Nelly ‘Heartland’ Album Review

Multi-platinum recording artist Nelly released his new album titled Heartland on Friday, August 27. The crossover hit “Lil Bit” that features Florida-Georgia Line kicked off this album in a major way. The Texas native created this project to reflect the country influences he had grown up with, and what he enjoys listening to today.

Known for hits such as “Hot In Herre,” “Just A Dream,” and “Dilemma” Nelly is taking a more creative leap with this latest effort. He revolutionized genre-bending when he first collaborated with Tim McGraw back in 2004 on “Over and Over” and then brought Florida Georgia Line’s smash hit “Cruise” to the next level back in 2013. With this album, each song on Heartland features a country artist or artists that Nelly had reached out to. The featured collaborators include Darius Rucker, Kane Brown, Tyler and Brian of Florida Georgia Line as well as rising artists like Chris Bandi, Jimmie Allen, George Birge, Breland, and more.

Nelly performed the “High Horse” feat. Blanco Brown and Breland on Jimmy Kimmel Live as it’s being promoted as the next single. The up-tempo song incorporates funk, pop, and country as Nelly adds his rap verse. The song is an ear-worm whether it’s played live or on the radio.

The mid-tempo tracks enhance the cohesiveness of the album. “Follow Me” feat. Chris Bandi exudes an almost gospel-like sound. “Follow me, through the river, past the fields, through the pines, follow me.” “Someone Somewhere” feat. George Birge is another song that adds dimension for Nelly. The sultry, acoustic vibe plays well to the vocals of both Nelly and Birge.

True party songs go hand-in-hand with a Nelly album, and “Good Times Roll” feat. Allen gives fans exactly that. Nelly is singing in distinctively country melody that sounds surprising yet works to his advantage. “Alabama yelling roll tide roll, cut through to Mississippi, got a lot of people with me, fist bumps on the 504.” Nelly earned himself even more country cred on Heartland by staying true to himself while experimenting with new territory.

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