Let’s talk about this Kelsea Ballerini divorce album...

[@rachellovesyarn9106]

As someone that didn't know of/follow any of the divorce 'drama', the song writing on this EP is still amazing and compelling. It's not because of the drama but just because it's honest and so well written. I don't listen to male country artists so I had never heard Morgan Evans' song about the divorce, so Mountain with a view wasn't a 'response' to anything when listening to it, and still, it's an amazing song. None of the drama or tabloid aspects needed, they are all just great songs.

[@11torilynn]

Personally I think this is her best work. Loved everything about it

[@GradySmith]

I def think it is.

[@savannahromero6771]

I think Kelsea holding the plates in Just Married was also her representation of all the pressure and weight that she felt was put on her in this relationship. She explained on the podcast that she was always the one having to initiate everything (anniversary trips, booking flights for Morgan to visit her, etc.)

[@chris-gx7rs]

Well she was cheating the all time. She is lying Morgan tells the truth

[@summerraine3622]

I think so too. I hadn't heard the perspective Grady shared before, but I think it could be both. She's not meant to be in a kitchen making meals and she couldn't hold the weight of being the only one making that relationship work.

[@savannahromero6771]

​@@chris-gx7rs Glad you know everything 👍

[@matthewlocke9225]

She wasn’t tired of trying, she was tired of being the only one trying.

[@rosegroshek1218]

@@summerraine3622 why does everyone act like making meals and being in a kitchen is somehow like a prison? The point of being married is working to make your other half happy. And you are both adults who need to eat.

[@char6524]

I am a huge Kelsea fan and I cannot get over how amazing this short film was, heart wrenching, raw and real. We have all felt this at one point in our lives. Loved your take on this.

[@jenna24bean]

This work and Carly Pearce's "29" has been what I thought to be some of the most honest country music that's been released in the last couple years. I totally agree with how they have skyrocketed in the last year, and Lainey Wilson is rocking it, too. This EP is on a whole other level with her lyricism and visuals.

[@indibindylou]

I was floored by how honest and vulnerable the lyrics were on this EP. I haven’t listened to much of Kelsea’s music (yet), so I didn’t know about her ex’s song “Over For You”. But even without that context, I got chills when she says “I think this is when it’s over for me” in Mountain With A View. Albums like this remind me how powerful music is as a medium. Nothing else could capture these big emotions so well.

[@erinmarie615]

I was more of a passive Kelsea fan before this album and I watched the music video when it came out and was just stunned by its beauty and how vulnerable these songs are. Can’t get them out of my head. “Yeah it was love, then it was just married.” Heartbreaking.

[@westworlds]

same. Was very meh on her overall and did not get the taylor swift comparisons AT ALL. This ep really changed my mind about her. Mountain With a View and Just Married has some of my favorite lyricism from an artist period. Not into a lot of her music but her last album was good and this was perfect. Like she could really get a grammy for some of these songs imo

[@corajane114]

Her writing is absolutely stunning on this, sonically I think Blindsided is my fave. I love Kacey, but this is basically what I wanted Star-Crossed to be...

[@benjohnson9224]

I know we’re still early in 2023, but I’m going to go ahead and say that “Mountain with a View” is going to be one of my favorite songs of the year. The raw honesty, the little details. And the line, “I think that this is when it’s over for me” is such a punch to the gut even without knowing the context. It’s incredible.

[@ShimmyShimmyK8]

This EP is phenomenal art! I like pop as much as I like country, so I LOVED Kelsea's verse on Fletcher's song Better Version that they released on her Deluxe Album, Girl of My Dreams.

[@laceymeyer4561]

I thought this interlude was cari at first 🤣

[@summerraine3622]

I love Fletcher, and the way Kelsea made that verse her own with references to her and Morgan's relationships plus her album is exactly what I want when celebrities collab. I can see she definitely took inspo from Fletcher with word play on this EP (especially in just married and penthouse). I love their friendship and the music!

[@vanz00]

This is the best album I have heard this year. I’ve been listening to the whole thing on repeat everytime I get in my car. The more you listen the more you catch new things. This is her best songwriting. It’s very real and authentic.

[@bellamywoodside5342]

Was so stoked to see you posted this and to hear your takes and what people are saying! I haven't been able to stop listening to the EP since I heard it, loved getting surprised with the film, which I found really moving and compelling. Totally inspired me to me to deep dive and listen to her earlier work. (been loving Subject to Change.) Anyway, this EP just feels like a really intentional, thoughtful, gorgeous artistic statement and it seems like people are really flocking to it so I'm excited to see where this takes her. And it jams. I love Penthouse - and honestly the interlude just hits. (And the line "and ain't it like this town to only criticize a woman," hits even harder hearing about what the media's been like for her.)I think her songwriting voice is so compelling and I loved how honest it was here.

