For the first artist spotlight, I though I would start with Kelsea Ballerini, since she has just released her highly anticipated second studio album ‘unapologetically’.
A Tennessee native, Ballerini released her first single ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ in 2014. Getting off to a slow start, ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ eventually conquered the summit of the country music chart, making Ballerini the first female solo artist to score a number one with her debut single since Carrie Underwood achieved the same feat in 2006 (and Ballerini did not have the exposure to the X Factor fans to get there). From the album ‘The First Time’, Ballerini’s next two singles, ‘Dibs’ and ‘Peter Pan’ also both rose to number one, making her the first female solo artist in over 20 years to score number ones with her first 3 singles (a feat not even achieved by Taylor Swift).
I have heard many people argue that Ballerini is much too pop for country and that her voice is not able to stand up to scrutiny without the magic of computer enhancement. This is utter tosh. I include exhibit A- Ballerini performing a cover of the popular Alison Krauss single ‘Ghost In This House’ on the Opry stage.
The defence rests!
Having grabbed the attention of Nashville, Ballerini’s newest offering ‘Unapologetically’ is another country-pop styled album, however this time she reveals more of her own life experiences. Tracks like ‘Miss Me More’ and ‘Get Over Yourself’ show that she is not afraid to say what she thinks about people, especially those who may have wronged her.
There are of course the classic love songs on the album, however the highlight for me is the first single ‘Legends’. The song is an emotional recollection of a relationship that was brilliant…while it lasted.
While I will admit that ‘Unapologetically’ is not the best album in the world, it is a strong follow up to ‘The First Time’ and stamps Ballerini’s authority firmly in the female country-pop bracket. I for one hope she is here to stay.
UK Country Music 