Kacey Musgraves released her highly anticipated sophomore album “Pageant Material” and as expected, it is country to its core. The calmness that her voice processes in just the first track “High Time”, will have you sitting back, relaxed eager for the rest.
“Dime Store Cowgirl” is sung with pride.
“Cause I’m still the girl from Golden
Had to get away so I could grow
But it don’t matter where I’m goin’
I’ll still call my hometown home”
The bridge is simple, yet full of meaning. It translates well with listeners, as it is easy to recall your own hometown memories as Musgraves proudly describes hers.
“Late to the Party” is sweet and charming, and Musgraves’ voice shines with her perfectly executed and delightful range. It is a song that will have you floating on air.
The title track, “Pageant Material” is another anthem on being yourself, and not letting anyone knock you down.
“Sometimes I talk before I think, I try to fake it but I can’t
I’d rather lose for what I am than win for what I ain’t”
The album continues on with the real town drama in “This Town”, and her current single “Biscuits”, which reminds us to stay on our own side of our fences.
“Miserable” is a stripped down piece leaving us no choice but to take in every single, beautiful and vulnerable lyric.
“Our neighbor’s dirty laundry’s cleaner
And the wolf at your door’s always meaner
The sky’s still grey when the sun’s around
But you can’t set sail if your anchor’s down”
“Family Is Family” is another song where Musgraves sings what we are all thinking.
“Family is family, in church or in prison
You get what you get, and you don’t get to pick ’em
They might smoke like chimneys, but give you their kidneys
Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family”
Kacey Musgraves is real, remains true to herself throughout her music. and encourages us to do the same. “Good Ol Boys Club”, and “Cup Of Tea”, sum that up perfectly with lyrics such as,
“You can’t be everybody’s cup of tea, why would you want to be?”
“Fine” is a breakup song. You can sense the heartache. When the music stops, do not be too quick to think the record is over. Willie Nelson chimes in to finish it off.
The production on “Pageant Material” is simple, it’s natural, and it is a breathe of fresh air. With this record, country fans were not the only ones who agree with Musgraves’ immense talent. “Pageant Material” has been reviewed by publications such as Pitchfork, and Musgraves recently become the first country artist to grace the cover of The Fader, two outlets where country music has never been seen before, and not to mention, gave rave reviews.
Kacey Musgraves is sticking to her country roots. Everyone is noticing, and everyone is thankful.
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