[@bretsutton1295]

Leave me again reminds me of what I have. They're both the last song from this EP and subject to change. They're both acoustic. They're both my favorites from the 2 albums.

[@ColieBear17]

Love your take on this album! And so glad you are recognizing Kelsea as an artist. She really showed her song writing skills on this EP.

[@mostelp]

chills on the comparison of "what I have" to "leave me again" visuals....

[@jakepeters6593]

Yes "just married" is a great lyric, but "I’ve known you since Brad and Angelina, we go back like Pontiac seats." Genius

[@garrettscroggs]

Honestly, I still even haven't made it to listening to the rest of the EP because I keep just putting "Mountain With a View" on repeat. The production is incredible on that song. But this is also coming from someone that loves country and synth-pop, and I think this is one of the best fusions of those two styles that I've heard. This is my song of the year so far.

[@ryguy891]

Hey bro. Thanks for the solid content and putting the time in for us 🤙

[@faystewart7016]

This EP is amazing, I can’t stop listening. I think her vocals are simple yet SO captivating, she sounds fantastic. And then there are the lyrics, the short film…a creative, raw, amazing piece of work

[@CalumDarroch]

Mountain With a View is a stunning track. Those spaced out notes at the start are so impactful. Honestly, I’ve not given her much time prior to this EP, but it’s made me want to go and check out her older albums.

[@NicoleMarieDay]

First Time, Secondhand Smoke, High School, Country Song, Love Me Like A Girl, and pretty much all of Subject to Change pretty much are my personal favorites from her albums. With some of the best songwriting on them in my personal opinion.

[@summerraine3622]

@@NicoleMarieDay i listen to second hand smoke and then mountain with a view just because it hurts so right

[@the.annethology]

This is me a week ago. Im not a country listener at all I stumbled upon a random Kelsea song thru my spotify daily mix and i spent that day basically listening to her entire catalogue! 😂 now i listen to this EP 3x a day lol just married is even my gym song hahah. her songwriting is amazing, imo it's one of the best out there.

[@aaronnorris4774]

Thanks for bringing my attention to this project Grady. Don’t listen to much country but your channel spotlights projects I’ve enjoyed. If that’s your goal then you’ve succeeded perfectly

[@djkatiec]

Kelsea really shines when she writes on her own or with minimal songwriters, and while the songs may not ~sound~ very country, the songwriting definitely is. This ep has been on repeat for me since it's come out. I thought her first album was her best, until now.

[@yeceniaalvarado6188]

Ahhh!! I was waiting for this video! I had a feeling you were going to like this EP! Glad ya did!! I love it so much!! 13:49

[@MsSera21]

I loved this, more people should make themed or concept EPs! Just a small 6-8 song run, perfect

[@Guadalupe1130]

YES. No one wants or needs, for instance, 36-song albums...

[@harisa-esquiredtoread7367]

Just found your channel from this video and I feel SO UNDERSTOOD in my taste in music. Sad girl music is my fave (looked at your merch store and am tempted by the sad boy merch haha!). I stopped looking for and listening to country when the rise of Bro Country came over but I’m using some of your old videos to catch up to better songs I’ve missed!

[@cmarie7867]

So glad you're talking about this! Love this EP

[@laneydel27]

I don’t listen to the radio so I depend on you for most of my country recommendations nowadays. I was resistant to give the Kelseas of current country a chance bc I’m not a fan of the poppy country. Then I saw Kelsea on tour with Wynonna. Girl is talented! Having the Wynonna stamp of approval was enough for me to give her a listen. I’m hooked. Good music doesn’t have to fit into a specific genre. She makes good music.

[@winye385]

I loved this album thank you for doing this! I think my favorite is “Mountain with a view” and “Penthouse”! One of my favorite line, “When I left town, did you hate me?” I felt that she was worried that Morgan was a little jealous of her success.

[@Ta12dankdiscoveries]

The lyrics on these songs are incredible.

[@hysteric4u]

drama and divorce are my fave topics. her EP is amaaaazing!! and if u havent heard her on the call her daddy podcast, do it. she's so raw and fun. i love it!

[@smalltownmusic101]

I love messy, honest lyrics. I wouldn’t even think about listening to this album without your recommendation. Love your reviews.

