Whitsitt Chapel Explained

Whitsitt Chapel
Type:studio
Artist:Jelly Roll
Cover:Jelly Roll - Whitsitt Chapel.png
Length:43:26
Label:
Producer:
Prev Title:Ballads of the Broken
Prev Year:2021

Whitsitt Chapel is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Jelly Roll, released on June 2, 2023, through Bailee & Buddy and BBR Music Group.[1] It is his first country music album and includes collaborations with Brantley Gilbert, Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf and Lainey Wilson. It was preceded by the singles "Need a Favor"[2] and "Save Me" with Wilson. The songs "She" and "Unlive" were also released prior to the album.[3] [4]

Background

Jelly Roll described the album as "Real music for real people with real problems" and "about growth and gratitude happening in my life", stating that he wanted to "create a project that felt hopeful".[2] He named it after a chapel in Antioch, Tennessee he formerly attended, which influenced the album and its themes of "sin and redemption".[5]

The songs "She" and "Unlive" with Yelawolf were released prior to the album on November 30, 2022,[3] and April 14, 2023, respectively.[4]

Critical reception

James Daykin of Entertainment Focus felt that "one listen will be enough to convince you of this artist's unique perspective and original contribution to the genre" of country music, calling it "a raw, honest and powerful listen". Ed Ford of Rock 'n' Load Mag complimented Jelly Roll's "gravelly vocal over smooth instrumentals", opining that listeners "will be captivated by the storytelling" that "will last throughout the entire album". Ford also felt that Whitsitt Chapel "genuinely has everything and most importantly it grips you and doesn't let go", calling it the best "all-round" album he has heard in 2023.

Lesley Janes of The Nash News wrote that 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."[6] Billy Dukes of Taste of Country described it as "an album for the outcast within each of us" without any filler tracks.[5]

Personnel

Musicians

Technical

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australian Country Albums (ARIA)[7] 15
Australian Hitseekers Albums (ARIA)[8] 9

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
US Billboard 200[9] 118
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[10] 18
US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[11] 24
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[12] 13

Notes and References

  1. From Prison to No. 1: Nashville Rising Star Jelly Roll Proves That 'Losers Can Win'. Rolling Stone. Newman. Miranda. June 1, 2023. June 7, 2023.
  2. Jelly Roll Shares Insight Into Debut Country Album, Whitsitt Chapel. American Songwriter. Konicki. Lisa. June 2, 2023. June 7, 2023.
  3. Web site: Jelly Roll releases 'She'. The Music Universe. Iahn. Buddy. November 30, 2022. June 7, 2023.
  4. Web site: Jelly Roll Recruits Yelawolf for Anthemic New Song, 'Unlive'. Holler. Mower. Maxim. April 15, 2023. June 7, 2023.
  5. Web site: Jelly Roll, Whitsitt Chapel – 13 Songs, 22 Easter Eggs (Review). Taste of Country. Dukes. Billy. June 2, 2023. June 7, 2023.
  6. Web site: Jelly Roll Whitsitt Chapel Album Review. The Nash News. Janes. Lesley. June 2, 2023. June 7, 2023.
  7. Web site: ARIA Top 40 Country Albums Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. June 12, 2023. June 16, 2023.
  8. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 12 June 2023. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1736. 25. June 12, 2023.
  9. Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  10. Independent Albums – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 27, 2023.
  11. Top Country Albums – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  12. Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.