Frankie Ballard is an American country singer/songwriter from Michigan. Ballard won Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star competition back in 2008 and later opened for Chesney at Michigan venues.
In 2010 he signed to Reprise Records Nashville releasing his debut single, “Tell Me You Get Lonely.” In 2011 he released his second single titled “A Buncha Girls” which made the top 40. In 2013 he released his third single, “Helluva Life,” signed with Warner Bros. Records. He has released two albums; Frankie Ballard on May 24 2011 and Sunshine & Whiskey recently on February 11 2014. Here is what I thought about his new songs from Sunshine & Whiskey.
“Young & Crazy:” Starting off his album with this song, shows that he just wants to have fun and show everyone what he is all about. The rhythm and instrumentation for this song is impeccable. I was able to feel the true meaning to this song because I am young, yet I am not as crazy.
“Sunshine & Whiskey:” The song has great passion to the lyrics and great way to sway back and forth listening to lyrics.
“It Don’t Take Much:” The instrumentation in the beginning of the song before the lyrics start is neat. It starts off slow and then gets a little faster as the song goes on.
“Helluva Life:” This song is very soothing and relaxing as you listen to Ballard’s voice. It has a sentimental feeling to the lyrics and you’re able to understand the meaning.
“Drinky Drink:” In the beginning of the song you hear a harmonica, which is cool because you don’t really hear that kind of instrument within songs. Towards the end of the song you also hear the harmonica play a significant part of the song.
“Tell Me You Get Lonely:” While listening to this song you can hear his raspy voice as he sings, which makes your heart melt. I think this song shows what kind of artist he is and what he could do vocally.
“Sober Me Up:” This is another one of his slower songs and I actually listened to what he said throughout the song. It has a great message behind the lyrics, which fits perfectly with the song.
“I’m Thinking Country:” This song has a faster tempo to the beat, which made me move to the music. I feel as if you’re able to let loose to this song and act freely dancing.
“Tip Jar:” As I listened to this song, I was actually on the verge of tears because it had such a strong meaning to what he was saying. This song touched my heart more than the other songs on his albums.
“Don’t You Wanna Fall:” This is another slower song of the album, and while listening to this song the only words that were stuck inside my head were “Don’t You Wanna Fall.” I thought: yes, I want to fall!
“Don’t Tell Mama I Was Drinking:” I thought this was a great song to end the album with because it has that “touching” feeling to the melody. I liked the ending to the song when you heard the amplifiers being unplugged, which gave a neat sound.
I think between his two albums that Ballard has released, Sunshine & Whiskey would have to be my favorite because I feel these songs are more touching and heartfelt. He is on tour right now, so check him out if he’s coming to a venue near you.
