Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning singer/songwriter from Nashville who has taken the music world by storm with his blend of country, rock, and rap. His debut country album ‘Whitsitt Chapel (2023)' made history, debuting at #2 on the Top Country Album chart and #3 on the Billboard 200. With four consecutive #1 singles, including the Platinum-certified hit ‘Save Me' Jelly Roll has become one of country music's fastest-rising stars.
Known for his deeply personal lyrics and raw authenticity, Jelly Roll connects powerfully with fans, not only through his music but also through his humanitarian work, including donating a recording studio to a juvenile detention centre and supporting addiction recovery programs. He has literally been everywhere in Country music in the past three years and rightly so, but can lightning strike twice? Can Jelly Roll capture everything that was great, powerful and moving about ‘Whitsitt Chapel' and replicate or even surpass it on new album ‘Beautifully Broken?' It's a tall order but Lainey Wilson managed it on her transition from “Bell Bottom Country' to “Whirlwind,' so it's not impossible!
It's obvious, right from the first listen, that ‘Beautifully Broken' is a deeply emotional and powerful album that stays true to his signature themes of redemption, acceptance, and resilience while also embracing a broader, more mainstream sound. The opening track, ‘Winning Streak,' sets the tone with its anthemic production and a gospel choir that elevates the song’s message of sobriety and second chances. Jelly Roll paints a vivid picture of personal struggles, taking listeners inside an AA meeting, as his booming vocals and big drums create a sense of triumph over adversity. It’s an arena-sized track that echoes with emotion and power, embodying the heart and soul of the album.
‘Burning' keeps the momentum going with its rollicking, Western-tinged beat, driven by drums and guitars that build toward a soaring chorus. Jelly Roll's plea for guidance is raw and relatable, as he wrestles with the difficulty of staying “between the lines.” The guitar solo, one of the best on the album, helps distinguish the track as a highlight on an album that leans toward arena-ready grown-up pop in a lot of places. Tracks like ‘Heart of Stone' continue this theme, with its acoustic opening leading to a more anthemic, Coldplay-esque chorus. Jelly Roll’s lyrics about turning a “heart of stone” into a “heart of gold” resonate with his journey of self-improvement and growth, a message that’s authentic and deeply felt.
The album’s lead single, ‘I Am Not Okay,' offers a glimpse of Jelly Roll’s evolving sound. It’s a pop-leaning ballad that addresses mental health and the battle with internal demons. With its atmospheric production and Teddy Swims-like vocals, Jelly Roll admits his struggles but assures listeners that things will eventually be alright. This track stands out for its vulnerability and serves as an emotional anchor for the album. The collaboration with Ilsey on ‘When the Drugs Don’t Work' continues in this introspective vein, offering a haunting, atmospheric ballad where both singers grapple with addiction and reliance on others. Ilsey’s delicate vocals add a layer of dreaminess that contrasts beautifully with Jelly Roll’s gritty delivery.
However, the album’s poppier moments, like ‘Higher Than Heaven' featuring Wiz Khalifa, feel somewhat out of place amidst the heavier emotional content. While it’s a fun track with its 90s boyband vibe, it doesn’t quite contribute to the overarching narrative of redemption and struggle. Tracks like ‘Liar' and ‘Everyone Bleeds' quickly return the album to its core themes, delivering more of the big, emotional, gospel-infused sound that Jelly Roll excels at. ‘Liar' in particular showcases Jelly Roll’s disdain for betrayal, with a fiery chorus that’s sure to resonate with fans who’ve followed him through his raw, confessional style.
‘Beautifully Broken' stumbles slightly with a stretch of four ballads toward the end, which, while each individually powerful, slow down the album’s momentum. That said, songs like ‘Hey Mama' and ‘Grace' offer deeply personal moments and tributes to Jelly Roll's mother and wife. Closing song, ‘Time of Day” (featuring Machine Gun Kelly) stands out as the best track on the album, a piano-driven ballad that channels the emotional rawness of Jelly Roll’s earlier work. In this song, Jelly Roll confronts his feelings of self-doubt and the need for acceptance, creating a moving finale that leaves a lasting impression. The two singers' vocals work tremendously whether together, both dripping in angst and frustration on a huge song full of strings and fiddles that should be a worldwide hit.
Overall, ‘Beautifully Broken' may not pack the same guitar-driven punch as Jelly Roll’s debut ‘Whitsitt Chapel' but it showcases his continued growth as an artist. With its pop-leaning production and emotionally charged storytelling, the album reinforces Jelly Roll’s reputation as one of Nashville’s most authentic and compelling new voices. Despite a few minor pacing issues, ‘Beautifully Broken' is a rewarding and evocative listen that cements Jelly Roll's place as a force to be reckoned with in country music and the wider music industry beyond.
Tracklist: 1. Winning Streak 2. Burning 3. Heart of Stone 4. I Am Not Okay 5. When the Drugs Don't Work 6. Higher Than Heaven 7. Liar 8. Everyone Bleeds 9. Get By 10. Unpretty 11. Grace 12. What it Takes 13. Hey Mama 14. Time of Day Record Label: BBR / BMG Release Date: 11th October Buy ‘Beautifully Broken' right here.
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