[@stardustbuilt]

Totally personal projection, but in Mountain With A View I love when she talks about “the photos look pretty on your Instagram” implying her husband is off at a gig, having a blast, and his wife is having to get the updates off his public social media page as opposed to him calling/texting her about it. Killed me.

[@elmerjones9050]

Hands down this is her most honest and best work to date. I’ve been a fan since her first album and now I’m happy to say she has finally arrived,thank you Kejsea for this amazing piece of art.

[@summerraine3622]

The beautiful thing about this record is that she was able to tell her story and show her frustration about their marriage without blaming it solely on her ex. Which is something we see a lot of in music, pointing the finger. But despite those moments where she says she's angry and calling him "blind", she's never saying it was his fault. People have a lot to say about her CHD interview and the lyrics on this album, but I think that can be responded to be "ain't it like this town to only criticize a woman". Kelsea laid it out in a very nuanced way and doesn't make anyone the bad guy, which is often the case for most divorces. They're messy and heartbreaking but there's not always a villain. This really is a 10/10 project and its the kind of honesty we need in country music.

[@karinahappel8957]

This EP was amazing, I cried and I felt every word she is literally on top of her game right now and I adore her

[@erin07697]

When she sang ‘I think that this is where it’s over for me’ I died inside 😢

[@shortybabygirl2009]

The interlude calling back to her song love and hate was cleverly done as well. I loved this album. Where would you rate it on your album drop scale if it wasn't already included in an album roundup video?

[@Saskyoilfan]

My jaw dropped when I first saw/heard Roll Up The Welcome Mat then I cried, it was so good on repeat

[@amieweaver]

I really loved the acoustic sound to EP! I feel like it’s very different from what she usually puts out but goes really well with the honesty of the lyrics.

[@bcrowder95]

Hey Grady. Just revisited this video, after stumbling upon Kelsea’s (For Good) release version of this album. Always respect your thoughtful reviews. Just wanted to add that she gives me serious Gabe Lee vibes (think Imogene, or 30 Seconds at a Time) on “Leave Me Again”. Would be really cool to see these two do a collab!

[@jeremysechrist4336]

I always watch your videos. I watch the “Short Film” as it Debuted Live and I was blown away. I was hoping you would review it and you didn’t disappoint. Universe is one of my favorite songs on Subject to Change but this whole EP is just a Song a writing Mastpiece

[@mayara.design]

Love this review! Kelsea really outdid herself, this is outstanding songwriting right there. Saw her a couple of nights ago in Glasgow and she sang Penthouse with so much emotion, the crowd's response was insane, this EP really touched so many people, myself included. Also, really interesting to hear her sing "warm body in bed" again in WHAT I HAVE after singing "my own body in bed" for the entire first leg of her US tour, seems like things are going well with Chase!

[@safcjcp]

Probably the best moment of the night

[@paulsmith9198]

When people starting enjoying Morgan's song (whether for the relatability to the lyrics or simply the melody),I think she felt she needed to recapture the narrative. Only her and Morgan will truly know what details are true and which are stylized to their own perceived realities. Over For You captured his "truth", these songs captures hers. As they say, the actual truth probably lies somewhere in between.

[@CyrusWaugh]

This dropped the same week 29 dropped 2 years ago Watch Kelsea drop an extension piece in September lol

[@GradySmith]

Yeah I guess it's kinda ironic that Kelsea/Kelly Clarkson/Carly Pearce have a collaboration, and it's not a big divorce song.

[@dakotaandrews1730]

Can’t wait for Morgan to drop his EP addressing all the things kelsea said on her EP.

[@annmarie3573]

You forgot Hailey Whitters in your list of women artists that are killing it! 🙌

[@GradySmith]

Haha I feel vaild in my Hailey fandom. But she's not at their level yet, career wise.

[@andrewscott8124]

Kelsea debuted Penthouse last night at her concert in Manchester, Uk. It was amazing. Goosebumps moment

[@lizisblonde]

I'm SOOO happy you reviewed this. I watched immediately and thought it was phenomenal and honest. Love all the cringe, the imagery, and the details. I had the same reaction, it felt like a response to Mogan's song without just blatantly villanizing him for all 6 signs. She definitely seems to address her own issues within the marriage, but at the same time, a marriage has 2 people, which she addresses in Blindsided.

[@chris-gx7rs]

He was the one who blindsided not her she is a liar and a cheater

[@J20190]

Love this ep! It’s been on repeat since it came out

[@aletheac3400]

I loved the vibe of the Interlude. I wish that was a more fleshed out full song

[@avainautumn]

I always interpreted Leave Me Again as Kelsea talking to herself and saying she hopes her future/healed self is doing all the things she loves, and is okay. I was actually suprised to hear your take that you think it's talking to her ex, because I never thought of it in any other way.

