Country-pop American singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini released her fifth studio album “Patterns” October 25, following two hit singles “Sorry Mom” and “Cowboys Cry Too” featuring Noah Kahan. Following her 2023 extended play (EP) “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat,” this new release stands as a way for Ballerini to show her truest self. As a four-time Grammy Award winner, Ballerini faces high expectations and excitement from long-time fans and newcomers stumbling across her music.
“I found her music randomly on an Instagram story, and it kind of got me into her music. I realized that I already knew a couple of her super popular songs, so when I found out she was releasing a new album I got kind of excited. Country isn’t something I typically listen to, but her voice just changes the story for me,” senior Abby Burgess said.
The beginning of her music career started with her starry-eyed move from Tennessee to Nashville. The star signed with Black River Entertainment at the ripe age of 19, pushing her to produce her debut album in 2015, “The First Time.” The southern twang found throughout her songs stems from her rural-raised childhood full of animals and farmland. Idolizing hit stars such as Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson, Ballerini became the first female country artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with three singles from an introductory album. One of the singles, “Peter Pan,” even reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart. Further attending several awards ceremonies early in her career, Ballerini found extended success with each following album.
Turning away from the heart-break-filled “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat” in 2023, Ballerini turns over a new leaf with “Patterns,” displaying an accurate snapshot of her life. Starting the album off strong with the title track “Patterns,” Ballerini introduces the album as a collection of her life and love experiences: change and growth. The premiere track shows her transfer into an adult style, focusing on self-reflection and observation of the situation she stands in.
Track five “Nothing Really Matters” emphasizes Ballerini’s goal to motivate people to do what they desire. With an upbeat rhythm, the pop-country artist navigates overwhelmed feelings through the simple basis that nothing really matters. She references several stressful life events, empowering people to go through eventful experiences because that’s what one finds in life — everyone’s choices can impact them and it does not matter.
“Each of these songs definitely has a connection to anyone’s life. She really brings across positive messages that life is just life, and everyone’s experiencing it differently. The album definitely has songs for any kind of mood, and I just overall love her tone within each song — she sounds so good,” Burgess said.
Transitioning into the melancholy ballad “How Much Do You Love Me,” Ballerini supplies the first heartfelt track. Providing an inside view of her love life, the track showcases her realization of self-worth. Similarly, track 10 “Beg For Your Love,” shows Ballerini’s emotional move-on from a past partner where she felt she did not receive the love she deserved. Both tracks showcase a mature take on acceptance, especially within her love life.
“We Broke Up” reduces relationship issues to the simple fact that Ballerini and an ex-partner broke up. With a catchy chorus and cheery beat, the track keeps the album from becoming a fully-sad album. Ballerini included several other songs with a similar vibe, even including the previously released single featuring Kahan. Ballerini rounds out the album with a 59-second track “Did You Make It Home? (outro)”: an acoustic guitar piece, with lyrics filled with questions about change.
“Patterns” showcases a myriad of feelings within life, and Ballerini perfectly encapsulates these with flawless lyricism and catchy melodies. With a mix of slow and emotional pieces as well as upbeat chanting choruses, “Patterns” stands as a dynamic album that can apply to anyone simply living life. Including both melancholy tracks and scream-it-in-the-car anthems, any listener can truly find a love for this album and apply the numerous lessons and outlooks to their own lives. Fans look forward to seeing where this album takes the beloved singer in the near future.
The Chant’s score: A-
