Review
Kelsea Ballerini's "Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good)" is a real gut-punch of an EP, y'all. Released in August 2023, this expanded version of her earlier EP dives deep into her divorce from Morgan Evans. It's like she's giving us a front-row seat to her emotional rollercoaster, and let me tell you, it's one heck of a ride.
The songs on this EP are raw and honest, with tracks like "Mountain With a View" and "Just Married" really hitting home. Ballerini doesn't hold back, laying bare all the messy feelings that come with a marriage falling apart. There's even a live version of "Penthouse" that'll give you goosebumps - you can practically feel the emotion dripping from every note.
But it's not all doom and gloom, folks. The closing track, "How Do I Do This," shows Kelsea looking towards the future with cautious optimism. It's like watching a friend pick herself up, dust herself off, and take those first shaky steps towards something new. This EP has been getting some serious love from critics too, landing on best-of-2023 lists from Billboard and Rolling Stone. Kelsea's really outdone herself with this one, turning her heartbreak into something beautiful and relatable. - Bianca
Artist Bio
Kelsea Ballerini is a country-pop singer-songwriter from Tennessee who began releasing music in the mid-2010s, making her debut with the album The First Time in 2015. She’s known for catchy, heartfelt songs that blend contemporary country and pop, earning hits like “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Peter Pan.” Kelsea has been nominated for Grammy and CMA Awards and has collaborated with artists such as Halsey and Kenny Chesney. Her style is often compared to Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, and Taylor Swift, and she’s recognized for her relatable songwriting and upbeat, radio-friendly sound.