With it’s first lyrics, “This Mess” invites the listener into the neglected home and heart of the singer as she ponders whether to clean, fearing that doing so might erase the remaining traces of her lover and the remnants of the relationship they once shared. A driving bass line, sparkling and enveloping guitar, crunchy country-rock drums and a full horn section punctuate a gritty and emotional performance reminiscent of the vocal stylings Etta James and Susan Tedeschi.