Belles’ Self-Titled EP is a Fearless, Gritty Solo Statement
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Belles, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kelli Belles, delivers her truest introduction to date with her self-titled, six-track EP, Belles. The collection successfully bridges the emotional depth of classic country storytelling (think Loretta Lynn and June Carter Cash) with a dreamy, modern pop-country polish. Serving as her first major solo statement since transitioning from the celebrated mother-daughter duo, The Belles, this EP is a confident, raw, and highly relatable exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and navigating the complexities of modern love and heartbreak.
The Artist: Midwest Grit Meets Music Row Soul
Kelli Belles’ musical lineage runs deep, starting with her grandmother, a Jazz singer, and her mother, Jaymie, who was part of the pop quartet Mulberry Lane. Growing up immersed in music in Omaha, Nebraska, Belles initially garnered attention performing alongside her mother as The Belles. This experience honed her natural ability to craft tight, impactful harmonies and commanded a stage presence that appealed across generations.
Now stepping fully into her own spotlight, Belles brings a unique blend of Midwest authenticity and Nashville polish. Her vocal delivery is powerful yet nuanced—a striking instrument capable of conveying both honky-tonk sass and deep, introspective vulnerability. Throughout the EP, Belles establishes herself not just as a singer, but as a fearless storyteller, reimagining the genre’s foundations for a contemporary audience. The EP was produced by a dynamic team, including Sam Grow and Johnny Gates, ensuring a sound that feels both vintage and cutting-edge.
Track-by-Track Review
1. Porcelain (Kelli Belles, Cassidy Best, Nell Maynard | Prod. Sam Grow) The EP opens with its most vulnerable moment. “Porcelain” is a slow-burning ballad that uses delicate, intricate imagery to explore emotional fragility and the struggle to maintain strength when relationships start to crack. The production is sparse, allowing Belles’ rich, airy vocals to float above subtle acoustic guitar and a wash of dreamy reverb, setting an immediate tone of authenticity and self-awareness. It’s a bold choice for an opener, prioritizing emotional connection over immediate radio-friendliness.
2. Broken In Boots (Kelli Belles, Johnny Gates | Prod. Johnny Gates) Switching gears, “Broken In Boots” brings the grit and rhythm. This mid-tempo track anchors Belles’ sound firmly in the contemporary country space. Lyrically, it’s an ode to resilience and hard-won wisdom, using the metaphor of well-worn, comfortable boots to signify a readiness to walk through any challenge. The production here is tighter and driven by a strong drum beat, showcasing the artist’s “Midwest grit” and delivering a message of strength.
3. Crazy As Me (Kelli Belles, Johnny Gates, Blake Wood | Prod. Sam Grow) The sassiest track on the EP, “Crazy As Me,” is pure honky-tonk energy with a modern pop structure. It’s an infectious, up-tempo bop that embraces imperfections and messy behavior with a wink and a smile. Belles’ vocal delivery here is sharp and playful, designed for car-singalongs and Saturday nights. The song serves as the necessary, high-octane release on the record, proving Belles can deliver a fun, high-energy track without sacrificing lyrical cleverness.
4. Happy Hour (Kelli Belles, Johnny Gates | Prod. Johnny Gates) “Happy Hour” provides a reflective pause. It delves into the temporary escape offered by a drink and the bittersweet nature of finding distraction in social settings after a painful breakup. The track is built around a smooth, almost laid-back groove, but the weight of the lyrics—which touch on trying to “forget to remember” a lost love—grounds it in genuine emotion.
5. Forget To Remember You (Kelli Belles, Johnny Gates, Austin Luther | Prod. Sam Grow) This track is perhaps the most classic country heartbreak song on the EP, utilizing a powerful melodic hook typical of modern country-pop. “Forget To Remember You” captures the universal difficulty of moving past someone who has become integrated into every facet of life. The production swells here, maximizing the emotional impact of the chorus, confirming Belles’ talent for turning painful experiences into commercially viable anthems.
6. Ring on The Table (Focal Track) (Kelli Belles, Ned Cameron | Prod. Sam Grow) The EP’s focal track, “Ring on The Table,” is a masterclass in cinematic country storytelling. This ballad offers a poignant narrative following the trajectory of a relationship through the recurring, gut-wrenching image of an engagement ring left behind. The song beautifully captures the contrast between the initial “picture-perfect promise” and the quiet despair of broken vows. It builds to a climax that is both heartbreaking and empowering, solidifying Belles’ command of narrative songwriting and leaving the listener with the deepest emotional resonance.
The Verdict
Belles is a resounding success as a self-introduction. It meticulously showcases Belles’ range, moving effortlessly from the raw vulnerability of “Porcelain” to the infectious swagger of “Crazy As Me.” This EP proves that Belles is ready to claim her spot in Nashville, not by imitating her influences, but by distilling them into a signature sound that is authentically her own. It’s essential listening for anyone who appreciates country music that is both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly charting a modern, emotional path.