[@robertong4269]

I was waiting for this!!! After Subject to Change and this, Kelsea Ballerini is now top of my must listen list

[@curtisgriffin3573]

I’m Australian, and just walked through my own Divorce last year.. Hardest 2 years of my life. Morgan’s “Over for you” was literally my life. Mountain with a view had me playing on repeat. The lyric - I realise you loved me more at 23, I think that this is when it’s over for me. It had me talking back.. If there is anything I have learned, love in Marriage changes. It’s grows (or suppose to)

[@Adorablebrownmanplaysbass]

first time digging into her work and this is absolutely incredible. thanks for sharing!

[@kimc555]

She’s brave to be so honest. I think even if it’s uncomfortable at times - she’ll be glad she did it.

[@smokey3696]

Brave? She cheated on the guy

[@franzstigler3323]

Supposedly. But it’s strange timing for this to come out then rumors of her cheating. Frankly with things like this unless you know them, we may never know what was true and what wasn’t, because you have organizations like TMZ willing to run with a story regardless of its source or veracity. It is a bit telling though you’d immediately assume she was wrong here, especially with so little to go on.

[@soxpatsboston]

Grady, where did your bluegrassy intro with the green background go?

[@GradySmith]

I kinda am enjoying not having an intro. Do you miss it?

[@soxpatsboston]

@@GradySmith I actually do! It was pretty unique...most videos just "start", so having that up front was just a neat little intro/jingle. 😁

[@joejones7852]

I miss it as well

[@sethkirkendall4757]

“We were just playing house. Marriage hasn’t been working for us for a long time”. Jesus Christ that hit hard.

[@kyleconers]

she created this album with the most upmost honesty. she truly put her heart into this project. anyone who wants to bash and talk negatively about her because truly hasn’t invested into reading into her situation of the divorce. much love for her. amazing album.

[@janayadrake4741]

The first time I heard the lyric, "Yeah, it was love, then it was just married." I literally said,"Grady is going to like that lyric," outloud.

[@SirinxDumplings]

I cannot stop listening to rolling up the welcome mat as I could not stop listening to 29.... Both amazing albums... Unfortunately about divorce

[@joeyhenry1430]

grady out here spoiling us

[@MrHmg55]

You mentioned Kelsea, Lainey Wilson and Carly Pearce at the end as three female artists making major impacts in country music and on country radio. Hoping Ashley McBryde can make it four when her post-Lindeville project drops. She's already teasing a song from it, although only with a sliver of a snippet.

[@GradySmith]

Yeah, waiting for that true breakthrough moment!

[@zacharyhardin426]

Great video and analysis! Based on the other comments, I’m probably the only person who doesn’t understand the hype of this album.

[@ryguy891]

Hey Grady! I'm sure you've been asked, but Muscadine Bloodline just put out a full length album that is absolutely BANGIN . It steps away from their slower stuff and kills it with some 90's twangy grungy just killer stuff. Would love to see your thoughts 🤙

[@Guadalupe1130]

She changed the words to What I Have at her show in DC in November. I can't remember the exact words but something like "I got myself" instead of "warm body"

[@emilyfoster9975]

I want to know your thoughts on Interlude Full Length

[@kimbasciano_]

I’m obsessed with Just Married.

[@thelucynicola]

A great video and I totally agree - she’s at the top of her game. We’re literally two months into this year but 2023 is already shaping up to be a great one for country music

[@geopanheatingplumbing-lenn3745]

People need to reflect, express, and heal from their life experiences. Ain't nothing wrong with that. Goin' from the negative to a positive. An even greater future is there for you. Don't stop. More importantly don't let anyone stop you. The world is yours take it 🌹🥇

[@theswiftladybuglover]

Loved this project so much and imo is definitely her best “album” or I guess rather collection of songs!!

[@gracelenehanvaughn1816]

Great review, Grady.

[@jamiecollins32]

"Whoa, funky immediately"

[@NicoleMarieDay]

I was really excited to hear your opinion on this. After your comments on Subject to Change I thought that you would really appreciate the songwriting on Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. I was right. Great review. I agree with your perspective on this review pretty much exactly. Also I’m sorry I haven’t been in the comments a lot as of lately. I just had my first baby. A girl. So I’m a mom now. Kinda crazy. Thanks for the review. And I hope I can come into more videos if I have the time. But I just had to make time for this video.

