Marshmello × Jelly Roll | Holy Water Review

by Bea Willis

From the moment the opening acoustic guitar arpeggio rings out, “Holy Water” pulls listeners into an intimate story. Jelly Roll’s dynamic singing opens with, “I heard that you were late goin’ home… I guess you gotta go when the angels callin’.” The track announces itself as an emotional story of loss instead of the typical festival banger. By the time the sub-bass and trap-style hi-hat hits, a tension has been built that feels universal. The song is exactly the kind of emotional hook that resonates with country fans and EDM enthusiasts seeking depth while still promising a drop.

The songwriting follows a classic three‑act arc of grief. The first verse captures the shock of a sudden phone call and the realization that a loved one has passed. The pre‑chorus introduces the central metaphor of holy water as a cleansing libation, counting “one tear… two tears” to quantify sorrow. Finally, the chorus transforms the private lament into a chant “Eeh‑yeah… pour out a little holy water”—inviting listeners to join the mourning ritual. The chorus is intentionally simple, making it instantly memorable for live shows and streaming playlists, a hallmark of Marshmello’s pop‑EDM formula. This metaphorical strength gives the song a spiritual weight that is fresh in a pop‑EDM context, while the repeated line works as a lyrical hook that’s easy to remember yet loaded with meaning.

Jelly Roll’s vocal performance has emotional nuance. The vocal chain is filled with reverb and compression, and the typical auto-tune sound. However, his vocal power still projects through, so every rasp in his voice feels meaningful. The rasp in lines like “Never be the same with you gone” conveys genuine hurt without slipping into melodrama. The chorus, meanwhile, leans on layered harmonies and the processed “Eeh‑yeah” chant. The effect is airy enough to sit atop the EDM instrumentation. This is a winning cross-genre appeal; the track offers a country‑EDM, “YeeDM,” that is a crowd‑pleasing hook.

Marshmello, Charlie Handsome, Danny Majic, and DJ Frank E fuse three worlds. Acoustic instruments that live with trap‑style hi‑hats and crisp snare hits on the backbeat. New parts underlie Jelly Roll’s second verse, adding modern layers. The arrangement follows a classic tension‑release with gradual layering of pads, bass, and percussion. The mix automates the synths side‑chained to the kick for a pumping feel, while the acoustic guitars stay upfront in the mid‑range, preserving the track’s organic character. The tempo is fast enough for the dance floor, slow enough to retain emotional weight, making the song remix‑friendly for both house and future‑bass producers.

The single lands squarely with several audiences. Contemporary country fans will love the narrative lyric that allows expressive phrasing and that showcases Jelly Roll’s nuance. Lyricist will reveal in the strong metaphor, clear story arc, and seamless genre blend as proof that a hit can retain depth. Clubbers will appreciate the textbook hybrid production of acoustic instrumentation married to EDM architecture, with side‑chain dynamics and a balanced mix. EDM fans get an infectious chant and a fresh “country‑EDM” flavor that expands the genre’s palette.

“Holy Water” succeeds as a cross‑genre experiment as it respects the traditions while forging something distinctly new. The songwriting is emotionally resonant, the vocal performance heartfelt, and the production has every sonic element placed with deliberate intent. It’s a moving anthem that invites you to raise a glass of “Holy Water” and dance through grief.

Artist: Marshmello × Jelly Roll
Single: “Holy Water”
Label: Joytime Collective

Buy and Stream Links
Release Date: August 08, 2025

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.