Kelsea Ballerini Shares Emotional New Song, ‘The First Time’ [Exclusive Premiere]

Country newcomer Kelsea Ballerini is getting ready to release her debut EP, and she's sharing a very special track with Taste of Country readers first.

'The First Time' is a track that the singer-songwriter wrote by herself. The piano-based ballad is an emotional reflection on why a relationship isn't going to work any better the second time around: "It's just tearing my heart back in half / Like nothing's changed except the time that's passed / And that's why goodbye should mean goodbye the first time."

The Knoxville, Tenn. native was recently named one of CMT's Next Women of Country Music. Her self-titled EP is set for digital release on Monday (Nov. 24) via Black River Entertainment. She co-wrote all four of the other songs, including 'Love Me Like You Mean It,' which is the the No. 1 most-added debut single by a female at country radio in 2014. Other songs include 'Yeah Boy,' 'Dibs' and 'Lookin' at Stars.'

Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey co-produced the EP, which is the precursor to the full-length debut album Ballerini will release in 2015.

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