The anticipation has been killing us all, but it's finally here: Kelsea Ballerini's new single off of her sophomore record. Ballerini has been talking this record up since late 2015, explaining how the record shows a change in her writing style and a move away from the fun, flirty, poppy songs that led her to have No. 1 three times in a row. "Legends" is the first taste of that project, and although this is different than her first record, this isn't quite the masterpiece that Ballerini said it would be.
The success of "Peter Pan" has obviously affected the direction and sound of Ballerini's new music. Of all of the songs on The First Time, "Legends" sounds most sonically similar to "Stilettos" and "Peter Pan." It's not country in the traditional sense of the word, but Ballerini has never claimed to be a country traditionalist. It's solid pop-country, with more emphasis on the former word. But this wouldn't be at home on Top 40 radio, so Ballerini finds herself stuck somewhere in between, making it perfect for mainstream country radio today.
Lyrically, this is deeper than "Yeah Boy," "Dibs," or "Love Me Like You Mean It" by far. And the lyrics are stronger, attempting to create a story in a song, which is what country music is known for. But this song gets a little stuck on the main theme and fails to complete the story, and tell all the details of the story start from finish. The major idea is that Ballerini appreciates a past love for what it was, and that is was beautiful. It mirrors the message and theme of a couple Taylor Swift songs, one obvious one being "Long Live," but also "Sad Beautiful Tragic" off of Red. But on "Sad Beautiful Tragic," Swift told the story. Ballerini only tells part of the story, only the good parts. There's nothing there to make the relationship seem realistic: it only seems perfect. This is what makes Ballerini less accessible than her idol: she tries too hard to be perfect. "Legends" is another example of that flaw in her writing.
However, this is a step in the right direction. Obviously Ballerini is attempting to be seen as a songwriter, and moving away from songs like "Yeah Boy" will definitely help her out. But her sophomore record is still a big question mark, and maybe Ballerini will step up to the plate with that project and put out some songs that do truly show her talent as a songwriter.
Overall rating: 3 crowns
Listen to "Legends" below.
Lyrically, this is deeper than "Yeah Boy," "Dibs," or "Love Me Like You Mean It" by far. And the lyrics are stronger, attempting to create a story in a song, which is what country music is known for. But this song gets a little stuck on the main theme and fails to complete the story, and tell all the details of the story start from finish. The major idea is that Ballerini appreciates a past love for what it was, and that is was beautiful. It mirrors the message and theme of a couple Taylor Swift songs, one obvious one being "Long Live," but also "Sad Beautiful Tragic" off of Red. But on "Sad Beautiful Tragic," Swift told the story. Ballerini only tells part of the story, only the good parts. There's nothing there to make the relationship seem realistic: it only seems perfect. This is what makes Ballerini less accessible than her idol: she tries too hard to be perfect. "Legends" is another example of that flaw in her writing.
However, this is a step in the right direction. Obviously Ballerini is attempting to be seen as a songwriter, and moving away from songs like "Yeah Boy" will definitely help her out. But her sophomore record is still a big question mark, and maybe Ballerini will step up to the plate with that project and put out some songs that do truly show her talent as a songwriter.
Overall rating: 3 crowns
Listen to "Legends" below.
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