Country music isn’t a new thing for Kesha. Her mother is Pebe Sebert, songwriter with such credits as Dolly Parton’s “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” – which Kesha recorded with Dolly on 2017’s Rainbow. Also on that album, the grunge-pop goddess dabbled in C&W influences quite a bit elsewhere (see also: “Hunt You Down” and “Boots”).
So, effectively, “Resentment” doesn’t feel too out of place. What’s most surprising (and satisfying) is how wonderful Kesha’s voice melts together with Sturgill Simpson, accompanied with Wrabel’s potent penmanship and Brian Wilson’s trusty guitar work. “I don’t hate you, babe, it’s worse than that / ‘Cause you hurt me and I don’t react,” Kesha and Sturgill unfurl.
It’s a deceptively sweet performance, but it acts as a moment of catharsis and clarity. “I’ve been building up this thing for months / Oh, resentment.” The words are as notebook paper consumed by a candle’s warm glow, crackling and crumbling into smoke and ash. What a way to head into 2020!
Listen to “Resentment” below.