7 Jelly Roll Songs Every Aussie Fan Needs to Hear

There's a rumble coming out of Nashville, and it's being heard loud and clear all the way Down Under. That rumble is Jason DeFord, better known as Jelly Roll—a man whose raw, unfiltered honesty is cutting through the noise and resonating with a crowd that has always appreciated a straight-shooter. He's part country, part rock, part hip-hop, and all heart, telling stories of struggle, redemption, and the messy bits in between.

For Aussies, who have a long-standing love affair with artists who tell it like it is (think Jimmy Barnes or Paul Kelly), Jelly Roll's music feels like a natural fit. His tales of blue-collar life, battling demons, and holding on to hope strike a chord with the Aussie spirit of the battler. If you're just getting acquainted with the man and his music, it can be hard to know where to start. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are the seven essential Jelly Roll songs every Aussie fan needs to hear to truly understand what he's all about.

The Essential Jelly Roll Playlist

Let's dive into the tracks that define Jelly Roll's unique sound and powerful message.

1. Son of a Sinner

Album: Ballads of the Broken (2021)

This is the song that kicked the door down on country radio and introduced Jelly Roll to a massive new audience. "Son of a Sinner" is a masterclass in songwriting, a brutally honest self-portrait of a man caught between the bar and the Bible. The lyrics, "I'm just a long-haired son of a sinner, searching for new ways to get gone," perfectly capture that feeling of being a walking contradiction. For Aussies who appreciate the loveable larrikin archetype—someone who’s a bit rough around the edges but has a good heart—this song feels like an anthem. It’s the perfect starting point, showcasing his country-rock sensibilities and his gift for turning personal struggle into a universal hymn.

2. Save Me

Album: Self Medicated (2020) & Whitsitt Chapel (2023)

If "Son of a Sinner" was the introduction, "Save Me" is the raw, unfiltered confession. Originally released as an acoustic track, its raw vulnerability made it a viral sensation. The song is a desperate plea from rock bottom, a cry for help from someone who feels utterly broken. It’s confronting, uncomfortable, and incredibly powerful.

The re-recorded duet with Lainey Wilson for the Whitsitt Chapel album took its emotional weight to another level, earning him a Grammy nomination. In a culture that often champions stoicism, the song’s message—that it’s okay to not be okay and to ask for help—is profoundly important. It’s a gut-punch of a song that will stick with you long after it’s over.

3. Need A Favor

Album: Whitsitt Chapel (2023)

Turn the volume up for this one. "Need A Favor" is a high-energy blend of southern rock, gospel choir, and country grit. The song explores the complex relationship many have with faith: only turning to a higher power when the chips are down. "I only talk to God when I need a favor / And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer." It’s a sentiment many can relate to, delivered with a stadium-rock energy that would feel right at home at any Aussie pub or festival. The track showcases his ability to tackle heavy themes with an infectious, head-banging rhythm that proves deep thoughts can still be a damn good time.

4. The Lost

Album: Ballads of the Broken (2021)

Every great artist has an anthem for their people, and "The Lost" is Jelly Roll's. This is a song for the outcasts, the misunderstood, and anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong. It’s a defiant declaration of solidarity, a rallying cry for a community built on shared scars. The lyrics are a testament to finding your tribe among the broken. This track perfectly encapsulates the 'us against the world' mentality that has built his fiercely loyal fanbase. It’s a powerful reminder that there’s strength in vulnerability and community in shared struggle—a message that hits home hard.

5. Halfway to Hell

Album: Whitsitt Chapel (2023)

With a driving beat and a riff that could have come straight from an AC/DC record, "Halfway to Hell" is a pure shot of adrenaline. It’s a song about self-awareness on a destructive path, acknowledging the bad choices while still flooring the accelerator. It’s less of a cry for help and more of a gritty acceptance of the ride. The rock-and-roll swagger is undeniable, and it’s a perfect example of how Jelly Roll seamlessly blends his influences. For an Aussie audience raised on a healthy diet of pub rock, this track is an instant winner.

To help you keep track, here's a quick rundown of our essential picks:

Song Title	Album	Core Theme
Son of a Sinner	Ballads of the Broken	The struggle between saint and sinner
Save Me	Self Medicated / Whitsitt Chapel	A raw cry for help from rock bottom
Need A Favor	Whitsitt Chapel	Bargaining with faith in desperation
The Lost	Ballads of the Broken	An anthem for the outcasts
Halfway to Hell	Whitsitt Chapel	Self-aware defiance on a wild ride
Bottle and Mary Jane	Addiction Kills	The cycle of self-medication
Wheels Fall Off	A Beautiful Disaster	Resilience until the very end

6. Bottle and Mary Jane

Album: Addiction Kills (2017)

To truly appreciate Jelly Roll's journey, you have to look back at his earlier work. "Bottle and Mary Jane" is a haunting track from his hip-hop days that lays the thematic groundwork for his later country success. The song is a stark, unflinching look at the cycle of addiction and self-medication. The storytelling is just as potent and honest as his recent hits, proving that his core message has been consistent from the very beginning. For fans who want to dig deeper than the radio singles, this song is a crucial piece of the puzzle, showing the roots from which his current sound has grown.

7. Wheels Fall Off

Album: A Beautiful Disaster (2020)

This is a song about resilience, plain and simple. "Wheels Fall Off" is a powerful metaphor for pushing through life's hardships until you have absolutely nothing left to give. It’s about loyalty and showing up for the people who’ve been in the trenches with you. The line, "We're gonna ride this thing 'til the wheels fall off," embodies the Aussie spirit of 'giving it a go' and 'battling on,' no matter how tough things get. It’s a rock-infused declaration of perseverance that feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring, making it the perfect closer for our essential list.

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The Takeaway: More Than Just Music

Jelly Roll's music isn't just for listening; it's for feeling. Each of these seven songs offers a different window into the soul of an artist who isn't afraid to lay his scars bare for the world to see. His meteoric rise is no accident—it's the result of years of hard work and a commitment to authenticity that fans, especially those Down Under, can spot a mile away.

Whether you're drawn to the country confessions, the rock anthems, or the raw, emotional ballads, this list is your perfect gateway into the world of Jelly Roll. So crank it up, have a listen, and discover why this Tennessee truth-teller is fast becoming a global phenomenon.

What's your go-to Jelly Roll track? Did we miss one of your favourites? Let us know in the comments below!