Going on her tenth year in the industry, country superstar Kelsea Ballerini is by no means a novice to her craft. With hit songs like, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs” and “Half of My Hometown,”, Ballerini knows how to make listeners fall in love and relate to anything she creates. Still, she has found a way to reinvent herself. Her brand new album, “Patterns,” feels like a true rebirth that launches her into a new era of being more mature and vulnerable than ever before.
Released on October 25, 2024 “Patterns” reflects on what Ballerini has learned about herself throughout her life, relationships and career. After her brutally honest megahit EP, “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat” was released in early 2023, fans felt closer to her than ever. Reflecting upon her relationship, marriage and eventual divorce from fellow musician Morgan Evans, Ballerini stated at the time of writing the EP that she felt a “big responsibility to be the most honest I can be.” With such a strong piece of work under her belt, she had her work cut out for her to top it. However, “Patterns" is simply her best work yet.
As the name implies, this album explores patterns and cycles present within Ballerini’s life as she is discerning which ones serve her and which ones hold her back. It also begs listeners the question – how do you know when to keep fighting for something or someone, and how do you know when it’s time to let go?
This project is rife with Ballerini’s deeply personal lyrics and powerhouse vocals. A visual writer to her core, her knack for painting a perfectly clear scene truly shines. Written from her truest self, Ballerini invites listeners to take her words and project their own experiences onto them. With 15 songs on the album and two bonus tracks available on her website, “Patterns” is a no-skip album.
Tracklist
Patterns
Sorry Mom
Baggage
First Rodeo
Nothing Really Matters
How Much Do You Love Me
Two Things
We Broke Up
WAIT!
Beg For Your Love
Deep
Cowboys Cry Too (feat. Noah Kahan)
Would, Would You?
This Time Last Year
Did You Make It Home? (outro)
To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak (bonus track)
Patterns
The album opens with the titular track. With its melodic guitar and Ballerini’s strong vocals, it reflects upon the patterns she has found herself returning to throughout her life. This sets the stage for the journey of personal development that she takes her listeners on for the rest of the album. If someone could only listen to one song to understand the very heart of this project, it should be this one.
In “Patterns,” she is forced to look inward and wonder where these patterns have started and where they end. She is highly aware of the patterns that are deeply ingrained in her, referring to astrology and the constellations that she believes to be influencing her. It seems her life is divinely planned, and therefore the patterns she endures must be as well.
At the same time, she recognizes the accountability she must take for her actions and the role she must play in her personal growth. Has she become complacent in her healing journey, or is she strong enough to outgrow bad habits and move forward?
The song continues with a repetitive bridge, beautifully illustrating the internal conflict she is experiencing. She writes, “Over and over and over again / It's so much deeper than under my skin / Is this a battle that I'll ever win? / When does it start and when does it end?”
Sorry Mom
“Sorry Mom” is an emotional love letter penned to Ballerini’s mother, Carla Denham. Throughout the song, Ballerini reflects upon the mistakes she made growing up. She is open about her regrets and how her actions may have affected her mom in ways she never realized.
This song further explores both the differences and the similarities between the mother-daughter pair. While they may have gotten into a few arguments and ultimately charted different paths in life, Ballerini recognizes that “underneath we’re the same blood.” She honors all of the “tough love” her mom gave her and recognizes that it is the reason she stands where she is today.
This song is a true reflection of the growth within their relationship now that they can speak “woman to woman” rather than “mother to daughter.” Despite all that they have been through, the two can look at each other with pride.
In response to the song, Denham simply stated, “She has nothing to be sorry for.”
Baggage
“Baggage” is a song about letting go and starting over after heartbreak. Written about Ballerini’s experience of dating and eventually moving in with boyfriend Chase Stokes following her divorce, “Baggage” acknowledges that while both parties might have baggage from previous experiences, they’re ready to move forward together.
The first upbeat song on the album, this song joyfully takes inventory of what both parties are bringing to the relationship and what things they can leave behind. The song also makes references to the “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat” EP, marking Ballerini’s progress since her previous relationship.
She sings, “Boy, I know the gravity and weight / Of keychains with same keys / But if you want that welcome mat, then roll it out with me.” While lines like this could seem gimmicky or too on-the-nose, they are perfectly executed within the song and make it a relatable, fun listen.
First Rodeo
“First Rodeo” is an ode to the bravery it takes to move on after a love gone wrong. In a slow, heartfelt song, Ballerini is honest as she states that her life did not turn out as planned. Moving on from the end of her marriage, she is picking herself up and dusting herself off before getting back on the metaphorical horse. Bruised and scarred, she vulnerably asks her new partner, “Take my heart, but take it slow.”
