The Power of Endurance: Kristen Kelly Finds Grace in “The Next Right Thing”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Kristen Kelly has long established herself as one of country music’s most authentic voices, defined by a sound she once described as having “a little more grease than polish.” The Texas-born singer-songwriter, known for blending the grit of classic rock and blues with traditional country roots, delivers one of her most emotionally poignant tracks yet with the single, “The Next Right Thing.” This song is not just a musical performance; it is a stunning display of resilience set to a soulful, acoustic backdrop.
About the Artist
Hailing from Lorena, Texas, Kristen Kelly first gained national recognition after signing with Arista Nashville, where her debut single “Ex-Old Man” became a Top 30 hit on the Billboard charts. A member of CMT’s inaugural “Next Women of Country” class, Kelly has built her career on powerful, candid songwriting and extensive touring alongside giants like Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and Gary Allan. Her musical sensibility is rooted in the storytelling traditions of Merle Haggard, The Judds, and Reba, while incorporating the raw delivery of Bonnie Raitt and Patty Griffin.
Review: “The Next Right Thing”
Co-written by Frank J. Myers, Oliver Leiber, and Gregory J. Friia, “The Next Right Thing” draws its profound simplicity from the late Wynonna Judd’s moving mantra for coping with grief: simply focusing on “the next right thing.” Kelly takes this concept of daily endurance and transforms it into a universal anthem for moving forward when life feels overwhelming.
Lyrically, the song avoids melodrama, instead painting vivid, relatable images of loss and the quiet strength required to live through it. The track feels intensely personal, particularly given its release in tribute to her late father. It acknowledges the ache of memory while simultaneously illuminating the soft, determined flicker of hope.
Musically, the production is masterful in its restraint. It is expansive without being overwhelming, built around gentle acoustic layers, subtle percussion, and a touch of grounded country twang. This instrumentation serves as a steady, quiet companion to Kelly’s vocal performance, giving the emotional weight of the lyrics the space they need to breathe.
Kelly’s voice is the absolute heart of the track. It is rich, warm, and full of character. She doesn’t force the emotion; rather, she lets the vulnerability shine through, delivering a performance that feels raw and entirely earned. The power in her delivery comes from its heartfelt honesty, striking a perfect balance between heartbreak and healing. “The Next Right Thing” is a masterclass in nuanced, genuine country lyricism, cementing Kristen Kelly’s place as a singular voice for life’s toughest, most enduring moments.