Priscilla Block: ‘Things You Didn’t See’ – Album Review

On her sophomore album, Things You Didn’t See, Priscilla Block pulls back the curtain and lets listeners in. Beyond the big personality and even bigger hits, there’s a softer, more vulnerable side to the Raleigh native, and she’s not afraid to show it.

Across 14 tracks, Block opens up like never before, teaming up with some of Nashville’s top songwriters to bring her story to life. She co-wrote 12 of the songs alongside hitmakers like Laura Veltz, Cole Taylor, Trannie Anderson, Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, and more. 

The title track kicks things off, immediately setting the tone for what’s to come. Honest and unfiltered, it gives listeners a look at the parts of her life that don’t make the public highlight reel, including heartbreak, pressure, and pain. “Everybody’s got a hurtin’ heart they’re hidin’ underneath,” she sings. “You think that you know me, but how ’bout all the things you didn’t see?”

“Couldn’t Care Less” is another standout with a similar message. “For what has felt like forever, here we are stepping into a new chapter,” says Block of the project. “The past couple of years have been a rollercoaster. This life has challenged me not only as an artist, but as a person. Honestly, there’s been a part of me that has felt misunderstood. The girl who “couldn’t care less,” when in reality, I’ve never cared more. Writing ‘Couldn’t Care Less’ was the therapy I didn’t even know I needed. For a long time, people have seen me as bulletproof, but this is a side they haven’t seen. It’s the misunderstood part of me… the insecurities that come with being human.”

Still, Block hasn’t lost the cheeky charm and country swagger fans love her for. “Goodwill to Gucci” is a playful standout that shows off her uncanny ability to make “hillbilly hood look Hollywood,” while “Yard Sale” is a scorned-girlfriend ‘s anthem about getting rid of an ex and everything he left behind. 

Block tackles heartbreak on tracks like “Bring Me Downtown,” “Phones and Radios,” and “2-3-4.” “Downtown” is a pop-tinted banger that uses clever wordplay as she reflects on all the places she used to love, but now hold only broken memories.  “All I’m ever thinking about is when you used to bring me downtown, now it ain’t nothin’ but a bring me down, town.”

“Stranger Things” pairs Block with rising star Chase Matthew in a slow-burning ballad about second-guessing a breakup. Trading verses, the two wonder if it’s ever truly too late to turn back. “I might be crazy for asking, but stranger things have happened.”

Block balances the heartbreak with a few romantic highlights. “He’s My Man” is a feel-good celebration of the kind of guy who’s equal parts Southern charm and small-town grit, while “He’s My Man” allows her to celebrate all the good things about the man she loves.

“He’s a little Waylon Jennings on a Friday night // Mess with me, you’re gonna see him fight // He’s a don’t quit ’til the job’s done // If you need a cold beer, bet you he’s got one // He’ll give you that shirt right off his back // The Bible and his mama taught him how to act // To anybody else he’s just a small town, settle down // Nothin’ but a good old boy // But he’s my man”

Elsewhere, “Good On You” finds her struggling with being replaced, while “Try” shows her playing hard to get. “Elijah” is a beautifully written love song about the long road that brought her to the right person, and “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)” stands out with its clever nod to the Simon & Garfunkel classic.

The album closes on a quieter note with “Time Ain’t a Two Lane,” a sparse piano ballad that aches with the desire to fix what’s already gone. “I’d give anything in this world for just one day,” she longs, “But time ain’t a two lane.”

On Things You Didn’t See, Priscilla Block takes listeners inside, breaking down the glamorous walls of fame to show off a more real and emotional side. It’s her most vulnerable and introspective project to date, truly reintroducing the rising star.

Country Swag Picks:

1. Couldn’t Care Less
2. Things You Didn’t See
3. You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)
4. Stranger Things

Things You Didn’t See Track List:

1. Things You Didn’t See – Priscilla Block, Brandon Paddock, Martin Johnson 
2. Bring Me Downtown – Priscilla Block, Cole Taylor, David Garcia, Laura Veltz 
3. Stranger Things (with Chase Matthew) – Priscilla Block, Trannie Anderson, Cole Taylor, David Garcia 
4. Goodwill To Gucci – Priscilla Block, Audra Mae, Summer Overstreet, Jesse Frasure 
5. Phones And Radios – Priscilla Block, David Garcia, Trannie Anderson, Blake Pendergrass 
6. Couldn’t Care Less – Alex Maxwell, Cole Taylor, Trannie Anderson, Priscilla Block 
7. 2-3-4 – Priscilla Block, Alex Maxwell, Sarah Jones 
8. Try – Priscilla Block, Tyler Hubbard, Trannie Anderson, David Garcia
9. Good On You – David Garcia, Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz, Priscilla Block
10. Yard Sale – Priscilla Block, Laura Veltz, David Garcia, Jessie Jo Dillion 
11. You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia) – Chris Tompkins, Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hailey Whitters, Paul Simon
12. He’s My Man – Alysa Vanderheym, Faren Rachels, Chris Tompkins, Jacob Hackworth
13. Elijah – Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Rian Ball 
14. Time Ain’t A Two Lane (Demo) – Rian Ball, Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Aaron Raitiere

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Priscilla Block releases.