HomeEF CountryReview: Priscilla Block pulls back the curtain on new album 'Things You...

Review: Priscilla Block pulls back the curtain on new album ‘Things You Didn’t See’

Priscilla Block has quickly become one of country music’s most fearless and relatable voices, blending humour, heart, and honesty in a way that’s uniquely her own. Since bursting onto the scene with her Platinum-certified hit ‘Just About Over You,' the North Carolina native has built a devoted fanbase of more than five million followers drawn to her no-filter storytelling and confessional songwriting. Known for turning life’s messiest moments into empowering anthems, Block has carved out a lane that’s as authentic as it is infectious. With over 700 million global streams, a No. 1 country radio hit alongside Justin Moore (‘You, Me, and Whiskey'), and a debut album named one of The New York Times’ “Best of 2022,” she’s cemented herself as a major force in modern country. Her vibrant, unpolished charm has made her a favourite on talk shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and she’s taken her larger-than-life energy on tour with Shania Twain, Jon Pardi, and Old Dominion.

Now, with her highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Things You Didn’t See' Block peels back the curtain to reveal a more vulnerable, introspective side. Across 14 deeply personal tracks, she explores the hidden costs of chasing success — the anxiety, exhaustion, and emotional toll of always being “on.” Still infused with her trademark wit and attitude, the record captures Block’s growth both as an artist and as a woman learning to pour back into herself after years of giving everything to her music and her fans. From grappling with body image and online hate to wrestling with identity and industry expectations, ‘Things You Didn’t See' offers an unfiltered look at the person behind the powerhouse persona — proving that Priscilla Block’s honesty isn’t just her brand, it’s her superpower.

The record begins with its title track, a wistful and grounded ballad that perfectly sets the tone. Powered by a delicate banjo loop and lifted by a muscular chorus, ‘Things You Didn’t See' is both a confessional and a declaration — a reminder that behind the social media polish lies grit, sacrifice and survival. It’s a quietly powerful statement of intent from one of country’s most self-aware artists.

‘Bring Me Downtown' keeps that emotional momentum going, tapping into the ache of nostalgia and loss as Block laments a love gone wrong. Its clever wordplay — “It ain’t nothing but a bring me down town” — is pure country poetry, delivered over driving bass, pounding drums, and shimmering guitars that give it a radio-ready polish. The duet ‘Stranger Things,' featuring Chase Matthew, finds two broken hearts caught in a cycle of regret, wishing they could rewind a midnight fight and undo the damage. With its soaring chorus and Lady A-style harmonies, it’s a modern country power ballad that balances vulnerability and cinematic drama.

Humour, however, remains an essential part of Block’s toolkit, and she wields it masterfully on ‘Goodwill to Gucci.' Equal parts retro honky-tonk and tongue-in-cheek swagger, it’s a playful ode to self-improvement — and maybe a little revenge — as she brags about “making hillbillyhood look Hollywood.” With twangy guitars and a wink of 1970s flair, it’s one of the album’s most irresistible moments, a reminder that Block’s sass and charm are just as potent as her sincerity. That sense of personality is tempered by the emotional weight of ‘Phones and Radios,' a slow-burning breakup song that captures a devastating moment in real time. “You took all my peace and quiet, and now it’s all just awkward silence,” she sings with Taylor Swift-like phrasing, her voice aching with disbelief and resignation.

Elsewhere, ‘Couldn’t Care Less' is one of the album’s emotional gut-punches. Opening with the line, “That ‘she should lose weight’ comment kept me up all night,” it dives deep into the insecurities and sacrifices that come with fame. Fiddle and acoustic guitar lend warmth and vulnerability to a song that feels more like a journal entry than a performance. It’s Block at her most exposed, reckoning with anxiety, criticism, and the personal costs of pursuing her dream. ‘2-3-4,' meanwhile, returns to familiar heartbreak territory with a clever twist — measuring time not in months or years, but in the countdown of days since a breakup. Its restrained production and melodic hook make it another example of Block’s knack for finding poetry in the everyday.

Things lighten up again with ‘Try,' a rollicking, flirty anthem co-written with Tyler Hubbard and Trannie Anderson. Driven by chugging guitars and a barroom beat, it’s Block in full-blown country-pop mode, urging a potential new flame to “try” and take a chance on her. With its infectious hook and radio-friendly swagger, it’s the kind of song that could easily become her next big hit. Speaking of hits, ‘Good On You' adds another layer of emotional depth, mixing jealousy, empowerment, and self-discovery as Block confronts her ex’s new relationship. Moody verses give way to a defiant chorus where she reclaims her confidence, turning heartbreak into strength in true Carrie Underwood fashion.

That fiery energy carries into ‘Yard Sale,' a witty, upbeat number that finds Block selling off the remnants of a relationship — cowboy boots, Xbox, golf clubs and all. It’s sharp, funny and empowering, the kind of song that will light up her live shows. Then comes the brilliantly reimagined ‘You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia),' a clever modern spin on the Simon & Garfunkel classic infused with a “Jolene”-style storyline. Co-written by Hailey Whitters, it’s a standout moment that showcases Block’s playful storytelling and deep understanding of country tradition and only one of two songs on the album that Priscilla Block didn't have a hand in writing.

By the time ‘He’s My Man,' ‘Elijah,' and the stripped-back closer ‘Time Ain’t a Two Lane (Demo)' roll around, Block shifts back fully into introspection. These closing tracks explore love, loss and reflection with understated grace. ‘Elijah' stands out for its tender, bittersweet tone — a reminder that some heartbreaks are worth the pain — while ‘Time Ain’t a Two Lane' is a haunting piano ballad that deals with grief and regret, leaving listeners in quiet reflection.

‘Things You Didn’t See' is a deeply personal record that peels back the layers of Priscilla Block’s persona to reveal the woman beneath — strong, funny, flawed and endlessly relatable. It’s occasionally heavy on ballads, and a few songs blur together in tone, but its honesty and emotional clarity make it a compelling listen. From the defiant sparkle of ‘Goodwill to Gucci' to the tear-stained reflection of ‘Couldn’t Care Less,' Block proves that vulnerability and confidence can coexist — and that country music is stronger for it.

Track list: 1. Things You Didn't See 2. Bring Me Downtown 3. Stranger Things (with Chase Matthew) 4. Goodwill To Gucci 5. Phones And Radios 6. Couldn't Care Less 7. 2-3-4 8. Try 9. Good On You 10. Yard Sale 11. You're Breaking My Heart (Cecilia) 12. He's My Man 13. Elijah 14. Time Ain't A Two Lane (Demo) Release Date: October 10th Record Label: Music Corporation of America (MCA) Buy ‘Things You Didn't See right here


This article contains an affiliate link. Purchases through this link may result in us earning a commission

Must Read

Advertisement
Priscilla Block has quickly become one of country music’s most fearless and relatable voices, blending humour, heart, and honesty in a way that’s uniquely her own. Since bursting onto the scene with her Platinum-certified hit 'Just About Over You,' the North Carolina native has...Review: Priscilla Block pulls back the curtain on new album 'Things You Didn't See'