While her past dreams of riding off into the sunset did not come to fruition, she realizes that without her previous experiences, she would not be where she is today. Even though she can’t be sure she and her current partner will make it through their relationship without another heartbreak, she is still willing to try. It is the perfect balance of pain and acceptance as she reflects on the past and looks to the future, cautiously hopeful that this is her true love.
Nothing Really Matters
“Nothing Really Matters” is another upbeat song that invites listeners to not take life too seriously. Ballerini speaks to feeling overwhelmed by everyday worries and responsibilities but doesn’t let them hold her back. She sheds their weight by reminding us that nothing in life is guaranteed, so we might as well just do our best. For listeners who struggle with anxiety, it’s a grounding song that inspires us to live in the moment.
Despite the song’s deep message, her lyrics are silly and fun, magnifying life’s small joys that are often overshadowed by the bigger things. She is allowing herself to laugh at things that go wrong and look on the bright side. Optimistically nihilistic, Ballerini reminds us that at the end of the day, “We’re on a rock in space.”
How Much Do You Love Me
“How Much Do You Love Me” is described by Ballerini as the album’s “softest song.” It is another love song dedicated to Stokes and all of the ways he has shown up for her in their relationship. She lists the beautifully small puzzle pieces that make them fit together, from Stokes wearing the boots she likes on a date night to making sure her favorite wine is on hand.
Still, it takes so much more to know you’re in the right relationship. A partner must be there in the difficult moments as well. When life gets in the way, will this person stay? This track takes this question to the next level; At the end of the world, is this the person you want to spend your last moments with and would they show up to be there with you, too?
Though she may fear the answers to these questions, they are ones that Ballerini asks so beautifully.
Two Things
“Two Things” captures the growing pains that all relationships face. Ballerini explores the messy, difficult parts of even the most healthy relationship. She has been known to say, “Two things can be true,” a phrase her therapist shared with her as a reminder that all things are nuanced and there is space for multiple perspectives.
In this track, she exposes her own toxic traits and her battles between heart and head. Using her signature phrase as a mirror, she realizes that she must fight against the side of herself that is asking her to run instead of working things out. She loves her partner, and therefore she must admit that she is falling into old habits that are keeping her from true happiness. She must discern whether should be fighting against her relationship or fighting for it.
We Broke Up
“We Broke Up” is an upbeat pop tune that is all too relatable for anyone who has experienced a breakup. Ballerini reflects on the end of a relationship and knows that while there are two sides to the story, sometimes it’s really as simple as “We broke up.”
The overall production feels like grabbing a drink with your closest girlfriends and hashing out the same details over and over. It is cathartic in its angst and captures the complicated emotions of heartbreak. It gives voice to the feeling of “being over it,” when all you really want to do is keep complaining to anyone wiling to listen.
Ballerini wrote this song with a live audience in mind. When performed at her album release show at Madison Square Garden last month, this song was screamed back to her at the top of the audience’s lungs. This song is perfectly angry and the girls who get it, simply get it.
WAIT!
“WAIT!” is my favorite song on the album. Ballerini admits to her own character flaws in the first lines of the song. She shocks listeners who may relate with a heavy dose of reality as she sings, “I have a nasty habit leavin’ before I get left / You’ll think my light’s on yellow when I’m leaving you on read / Stonewall my emotions even when I wanna / Cry tears as wide as the ocean but I don’t.”
The lyrics of this song are wordy and repetitive, repeating the chorus, “I’m better on my own, I’m better on my own / WAIT! / Don’t go / It’s all I’ve ever known, it’s all I’ve ever known / WAIT! / don’t go.” Similarly to “Two Things,” the production perfectly encapsulates the mind of someone overthinking a relationship and fighting against self-sabotage.
When communication is difficult and the fear of being vulnerable with another person becomes too much, it may seem easier to break your own heart by calling it quits and avoiding any conflict whatsoever.
But what happens when you truly love someone and want to make things work? Is a simple fight or disagreement really a reason to put up walls with a partner, or is it something that can instead strengthen the relationship? How does one unlearn their insecurities enough to tell the difference? This song is the perfect listen for anyone who understands that struggle.
Beg For Your Love
“Beg For Your Love” makes Ballerini’s relationship boundaries known. The track we hear on the album is the original demo version of this song. Just a girl and her guitar, it is extremely raw. Reminiscent of her song, “Leave Me Again,” in which she promises never to abandon herself for another relationship, Ballerini remains firm in that decision. While she is willing to meet her partner halfway, she is not putting in effort for someone who is not doing the same. This song is the complete opposite of “WAIT!” and recognizes that sometimes walking away is the strong thing to do.
