What makes Ballads of the Broken by Jelly Roll notable?

Ballads of the Broken debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, showcasing Jelly Roll's growing influence in the country music scene. The album's blend of genres and personal storytelling resonated deeply with listeners, marking a significant moment for country rap's acceptance in mainstream culture. By the release of Ballads of the Broken in September 2021, Jelly Roll was transitioning from underground success to mainstream recognition. This album followed his breakthrough single 'Son of a Sinner,' which had earned him significant attention and set the stage for this more polished project.

Who is Ballads of the Broken for?

Ballads of the Broken works well if you're into heartfelt storytelling of struggle, short tracks for quick reflection and cathartic moments of vulnerability.

How many songs are on Ballads of the Broken?

Ballads of the Broken has 10 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Ballads of the Broken

Jelly Roll · 2021

31 min · 10 tracks · country music

A raw blend of Southern rock and country rap, weaving heartfelt narratives through gritty, confessional lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Son of a Sinner — This track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and redemption, featuring relatable storytelling that highlights Jelly Roll's unique voice in country rap.
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Hollow — Hollow stands out for its emotional depth, addressing feelings of emptiness and loss with haunting melodies that enhance its poignant lyrics.
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Sober — In Sober, Jelly Roll confronts addiction candidly, delivering a powerful message about personal battles that resonates across genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres effectively while showcasing personal narratives, though it has some unevenness in pacing.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a steady build in intensity, with 'Son of a Sinner' serving as a pivotal emotional high point.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside sung verses, creating a conversational tone that enhances the storytelling.
The album closes with two demo versions of 'Son of a Sinner', which shift the focus to raw vocal delivery and stripped-down instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

heartfelt storytelling of struggle
short tracks for quick reflection
cathartic moments of vulnerability
late-night introspection and solace

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party vibes
prefer long, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context: By the release of Ballads of the Broken in September 2021, Jelly Roll was transitioning from underground success to mainstream recognition. This album followed his breakthrough single 'Son of a Sinner,' which had earned him significant attention and set the stage for this more polished project.
Stylistic neighbors: Yelawolf· Struggle Jennings· Hank Williams Jr.