The First Time – Kelsea Ballerini

It seems as though the rising star, Kelsea Ballerini, popped out of nowhere with her country hits and cutesy personality. Originating in Mascot, Tennessee, Kelsea Ballerini got her start in music writing her own songs at the young age of 12. At the age of 15, Kelsea and her parents relocated to Nashville where she could further her music endeavors and the move was not in vain. She signed with Black River Entertainment and went on to released her first studio album in 2015 (About Kelsea Ballerini). It took no time climbing up the country music charts. People were instantly drawn to her welcoming appearance and soft voice. Her first studio album, The First Time, brought both praise and criticism, for her vocals are spot on and well rounded, though her lyrics are uncomplicated and almost juvenile. This, however, does not make the listening of this album any less enjoyable.

Her first single off of her album was released on September 22, 2014. The single made its way around the country, making Love Me Like You Mean It a known song in country music. Written by Ballerini, Josh Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead and Lance Carpenter (Kelsea Ballerini: The First Time..), the song tells of a girl struggling to get a man to respect her and treat her how she deserves to be treated. The pop-country song has a light beat and easy to move to, the vocals uncomplicated enough that even amateurs could maintain. The song successfully reached #1 on country music airways, increasing her popularity greatly. Personally, I find the song very catchy. I would rate this song a 9/10.

The second single released from her album, Dibs, was released on July 20, 2015. Unlike her previous single, this song only make it to #11 on the country music airways, though I greatly prefer it. The song was written by Kelsea Ballerini, Josh Kerr, Ryan Griffin and Jason Duke and tells of a girl who sets her sight on a guy and wants to claim him as her own by “calling dibs” on him (Kelsea Ballerini: The First Time..). It is a lighthearted and fun song and not to be taken too seriously. The lyrics are more casual than her first single while still portraying the messages the writers had wanted to get across. The song has a steady beat and is rhythmically attuned to the playful tone of the song. Critics have appreciated a song that was something fun and low key for a change, for it’s rare to find a song like this in the realm of country music (without the mention of alcohol anyway). I would rate this song 10/10.

Though those are the only songs stated as singles from the album, her others are just as remarkable, such as Yeah Boy. Yeah Boy is the 11th track on her album and it’s a great one to wrap it up with. Written by Ballerini, Forest Glen Whitehead, and Keesy Timmer, the song is yet another lighthearted track (Kelsea Ballerini: The First Time..). It gives the impression of being very stress free and is relieving to hear as a listener. In the song, Ballerini sings about her interest in a guy and her approach to make him hers. Though these lyrics are also less complex than those of more experienced artists, Ballerini has a sweetness to her voice that is rare to find and is so greatly appreciated. I would give this song a 10/10.

Overall this album is one of my favorite of 2015. The lighthearted feeling the album gives is refreshing and innocent lyrics like hers are scarce in the music industry. Her music is perfect and appropriate for all ages, making it a great album to play on country radio.