After having her debut single "Love Me Like You Mean It" go No. 1, Kelsea Ballerini must be over the moon. Every artist trying to make it in the music industry dreams of that moment, when all their hard work behind the scenes finally pays off, and Ballerini is living it. She even broke a record while doing so, by being the first female artist since Carrie Underwood to have their debut single go No. 1. Her album was then released, and was a success as well, with 50,000 copies sold so far. But after the parties die down, the next single has to be chosen.
Choosing a second single after an overwhelmingly successful debut is a challenging job, almost as hard as creating a follow up sophomore album to a critically successful debut. There are many ways to go, like Florida Georgia Line following up "Cruise" with the similar "Get Your Shine On," or Carrie Underwood going a different direction after "Inside Your Heaven" with the Christian crossover hit "Jesus Take the Wheel." Ballerini and her team went the Florida Georgia Line direction, which has its benefits and downfalls.
"Dibs" is similar to "Love Me Like You Mean It" in many ways. The two tracks talk about attractive guys, and are both very confident in that Ballerini knows that these boys want her, no matter what she puts them through. They also have a similar pop-country feel, and a common co-writer, Josh Kerr. But in some ways, "Dibs" is the superior song. The lyrics are overall crafted better than "Love Me Like You Mean It." Most likely the addition of Jason Duke and Ryan Griffin as additional writers added to that. The song itself is also more interesting. The almost rap breakdown at the end of the chorus screams Meghan Trainor, and is perfect for fans to chant along to, especially in the summer season. The whole track is completely dance and sing-along worthy, with that breakdown, and the "heys" thrown in throughout the chorus. "Dibs" is not a deep song by any standard, but does have potential as a summer jam.
This track is a sure fire hit. Ballerini has the tendency to make radio-polished songs, and this is one of her most appealing to radio, with the pop influences, unique lyrics, and catchy beat. But at some point, it would be nice to hear a different side of Ballerini on the radio. She has tracks that are masterpieces and show the full extent of her artistry more than her singles have done. This was a smart decision for now, but the next single should be a bit of a change up, with "Peter Pan" or "Stilettos" released. Or maybe even "First Time." If Cam can bring "Burning House" to radio, Ballerini can bring a ballad as well. She has the power to change the female role in country music, and if she uses that power strategically, she could end up benefitting all women in country music, as well as herself.
Overall rating: 4 crowns
"Dibs" is similar to "Love Me Like You Mean It" in many ways. The two tracks talk about attractive guys, and are both very confident in that Ballerini knows that these boys want her, no matter what she puts them through. They also have a similar pop-country feel, and a common co-writer, Josh Kerr. But in some ways, "Dibs" is the superior song. The lyrics are overall crafted better than "Love Me Like You Mean It." Most likely the addition of Jason Duke and Ryan Griffin as additional writers added to that. The song itself is also more interesting. The almost rap breakdown at the end of the chorus screams Meghan Trainor, and is perfect for fans to chant along to, especially in the summer season. The whole track is completely dance and sing-along worthy, with that breakdown, and the "heys" thrown in throughout the chorus. "Dibs" is not a deep song by any standard, but does have potential as a summer jam.
This track is a sure fire hit. Ballerini has the tendency to make radio-polished songs, and this is one of her most appealing to radio, with the pop influences, unique lyrics, and catchy beat. But at some point, it would be nice to hear a different side of Ballerini on the radio. She has tracks that are masterpieces and show the full extent of her artistry more than her singles have done. This was a smart decision for now, but the next single should be a bit of a change up, with "Peter Pan" or "Stilettos" released. Or maybe even "First Time." If Cam can bring "Burning House" to radio, Ballerini can bring a ballad as well. She has the power to change the female role in country music, and if she uses that power strategically, she could end up benefitting all women in country music, as well as herself.
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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