Instead, the journey of Beautifully Broken begins at rock bottom for the artist, sweating in a church basement with trembling hands, yearning to be anywhere else. In the song “Winning Streak,” he confesses, “I haven’t touched a drop in seven hours, three minutes/Hardly sobered up, already want to quit quitting,” feeling ashamed of his struggles until he encounters a man who has been clean for 20 years. The poignant songwriting, despite some clichés, leads to a chorus that exudes triumph over adversity with a stomp-clap/gospel moment. Similarly, “Heart of Stone” is a desperate plea for help, amped up with the full Imagine Dragons treatment, complete with big build-ups and catchy refrains. While Jelly Roll once described his sound as a blend of Hank, Three 6, and Kid Rock, in this album, it leans more towards the intersection of Twenty One Pilots and Gnarls Barkley.
The experience of a Jelly Roll concert has been likened to an evangelical revival, with themes of heaven, hell, and fallen angels not out of place in mainstream rap and R&B. The prevalence of trauma and addiction in music reflects the pain rap genre’s repetitive nature, where artists often release similar records. Despite this, there is a need for songs like “I Am Not Okay,” where Jelly Roll sings, “I’m not okay, but it’s all gonna be alright,” resonating with many listeners. The question remains: can music that aims to heal America’s broken heart also be of high quality?
However, tracks like “Hear Me Out” delve into deeper personal struggles, such as a missed call from a friend battling addiction. Jelly Roll’s creative mission is to provide a voice and a soundtrack for those often overlooked by society. His advocacy extends beyond music, as seen when he testified before a Senate committee to address the fentanyl supply chain issue. His past as a drug dealer adds a unique perspective to his advocacy efforts, positioning him as part of the solution to a problem he once contributed to.
While Beautifully Broken yearns for more nuance in its storytelling, tracks like “My Cross” showcase Jelly Roll’s ability to craft timeless narratives akin to classic country songs. With his compelling voice, emotional depth, and charismatic presence, he embodies the qualities of an American folk hero. The only missing piece now are the songs that will solidify his place in music history.
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Jelly Roll: Beautifully Broken
FAQs
What themes are prevalent in Jelly Roll’s album, Beautifully Broken?
The album explores themes of addiction, struggle, redemption, and personal growth, resonating with many listeners.
How does Jelly Roll’s personal history influence his advocacy efforts?
Having a past as a drug dealer, Jelly Roll brings a unique perspective to his advocacy work, positioning himself as part of the solution to issues like the fentanyl supply chain.
Credit: pitchfork.com
