Only a few months after the release of the deluxe edition of her 2024 album “PATTERNS,” Kelsea Ballerini has returned. Her new body of work, “Mount Pleasant,” was released on Nov. 14, an extended play consisting of six new tracks. As her stardom rose significantly after her 2023 EP “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,” Ballerini began writing about her life in a way only comparable to a personal letter to a friend or family member, especially in the wake of her recent breakup and reunion with “Outer Banks” actor Chase Stokes.
Ballerini’s new EP tackles everything from romantic insecurity to the mental health of those around us. Similar to the themes of unpacking baggage and personal vulnerability heard throughout “PATTERNS,” Ballerini brings casual listeners and fans alike into the world she now lives in, following her last year of selling out arenas across the country and experiencing life on her own once again.
“I Sit In Parks”
Ballerini opens “Mount Pleasant” on a fairly somber note, as she describes her trips to parks to see her lifelong dreams unfold in front of her, but not in the way she had hoped they would: “I sit in parks, it breaks my heart / ‘Cause I see just how far I am from the things that I want.” Even though she got some things that she wanted, such as an arena tour and critical success, she wonders if it is too late for her to become a mother and start a family, something she ponders while a happy couple has a picnic and their kids spend time on a playground.
“People Pleaser”
This song is fairly self-explanatory solely based on its title: Ballerini labels herself as a “people pleaser,” something she has described herself as many times in the past, and goes through the meaning of that self-description. Ballerini describes some of her actions of people pleasing, such as jumping into water despite fearing what is in the ocean and buying art even though she hates it, while simultaneously unpacking why she acts in such a way.
“Emerald City”
Jealousy and insecurity play the main role here, as Ballerini compares herself to another woman, who is presumably her partner’s former love. With musical elements most reminiscent of her country roots, Ballerini introduces the important role of colors, particularly the color green, in this song. She compares her eye color, her lip color and even being her partner’s “emerald city” to this past partner, hoping she is still not in the picture.
“587”
Between Nashville, Tennessee, where Ballerini lives, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the presumed inspiration for the title of the EP, 587 miles separate them. This physical distance between Ballerini and her partner is reflected in the lyrics, which detail a break in their relationship. Ballerini asks about her presence in her partner’s life following their time apart, before describing the impact of their distance within her own life.
“The Revisionist”
Based around a simple piano track, Ballerini explores the concept of wanting to “erase a bad decision,” implying that her mistakes, no matter how recent, sit with her forever. She explains her desire to erase them from her memory or possibly “outwrite it,” but then she begins to understand that nothing can be changed. However, she calls “the revisionist” to hopefully change these actions as a last resort.
“Check On Your Friends”
As Ballerini wraps up the EP, she decides to remind listeners to check up on the people around us to make sure everyone, not just your friends, is doing their best. She describes someone acting as if they are doing well with their life but privately struggles behind closed doors. The song and EP close with an almost minute-long instrumental bridge section, followed by Ballerini reciting lyrics from “I Sit In Parks,” seemingly bringing the EP’s storyline together at its close.
As someone who has experienced a significant amount of growth, both personally and in my musical interests, during my time at Vanderbilt, I have been grateful for my connection to Ballerini’s music throughout the years, especially the growth she has showcased on “Mount Pleasant.” Solely because of that, I wonder what is next for Ballerini: Will she continue down this path of growing through her experiences, or has it come to a close? I look forward to discovering in the years to come.
