Jelly Roll’s ‘Beautifully Broken’ Resets Country Music, Prioritizes Mental Health Over Partying

It’s widely recognized that Jelly Roll has catapulted to stardom in the country music scene over the last couple of years. Yet, there are still those in the entertainment industry who are oblivious to the allure of country music. These folks were probably caught off guard when Jelly Roll performed his new single, “I Am Not Okay,” during the Emmys’ “In Memoriam” segment. Many viewers on the coasts were likely taken aback by this heavily tattooed, larger-than-life character singing a raw ballad about depression and anxiety as a tribute to figures like Bob Newhart and Peter Marshall.

Ultimately, the choice of song was fitting, even if some might have preferred the yearly rendition of “In My Life.” Jelly Roll, who is swiftly becoming America’s de facto therapist, reassures his listeners with the message that although life is tough and “we’re not OK,” there is hope that “we’re gonna be all right.” It’s rare to find a music chart-topper so dedicated to crafting hits from themes of despair yet managing to glimpse a ray of hope. His ability to explore these darker themes without becoming maudlin is unique, especially outside the realms of gospel or doom-metal. This is largely because Jelly Roll is arguably the most cheerful figure in today’s entertainment landscape, making it possible for him to delve into the theme of hitting rock bottom repeatedly, as many across the nation simply dream of one day giving him a hug.

Jelly Roll’s latest album, “Beautifully Broken,” marks his third release since transitioning from a dedicated rapper to a country music singer—a change that he navigated with surprising ease during his personal evolution from a self-admitted troublemaker to a motivational figure. While his music often touches on poor self-esteem and the search for redemption without directly linking these themes to substance abuse, this album sees him confronting issues of recovery more directly than ever, frequently addressing the perils of drugs and alcohol as a form of escapism. Thus, he stands not only as a leading counselor but perhaps as a national guide to sobriety.

The album kicks off with “Winning Streak,” a melodramatic song with a hint of gospel, set in an AA meeting. Then comes “When the Drugs Don’t Work,” a straightforward duet with songwriter Ilsey about the futility of substance use. The track “Higher Than Heaven” features rapper Wiz Khalifa and candidly discusses the risks of starting the day high—a modern echo of Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” The commitment to these themes is evident throughout the album, which is both surprising and refreshing given the generally pro-partying atmosphere of modern country music.

By the 12th track, when Jelly Roll sings about hitting rock bottom, listeners may feel like this theme dominates much of the album. However, in “Hey Mama,” a tender ode to his wife and podcast star, Bunnie XO, he briefly shifts to lighter subjects. But the album, which extends to 22 songs in its standard form and 28 in the deluxe version, often revisits its core motifs of substance use, self-loathing, and seeking divine intervention in a non-denominational manner.

The album’s production varies enough to keep it from being mired in gloom, blending anthemic rock with elements of pop. This prevents the heavy themes from overwhelming the listener, thanks in part to producers like Zach Crowell and the pop group Monsters & Strangerz alongside Ryan Tedder. Despite the dark lyrics, the album remains surprisingly uplifting.

“Beautifully Broken” genuinely challenges the glorification of excessive drinking pervasive in contemporary country music. It’s a stark contrast to the genre’s past when Nashville songwriters often humorously but fatalistically linked alcohol to heartbreak. Jelly Roll’s straightforward approach strips away the clever veneer of these older tunes to address the real issues.

The album is laden with self-help themes but doesn’t lack lyrical craft. From sharp lines like “I got two shaky hands, only one way to stop ’em” in the opening track to the complex lyrics of “Unpretty,” Jelly Roll demonstrates his ability to blend meaningful messages with catchy melodies. This might be too introspective for country fans who prefer a clear separation between their music and mental health discussions, or not quite directive enough for those seeking a flawless role model in recovery. Jelly Roll admits to occasionally attending AA meetings but doesn’t preach abstinence, advocating moderation instead.

While the primary focus of the album might be on battling substance abuse, it also profoundly addresses shame—a theme not commonly explored in the machismo-heavy landscape of modern country music. In “Past Yesterday,” a duet with Skylar Gray, the narrative tackles changing self-perceptions following traumatic experiences, inviting listeners, especially men, to confront their self-loathing and the deeper issues it may mask.

The album, while introspective, will likely still be a hit with fans at his concerts, embodying the complex, sometimes contradictory journey of recovery—one day and one contradiction at a time.