Kristen Kelly finds healing and hope in “The Next Right Thing”
Kristen Kelly’s latest single, “The Next Right Thing,” is a breathtaking display of emotional grace! It’s immediately the kind of song that doesn’t just play through your speakers but settles in your chest and stays there. Released on October 1st, 2025, the track marks a deeply personal and resonant moment in Kelly’s career, blending her country roots with a soulful tenderness that feels timeless. It’s not just a song about grief; it’s a song about endurance; the quiet, daily act of choosing to move forward even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Written by a powerhouse trio of Frank J. Myers, Oliver Leiber, and Gregory J. Friia, the song draws inspiration from Wynonna Judd’s simple but profound mantra after the loss of her mother: “do the next right thing.” Kelly takes that sentiment and turns it into something transcendent. Her performance is so raw and heartfelt that you can almost hear her exhale between lines, carrying both the ache of memory and the soft flicker of hope.
Her voice, rich and full of character, is undoubtedly the heart and soul of the track. There’s a warmth to her delivery that makes every word feel earned. She doesn’t over-sing or force emotion, instead, she lets the lyrics breathe, finding power in restraint. The result is a performance that’s both vulnerable and strong, perfectly balanced between heartbreak and healing.
The production, meanwhile, mirrors the emotional depth of the song without ever overshadowing it. Simple yet expansive, it’s built around gentle acoustic layers, subtle percussion, and an atmospheric sheen that gives it space to linger. There’s even a hint of country twang tucked into the mix, grounding the sound in Kelly’s Texas roots while allowing her soulful side to shine through. The instrumentation feels like a quiet companion, never intrusive, as if it’s standing beside her in solidarity.
Lyrically, “The Next Right Thing” paints vivid images of loss and resilience without slipping into melodrama. The timing of its release, in honor of her late father’s birthday month, adds an extra layer of poignancy, transforming it from a song into a personal tribute.
With “The Next Right Thing,” Kristen Kelly delivers one of her most affecting performances to date. It’s really a masterclass in vivid lyricism and a song that’s begging to be heard. Go ahead and click those links below to enjoy, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for the latest.
Listen to “The Next Right Thing”
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