Today (October 11), Jelly Roll released his sophomore country album Beautifully Broken. The 22-track collection sees the singer/songwriter stepping a little deeper into the country music world. More importantly, it is packed from beginning to end with songs designed to hit the listener directly in the heart.
That’s not to say that Beautifully Broken is a downer of an album. Nor is every track on the album a tear-jerker. However, Jelly Roll managed to put together 22 meaningful songs. Each of the tracks dives headfirst into one emotion or another. Fans won’t find any filler in the tracklist.
Be that as it may, some listeners may not have time to work through the entire hour-and-four-minute runtime of the album. With that in mind, here are five must-hear tracks from Beautifully Broken.
“Winning Streak” Jelly Roll Opens with an Emotional Hammer
No one can say that Jelly Roll doesn’t know his audience and this song proves it. He’s written several songs about recovery in the past but this one may hit closer to the bone for some listeners than any of the others.
“Winning Streak” tells the story of a man who decides to turn his life around and get sober. Much of it centers on attending 12-step meetings and the advice the song’s protagonist received during his first time in the rooms. “Everybody here’s felt the same defeat. Nobody walks through those doors on a winning streak.”
“When the Drugs Don’t Work” One of Two Guest Appearances on the Album
Jelly Roll was selective about his features on this album, choosing only two guest vocalists—Ilsey and Wiz Khalifa. The former appears on “When the Drugs Don’t Work.” The addition of her voice to the song takes it to the next level.
“Smile So Much” Is All About Perspective
Jelly Roll has lived a hard life, only recently finding love, stability, and success. However, he appears to be one of the most upbeat, happy, and generous people on the planet. In “Smile So Much” he explains what inspires him to be such a positive person.
In the chorus, he sings, If you’d seen all the tears I cried / You would know why I smile so much. / Fought the hate I fight / You would know why I try to love. / Even when it’s hard / Even when it feels like I’m fallin’ apart.
“Hey Mama” Jelly Roll’s Love Song for Bunnie Xo
It seems that Jelly Roll is constantly on tour or traveling to make appearances. That often takes him away from his home and family. “Hey, Mama” is a song about being in love with the road and the life he’s living while still missing Bunnie and wishing he could be home with her.
This is nothing short of a beautiful tribute to the woman who helps Jelly Roll keep his head on straight no matter how far apart they are.
“My Cross” One to Make the Parents Cry
Until relatively recently, Jelly Roll’s life has been full of violence, drugs, crime, and incarceration. “My Cross” is one of many nods to him being a changed man. More specifically it’s the “dad song” of the album. Where older songs like “Calls Me Dad” were sweet, this one walks the line between heartbreaking and heartwarming.
In the lyrics, Jelly worries that he’ll pass his bad habits, trauma, and troubles on to his children. I pray every day I can love you enough / So my cross to carry won’t be yours to pick up, he sings in the tear-jerking chorus.
Featured Image by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen
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