoxville, Tennessee
thoughts: The fact she got Kenny on this song just makes my heart sing. This is my favorite song to walk around my neighborhood to. This does remind me a lot of her song ‘high school’ from her last album, but when Kelsea is able to tour again, I would love if she used this song for her tour music video. This song paints such a story and I keep getting random flashbacks of places I’ve never been. This songs makes me cry and I’m not even from Knoxville. rating: 5/13
the way I used to
favorite line: Ignore me// It’s just tequila talkin’
thoughts: As against lurking as I am, I love this song. This song was so close to being my favorite on the album. Her voice sounds amazing, its catchy and girl we have all been there. The fact that Kelsea can turn these sort of situations into a song amazes me. When a relationship ends its so normal to be curious about who they moved on to, do a little lurking and to not be used to the idea that you’re not together anymore. I love that the hook and how she is basically getting drunk and ‘accidentally’ write a song. It’s like breaking the fourth wall. The mention of tequila speaks to me. rating: 2/13
needy
favorite line: If not sayin’ enough’s gonna make you leave me// I swear to God, I’ll talk all day
thoughts: My favorite song on the album. This reminds me of the song they play at the end of the early 2000s rom com when the girl gets the guy. This is my favorite because I love the concept of embracing your independence and having that mindset of ‘not needing anyone’. But then you meet that person and all you want is their attention 24/7. It has been a while since I’ve felt this way but the vibe of the song really captures that feeling to me. And it makes me happy. rating: 1/13
a country song
favorite line: Got me through the drama with my ex// The first time that I had sex// The day the word divorce got really real// My first year in Nashville
thoughts: Does every country artist need to write a country song about writing a country song? Is that like an initiation into the Hall of Fame? I mean, I like the storytelling she shares and I always sway to this song when it comes on. This song played in her “making the album” video and that was very fitting. I love watching those behind the scenes processes. rating: 11/13
la
favorite line: I watch the sun sink down over Santa Monica Boulevard// When I’m lonely and I’m missin’ home
thoughts: Oh how I wish I was still going to LA this year. When this song came out before the rest of the album I felt it was a little too similar to ‘club’ and ‘homecoming queen?’ but when I listen to it with the whole album, it’s a great album closer. It is nice to see this viewpoint of Kelsea and how grounded she still is. And I like the “ooo oooo” melody throughout the song. And if I was a better reviewer of music, I would be able to describe that better than just the “ooo oooo” sounds. rating: 8/13
Overall: Even my least favorite songs on this album are growing on me and I still sing along to them. So basically, there are no bad songs This album touches so many different emotions and situations and I’ve always loved how relatable Kelsea’s songwriting is. I hope I get to see Kelsea on tour…eventually??? I saw her last year in Salisbury from the pit and it was amazing!! Who even knows when concerts will be a thing again. But button line, if you haven’t listened to this album yet you totally should.
I borrowed this dress from Rent the Runway and I took this photos in my backyard with my camera and tripod. Recreating Kelsea’s album cover was surprisingly easy and super fun. But of course, there was a lot of trial and error and running back and worth since I took these by myself. I also had to swat away a ton of bugs. I don’t know how she managed to look so effortlessly stunning and relaxed in these photos while in the grass. I was so worried about getting bugs in my hair.
Have you listened to Kelsea’s album yet? What’s your favorite song? Comment below!
Thanks for reading! xx