[@Sam_guitar1999]

I swear I have all the same Target brand Henley shirts in my closet as you Grady

[@GradySmith]

How dare you this is Old Navy

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

The concept was brilliant. She gave the impression lyrically that she was hurt by the divorce but she didn't seem fazed since she created this wonderful video explanation of the whole event. She made it as graphic as possible and that confused me. If someone is hurt by any event you do want to forget the event not continually have something to remind you of it or have people comment about it which could bring back the pain.

[@missrault1067]

I keep thinking about SUBJECT TO CHANGE and I wonder how she managed to write that album which doesn't seem to really reflect how she was feeling and what she was going through..

[@kmimie00]

love this album almost as much as I love her😢❤

[@BillyMalcom-y1m]

She’s real❤ love her

[@hannahhomoky4069]

This EP is sooo good. I love Kels so much

[@TxWhisk021]

Watched the film when it released! It was gorgeous and heartbreaking and as a new wife I’ve even resonated with some of it. Kinda sad about her and Halsey because I thought they had GRAeAT chemistry on stage.

[@habsfan4ever67]

Personally I could care less if it sounds pop or country as long as the writing is great. And this album is great.

[@haziqahnasaruddin4514]

I love this EP so much!

[@sethkirkendall4757]

How did I not write a divorce album.

[@trippcave8576]

Grady, you just rock.

[@kendalljayecox5295]

I feel like in what I have the line, I have a warm body in bed is a prelude to her divorce because it sounds very detached to say warm body rather than husband, lover, etc.

[@RachelMcIntyreSmith]

This is by far my favorite kelsea project 🤘

[@ryanndionne7296]

I’ve been a Kelsea fan since the beginning and I think she just keeps getting better and better. My favorite part about her is how she is so vulnerable with her fans in her songs.

[@lauratoeniskoetter]

Not me watching this right after listening to the podcast. I’ve been going through changes that I didn’t want, and while they aren’t relationship related, this EP and it’s grief have let me feel all the emotions this month. I think Kelsea did a great job of addressing the song Morgan put out but just her side, too, of how she saw the whole marriage fall apart. She was honest and didn’t hold back on saying she was part to blame, too.

[@lauratoeniskoetter]

I think also “villianize” is a strong word for this EP. she owns her shit and she can call out his bullshit without making him a villain. Takes two to tango, and it takes two to make a marriage, and I think she does a decent job of admitting they both didn’t do they best they could.

[@bookgirl8]

@@lauratoeniskoetter See the problem is now he is being made out to be the villain and if Kelsea hadn’t gone on that damned podcast,it wouldn’t have blown up like it did.

[@tiaayana]

@@bookgirl8 oh well that sounds like a you problem

[@robervin9107]

It’s just as good as your drunk go home. Love it and I love you Grady

[@christikovach6394]

In one of his lyrics he says “ my girls a welcome Matt”…… so I think rolling up the welcome Matt is also in reference to his lyric .

[@wildhorsemusic1111]

Nice Review. What's it take to be county?

[@riccardobanelli]

Did you talked about or review Kelsea's poetry book called "Feel your way through" ? It's been an interesting project!

[@microt999]

Blindsided sounds exactly like a track on Midnights in the best way possible

[@CJ-wz7wz]

Kelsea is really something else, such honest songwriting, I just don't understand how awards shows are looking past her.

[@Cdyoung15]

Damn the songwriting was 🤌🤌 in this project

[@lorettamyers1029]

Love this EP but what are you talking about no great women artist since Miranda and Carrie? What does Maren Morris have to do to get some respect. You don’t have to agree with her opinions if you don’t want but her talent should be undeniable. She has won tons of awards - sold out concerts and at times been the only woman who could get any air play on country radio.

[@TunaGroyper]

Common Gravy W

[@migueljrr4236]

I love Kelsea, sadly subject to change didn't it to it for me, but this EP was a masterpiece. It felt more mature more REAL.

[@kolsethministries]

Was Miss Me More actually about him as well and we just didn’t know because they were obviously together? Unapologetically was her “marriage album” but MMM feels emotionally similar to this EP.

[@TIffytifftiff85]

It’s a great EP

[@emma-louiselove2183]

As much as I love the drama, it also makes me sad for them both as it isn’t an easy thing to go through and so publicly! And hate this whole team Morgan/team Kelsea thing. The song writing is so raw and real though and the twist on the words just married gives me goosebumps. Just seen her on her UK leg of subject to change tour and she played Penthouse and it was the most beautiful and haunting performance. Will definitely have this EP on repeat, ironic really when I get married next month 😂