The Chainsmokers tap an unlikely collaborator in country artist Kelsea Ballerini for their single, “This Feeling.” The results are positive – a pleasant surprise.

Sometimes, it’s an unlikely collaboration that can be truly ear-catching for an artist.  That’s the case with The Chainsmokers single, “This Feeling,” which pairs the DJ/production duo with country singer Kelsea Ballerini.  Honestly, it’s more the exception when dance and country music happen to work successfully together (Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey made it work on “The Middle”). Apparently, “This Feeling” is one of those exceptions.

Expectedly, the production work is a selling point, successfully mixing acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards/synths, and a killer, stomping beat. Kelsea Ballerini and Andrew Taggart split vocals duties, which works effectively. Ballerini sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and half of the chorus.  The premise? She sings about making her own decisions, fueled by the heart, despite what others advise her to do. She delivers solid vocals, sounding clear, and backed by excellent vocal production.

“They tell me think with my head, not that thing in my chest

They got their hands at my neck this time

But you’re the one that I want, if that’s really so wrong

Then they don’t know what this feeling is like.”

Andrew Taggart sings the second verse and second chorus solo, while singing the second pre-chorus alongside Ballerini. The sentiment of the second verse is similar to the first – “Hold on to your opinions, and stand by what you said / In the end, it’s my decision, so it’s my fault when it ends.” Ballerini & Taggart join forces for the third verse, which is the same as the first lyrically.  They stay partnered up for the third pre-chorus, singing separate parts on the bridge, while Ballerini sings the outro alone.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “This Feeling” is a well-rounded pop record that works much better than anticipated.  While The Chainsmokers have dropped some enjoyable records throughout 2018, this one in particular is a pleasant surprise. “This Feeling” is a ‘feeling’ you definitely want to experience, or at least add to your playlist.

The Chainsmokers • Sick Boy…This Feeling • Disruptor / Columbia • Release: 9.21.18

Photo Credits: Disruptor / Columbia