Kelsea Ballerini shattered expectations and made country music history with her debut album, ‘The First Time,’ which was released a little over two years ago in May 2015. During a time when women were collectively struggling in the genre, compared to their male counterparts, Ballerini smashed through the glass ceiling. The singer-songwriter became first female country artist to reach the Number One spot with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album. She earned a GRAMMY nomination and has taken home awards from the ACMs and iHeartRadio Music Awards, and it’s just the beginning. So to say that Kelsea has set the bar high for her sophomore album would be an understatement.
Kelsea’s newest single, ‘Legends,’ which dropped on Wednesday, June 7th, is an introduction to the young star’s next body of work, and it does not disappoint. While her first album was filled with playful, youthful sounds, the new single feels much more mature. The 23 year old penned the song with Forest Glen Whitehead and Hillary Lindsey while reflecting on a past relationship. “When I wrote this song, I knew it was the beginning of the next chapter,” Ballerini shared in an Instagram post Tuesday night, announcing the release of the single.
The song feels like a natural progression while still holding on to some of the elements fans have grown to love about Kelsea. Like many previous singles, the mid-tempo ballad has influences of pop, but one of the things that makes ‘Legends’ stand apart and feel more grown up is the complexity of emotions displayed in the song. It’s about looking back on a relationship for all the good that it was, proving that just because a relationship had to end, doesn’t mean it wasn’t meaningful and full of love. It’s bittersweet and yet still uplifting and empowering.
Ballerini also views the song as a message to her fans. “Over the last 3 years, you and I have fought for each other. We’ve shown up for each other. We’ve been neon in grey crowds. We’ve written our own story. We were legends.” Kelsea shared on Instagram. She debuted the song in a breathtaking performance at the CMT Awards Wednesday night. Surrounded by fans, the song felt anthemic, and we know it’s going to be an amazing song to watch Kelsea perform on bigger stages. As both a reflection on the last few years and an introduction to Ballerini’s new music, ‘Legends’ is the perfect transition into chapter two. Although dates haven’t been announced yet, we wait can’t wait to hear more from the rising star!
Favorite Lyrics: We had it made in the middle of the madness. We were neon in a grey crowd…
Kelsea is currently on the road with Lady Antebellum and you’ll have plenty of chances to see her this summer as the You Look Good Tour will be making stops in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
You can purchase ‘Legends’ on iTunes and Google Play, or stream it on Spotify.