Country-pop singer Kelsea Ballerini’s historical debut single “Love Me Like You Mean It” was first released as a promotional track for a self-titled EP in 2014. Ten years later, she dropped a reimagined version through the lens of a woman in her thirties.
In her Instagram announcement post, she shared, “ten years ago, i was twenty, naive, starry eyed, and absolutely relentless on putting my music out into the world. i’m proud to say, nothing has changed.” Well, except for one thing: She was a decade older in the industry, with her music journey filled with tours and sing alongs and a fair share of wins and losses. It was a celebration of the song that started it all and how far she’s come in her career since. (If you listened to Kelsea Ballerini’s songs over the years, you’d know!)
“Love Me Like You Mean It” Reimagined
Kelsea Ballerini offered a fresh perspective in the updated spin of her debut anthem with the help of Alysa Vanderheym, Rob Bisel, Devin Dawson, Tyler Tomlinson, and Garrett Perales. Unlike the original’s upbeat tune, they opted for a slower beat and more emotional approach. The stripped-down style definitely gave the song a mature vibe, befitting of a woman who had grown so much.
The singer performed it live at the 2024 CMT Awards last April 5, which she also hosted for the fourth time and solo for the first time. She wore a shimmery gold bodysuit paired with black tights and heels and matching black and gold accessories. And her hair was tied back into a high ponytail. Adorning the stage were yellow lights, and the audience wristbands also lit up in the same color. It was a golden heaven.
For You
And then, in the midst of her performance, she shared with everyone, “Y’all, I really can’t believe it’s been 10 years. That’s crazy.”
What was even crazier was that Ballerini dropped the song the same day Luke Bryan released his song “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.” Bryan first teased back the song in February during his record label’s annual luncheon at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. Well, it was most likely coincidental. Though you’d have to admit it was a baller move if it was really intended for Ballerini to do that, considering both songs share a very similar title and hook. Nevertheless, they were both good, and both deserved so much love and appreciation.
Catch Kelsea Ballerini and her CMT performance of her reimagined debut single “Love Me Like You Mean It” in the video below.
