Jelly Roll: “Thorns”

Jelly Roll has a knack for straddling grit and sincerity, and “Thorns” hits you right in that sweet spot.

Listening through a setup that probably costs more than my first car, every little nuance comes through: the rasp in his voice, the careful layering of piano and guitar, the tiny background harmonies that give the track depth.

It’s a song built on contrast — tenderness wrapped in defiance — and it works because he doesn’t shy away from wearing his heart on his sleeve.

What I love is how the verses balance pain and resilience, and how the chorus opens into something almost defiant in its optimism.

Jelly Roll reminds me why Americana can still feel alive in the mainstream, while keeping a personal, lived-in edge.

This one will stick in your head, in the best way.