Kelsea Ballerini "Love is a Cowboy" Song Review

Singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini has announced the name and release date of her highly-anticipated new record after teasing fans on social media. SUBJECT TO CHANGE will be released on September 23. Along with the big news, she also dropped a new track titled "LOVE IS A COWBOY ."

Compared to the breezy, pop-leaning lead single "HEARTFIRST that feels like pure sunshine," on "LOVE IS A COWBOY," Ballerini dips her toes into a deeper, acoustic, soulful side of the country genre. The track feels like a dim sunset.

The lyrics, written by Ballerini alongside hitmakers Jesse Frasure and Parker Welling, act like one long-winded, picturesque metaphor. The best example of this can be found in the chorus when she sings, "It makes your heart feel like wild horses in your chest / Trying to catch, it's like tryna tame a wild, wild west / And when I'm with him, it's like ropin' the wind / Love is a cowboy." With vivid lyricism, Ballerini distinctly captures the fleeting, bittersweet essence of love.

Besides the striking comparisons that hit the ear, when peaking in closely, the instrumental is also intricately detailed and flows beautifully. As Ballerini croons with smooth vocals, a steel guitar swings gently behind her while an acoustic guitar being plucked is heard more fervently. After the bridge, a rush of strings enters, building the song until the final climax.

"LOVE IS A COWBOY" showcases everything Ballerini is loved for: detailed songwriting, tangible emotions, and sweet vocals filled with real sentiment.

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