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With his new album Shape & Destroy, <\/em>available on August 28, Ruston Kelly embraces his self-described “dirt-emo<\/a>” sound while demonstrating a mastery of the written word. Kelly has crafted a thoughtful and meaningful sophomore album that extends his reign as an alt-country king, established by his critically acclaimed 2018 debut, Dying Star<\/a>.<\/em> The new project is the product of Kelly’s sharp mind and expert lyricism that culminate in 13 songs – here are some of the most thought-provoking moments.<\/p>\n \u201cAlive\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n From one fan to another: close your eyes when you press play on \u201cAlive\u201d and allow the peaceful melody and Kelly\u2019s words to take you inside his visions of flowers rising from the rubble and peering through a telescope at a clear blue sky \u2013 two of the many examples he provides of what makes life worth living. The song also serves as a tribute to the person who makes his experience here on earth even more pure-hearted while reinforcing the idea of immersing oneself in the simple beauties of life that exists around them – \u201cwhat a beautiful moment to be alive\u201d indeed.<\/p>\n Best lyric: <\/strong>\u201cFront porch in the silence\/Not a sound on the street\/And on the horizon\/The sun is setting pink\/You\u2019re cooking something in the house\/Singing John Prine\/What a beautiful thing to be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChanges\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n With \u201cChanges,\u201d Kelly recognizes the struggle that comes with the growing pains that transform us into the next version of ourselves, a struggle he has faced time and time again. The song is a lament of a soul in transition, Kelly bravely asking the person he loves not to give up on him as he finds himself in battle with demons he thought had vanquished, becoming a stranger to himself and the people who know him best. The song comes at a time when many of us are also facing the struggle of letting go of old habits, and as the singer graciously asks for patience and the space to grow into who he\u2019s meant to become, one can\u2019t help but admire his humility.<\/p>\n Best lyrics: <\/strong>\u201cI\u2019m just going through some changes\/That don\u2019t mean everything is rearranging.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIt\u2019s easier to say than it is to do\/To let go of the things I need to lose\/To grow out of the old\/And take the shape of something new.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRubber\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n A wise English teacher once told me that quality writing requires you to have a dictionary by your side to look up the words you’re unfamiliar with, something Kelly prompted me to do when listening to “Rubber.” A quick-paced acoustic melody sets the tone for this track that finds the singer observing his own experiences, taking account of his unquenchable desire to pierce through his noise-filled mind and find the solace of silence. He pours the thoughts rattling around into his head onto paper, simultaneously pondering if he\u2019s capable of taking on new shape like that of the material the song lifts its name from.\u00a0 Upon researching his reference to French thinker Voltaire, it’s clear why he compares himself to the philosopher of the French Enlightenment era who relied on sharp wit and a free spirit to advocate for his beliefs \u2013 much like the singer himself.<\/p>\n Best lyric: <\/strong>\u201cAnd she’s like Agatha Christie\/And I’m more like Voltaire\/Everything is a theory\/Carried away with the morning air.\u201d<\/p>\n