New York (AP) — Kacey Musgraves has released her sixth studio album, "Middle of Nowhere," which showcases a blend of familiar and new musical styles while emphasizing her signature glassy vocal style and witty lyrics. This album, while still rooted in country, moves beyond the traditional honky-tonk sound, exploring various genres that reflect her artistic evolution.
"Middle of Nowhere" stands in contrast to her previous work, particularly her 2024 album "Deeper Well," which featured more acoustic meditations. Instead, this latest offering includes elements that evoke the warmth and storytelling reminiscent of '60s folk. However, it doesn't merely replicate the capital-C Country style of her earlier albums, such as 2013's "Same Trailer Different Park" and 2015’s "Pageant Material." Instead, it showcases a growth in Musgraves' songwriting, with tracks that mix steel guitar and humor reminiscent of John Prine, particularly in the track "Dry Spell," which features playful lyrics and romantic guitars.
Listeners who enjoyed the disco-pop sound of "Golden Hour," which won Album of the Year at the 2019 Grammys, or the deeply personal reflections in 2021's "star-crossed" might find themselves drawn into a new era of Musgraves’ artistry with "Middle of Nowhere." She embraces her Texan roots, delivering profound wisdom through themes of self-discovery and personal growth throughout the album’s 13 tracks.
The features on "Middle of Nowhere" are both inspiring and sparingly chosen. Collaborators include the irreverent Billy Strings on the ballad "Everybody Wants to Be a Cowboy," harmonies from Gregory Alan Isakov in the traditionalist track "Coyote," and a standout duet with Miranda Lambert in "Horses and Divorces." The latter showcases a playful nod to their shared admiration for Willie Nelson, celebrating a connection that resonates throughout the album.
Another notable track is "Uncertain, TX," which incorporates Musgraves' Mexican musical influences and features accordion with engaging rhythms, complemented by a surprise appearance from Willie Nelson. This collaboration emphasizes the interwoven nature of Texas culture and music, particularly highlighting the norteño genre's contribution to the sound of country music. Although the album's feature list lacks a regional Mexican artist, Musgraves takes care to include elements that will satisfy those who appreciate bilingual influences, as seen in her upcoming collaboration with Carin León in "Lost In Translation."
"Middle of Nowhere" invites listeners to experience the vastness of Texas through its songs, emotions, and the crossing of genre and cultural boundaries. Musgraves appears to embrace the idea that inspiration from her homeland provides fertile ground for creative exploration and addictive songwriting.
"Middle of Nowhere" by Kacey Musgraves has received a four-star rating out of five. Standout tracks include "Loneliest Girl," "Horses and Divorces," and "Uncertain, TX." However, the review advises skipping "Hell On Me" if one prefers to avoid a poignant emotional experience.
This album resonates with themes of Texas wildflowers, resilience, and intimate connections, making it a noteworthy addition to Musgraves' discography.