Deep
“Deep” is by far one of the most personal songs on the album, exploring private moments of physical intimacy that Ballerini has never publicly delved into before. More than just a song about sex, “Deep” equates a new love experience to diving headfirst into an uncharted ocean. Still, the song stands firmly in what it is and does not shy away from metaphors about sex and pleasure. In a world full of the male perspective of sexuality, this song holds much-needed space for a woman’s experience.
The production of this track also amplifies the feeling of getting lost in the moment with a partner. With lush synths and intoxicating rhythms, this song feels heady and stimulating. The track builds with an increasingly breathless feeling, chasing a high that is quelled at the track’s climax and eventual end.
Cowboys Cry Too (feat. Noah Kahan)
The first single from this album, “Cowboys Cry Too” was the collab I never knew I needed. As a massive Noah Kahan fan, I was excited to see what kind of track this would be when it debuted back in June. It is a tender ballad that analyzes the effects that toxic masculinity has on men. While not speaking to bad habits she needs to break herself, Ballerini uses this song to explore the patterns that are present within the lives of her loved ones.
In a world where men are told to “man up” instead of show emotion, she sees through this notion and understands that at his core, her partner is a well of emotion. When confronted with this reality, she is honestly able to say that she thinks he’s strongest when he lets himself feel.
Kahan’s verse brings a male perspective to the song, expressing his fears of vulnerability. He reflects on learning this behavior from male figures in his life and recognizes that while he can keep running, one day this cycle will catch up to him. While Ballerini’s lyrics are poignant and beautiful, Kahan deepens the song’s message and completes the whole story. With its twangy guitars and true country feel, this song stands out in a genre fueled by toxic masculinity and challenges it.
I Would, Would You
Described as the “older sister” to Ballerini’s fan-favorite song, “If You Go Down I’m Going Down Too,” this song celebrates female friendship and deciding to show up for those you love. We all strive to be the kind of person who would do anything for our friends, and Ballerini fully embodies this sentiment.
“Patterns” was created with an all-female production team, which Ballerini has stated truly influenced the sound and lyricism of the album. Her gratitude is evident throughout “I Would, Would You” as she vows to be a “true blue” friend for her girls. This song highlights the influence that sisterhood had on the project and is sure to make listeners smile thinking about their own friendships.
This Time Last Year
“This Time Last Year” marks Ballerini’s development since “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat” came out in 2023. Following a chaotic time in her life, she can look back fondly on the lessons she learned in her journey and stand proudly on the other side. She continues to let go of what no longer serves her and move forward. It’s a reminder to listeners that no matter their circumstances, what they are feeling and what is holding them back is only temporary. One day they’ll be able to say, “look at me now.”
Did You Make It Home? (outro)
“Did You Make It Home?” is a minute-long outro, wrapping up the album with only Ballerini’s voice and her guitar. She asks her listeners to reflect upon their choices and lets them know she’s keeping them in mind. Simple and heartfelt, this song feels like a kiss goodbye as it wishes us peace in our journey.
To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak (bonus track)
“To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak” is a bonus track that is not yet available for streaming, but has been making rounds on TikTok since being debuted at the Grand Ole Opry last year. This song beautifully encapsulates the confusing, difficult and sometimes unfair aspects of healing relationships that happen after hard goodbyes.
It highlights the men who continue to show up for the women they love, even in ways they shouldn’t have to. It thanks them for helping their partners heal and build themselves; for being the strong shoulders to cry on and the safe harbors to return to. In a relationship like this, one can learn to trust again.
Inspired by her relationship with Chase Stokes, through which Ballerini was able to continue healing after her divorce, this song expresses her gratitude for the chance to let love in again. In the final lines of the song, she sings to him directly, “To the man who loved this woman after heartbreak / thanks for all you didn’t have to do / when I met you was jaded, sad and complicated / you’ll never know how much I needed you.”
Overall, “Patterns” is the love letter to womanhood and growth that women everywhere will rejoice over. It highlights the beautiful, messy, tenderness that comes from learning about oneself and evolving with age. It forces us to look inward and be honest with ourselves about the things we can change and the things we need to rethink. While some things are truly ingrained in us, we must learn to tell the difference.
This is Ballerini’s strongest work yet. There is a song for every situation and I can see myself reaching for this record when I need to dance, cry, or just feel like someone out there understands. From concept, visual, instrumentals and especially lyrics, this is a top-tier album that I will have on repeat for months to come.
Written By Tessa Brainard
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