Jelly Roll 'Whitsitt Chapel' Album Review

Jelly Roll is an artist with increasing popularity and for good reason. As one of the more exciting and unique voices in country music today, Jelly Roll's new album Whitsitt Chapel looks to cement his status.

When appearing on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the singer asked, "What would worship music for sinners sound like?" That is the inspiration behind this new project. It's no surprise that the "Son Of A Sinner" singer wants to use his music to impact others. Having spent over a decade in and out of the jail system, Jelly Roll wants to show his fans how to have hope. With every song on this new album, he shows everyone a bit more of his soul.

"Halfway To Hell" opens the record in a lightning rod kind of way. "I'm a country jail revival / I'm a bottle and a Bible / I'm a rolling stone disciple with a cross across my face." The inclusion of a sermon from an enthusiastic preacher adds an authentic touch. From the very beginning, Jelly Roll leads with honesty and reflection.

There are notable writing credits throughout the LP as well. "Church" is co-written by HARDY and "The Lost" is co-written by Miranda Lambert. "Church" is about finding a new direction in life. Jelly Roll sings about finding a sense of purpose beyond "where the wild things are." "The Lost" produces a thumbing tempo that culminates into the perfect rock-gospel-country song. The collaboration "Save Me" with Lainey Wilson is also a highlight. The two performers brought the house down at the 2023 ACM Awards when they debuted the hard-hitting tune.

"Kill A Man" doesn't sound like the title of a love song, but it is. "The end of me begins with you / Something 'bout you has always been dangerous / I should run but here I stand / You're the one thing / Heaven can't save me from." When he sings the lines, "Loving you could kill a man," one can feel the sense of risk in his voice. Love can make anyone feel like their most vulnerable selves.

As the very first track opened with a sample from a preacher's sermon, the closer to the project does the same. "Hungover In A Church Pew" is about owning up to mistakes made. This song takes a humble approach and feels like a breath of fresh air. Jelly Roll embodies diverse styles of music but is able to create one of the more cohesive albums of the year. His desire to make a record of songs that sinners can relate to has paid off. Jelly Roll is on to something, and everyone should take notice.

Do you like going to concerts? You can get $20 OFF your first order at SeatGeek! Use promo code: THENASHNEWS at checkout.

To hear more of country music’s best new releases, head to our Playlists Page and follow The Nash New Releases playlist on Spotify. For the latest in country music news follow The Nash News on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, and don’t miss our brand-new newsletter!

Please note that this article may have affiliate links or The Nash News may receive compensation. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.