Kelsea Ballerini just had an album come out on Oct 25, 2024, called Patterns. This album continues her trajectory of crafting accessible, reflective country pop. Kelsea Ballerini is known for her relatable, optimistic take on life’s ups and downs, Ballerini’s work has often been compared to that of Taylor Swift. Over the years, she’s kept her music grounded in themes of friendship, small-toen life, and personal growth. For this new album Patterns, she dives more introspectively, with songs that confront emotional challenges while keeping things lighthearted still.
Some standout songs include “Sorry Mom,” where she offers gratitude for her mother’s support, and “Baggage”, which tackles life’s struggles with resilience and humor. Songs like “Nothing Really Matters” balance self-reflection with playful encouragement, promoting self-compassion and letting loose. During the song “Cowboys Cry Too” she does a collaboration with artist Noah Kahan to blend folk-pop and male vulnerability to the song. Tracks like “Wait,” “Deep,” and “We Broke Up” add subtle R&B touches, while “I Would, Would You” celebrates the strength of lifelong friendships with a party atmosphere.
Patterns is a collection that mixes introspection with an upbeat vibe, turning everyday struggles into singable, feel-good anthems. Ballerini’s journey to explore her own inner landscape ultimately adds another layer of relatability to her music, marking a new phase in her evolving career.
The album has its place in the country music scene; however, I did have a hard time getting through the album. It’s not my type of vibe but also, I don’t struggle with the same types of things that she does. I appreciate how much work went into the album and that it really blends who she is with the genre. She comes off more as a pop artist so it makes a lot of sense to see this reflected in her music.