Since she broke through with her debut single ‘Merry Go Round’ in 2012, Kacey Musgraves has become one of the most distinctive artists in Nashville – as much for her retro country influences as for her outspoken lyrics. She’s added four further studio albums to her discography since then, as well as scooping seven Grammys, seven CMA Awards and three ACM trophies, toured internationally and even recorded her own Christmas TV special. Now she’s back with her highly anticipated sixth record, ‘Deeper Well’, the follow-up to 2021 release ‘star-crossed’ which saw her venture into pop.
The 14-track project opens with ‘Cardinal’, a twangy, folk-inspired number that feels like a cross between Fleetwood Mac and Nelly Furtado’s ‘Say It Right’ (it makes sense when you listen to it!). Despite the pop touches, there’s a weightiness as Musgraves sings about spotting the titular red bird ‘right after I lost a friend without warning’, ahead of an atmospheric, shimmering switch in the bridge before picking up in the chorus. Her vocals absolutely soar in the chorus and I like the nod to the thread of spirituality that runs through the album.
That 70s folk influence is the key sound on the record, such as the driving, quietly optimistic ‘Sway’ with its uplifting chorus and layered vocals before building into an almost gospel-style finale, the studio sounds and guitar picking of ‘Heaven Is’, or the bright, bouncy ‘Jade Green’ that features lush strings and references to bathing in moonlight ‘until I’m fully charged’. Meanwhile, ‘Heart Of The Woods’ pairs storm effects and Western swing guitar, and the childlike wonder of ‘The Architect’ with its breathy vocals and possibly the smartest description of the Grand Canyon you’ll ever hear. They both remind me of ‘Oh What A World’ from ‘Golden Hour’ and make me think if Musgraves ever wanted to turn her hand to writing a kid’s album she’d put together a classic.
That said, there’s still places for other genres here too. The ethereal title track is classic Kacey Musgraves, with delicate vocals and a message of being true to yourself whilst still embracing change amid the organ effects and synth touches. Elsewhere, ‘Moving Out’ has a slightly 90s rock feel and is packed with Musgraves’ trademark detailed lyrics such as references to the tree in the front yard and dressing up from Christmas before its long swirling outro, whilst the bluesy, soulful ‘Lonely Millionaire’ matches pulsing sharp beats to a cautionary-tale narrative.
What I wasn’t expecting was just how many love songs there were on here. ‘Too Good To Be True’ is a dreamy, romantic ballad that oozes cautious hope and highlights Musgraves’ huskier tones, whilst ‘Giver/Taker’ – with its title harking back to the lyrics of ‘Deeper Well’ has a sparse melody that emphasises Musgraves’ effortlessly clear yet pleading vocals, as well as some great harmonies and high notes alongside the twist in the chorus. To me it evoked Taylor Swift’s ‘Delicate’ with its emphasis on being afraid to ask for what you want yet desperately wanting to, and there’s a powerful simplicity about the whole thing. I also liked ‘Dinner With Friends’, a jangly number peppered with jazzy piano notes that celebrates the small joys in life (as well as throwing in a dig at Musgraves’ home state of Texas’ attitude on certain issues) before turning into an ode to romance, despite its slightly dark undertone of what happens when it’s over, and the quirky yet sweet ‘Anime Eyes’ with its rapid-fire spoken-word dialogue burst at the end.
The album closes with ‘Nothing To Be Scared Of’, which is reminiscent of ‘Golden Hour’ closer ‘Rainbow’ with lyrics that touch on being scared to open up whilst inviting a lover to share their feelings. “Drop your bags and I’ll help you unpack them”, Kacey Musgraves sings softly, before reflecting on her own uncertainties about finding love again. It’s a song that’s full of warmth and affection and once again harks back to that mellow, 1970s sound that she’s fully embraced here.
Overall, ‘Deeper Well’ feels like an absolute return to form for Kacey Musgraves after the mixed response to ‘star-crossed’. Drawing heavily on 70s folk vibes and with her trademark lyrical storytelling and distinctive vocals out in full force, she’s created an earthy, more mature sibling to ‘Golden Hour’ that feels like pulling all her previous influences together whilst also being surprisingly romantic and touching. This is music for watching the sun coming up on a lazy weekend morning or going down at a summer festival, and it’s sure to play well on her upcoming tour too. If I have any criticisms, it’s that the second half of the album in particular feels a little repetitive, but this project definitely sees Musgraves going back to many of the sounds that made her fans fall in love with her to begin with, and I hope it’s a path she pursues further in future.
Track listing: 1. Cardinal 2. Deeper Well 3. Too Good To Be True 4. Moving Out 5. Giver / Taker 6. Sway 7. Dinner With Friends 8. Heart Of The Woods 9. Jade Green 10. The Architect 11. Lonely Millionaire 12. Heaven Is 13. Anime Eyes 14. Nothing To Be Scared Of Record label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville/UMG Recordings Release date: 15th March 2024
See Kacey Musgraves on the Deeper Well World Tour in the UK this May (with Madi Diaz):
9 May 2024 – O2 Academy, Glasgow
10 May 2024 – O2 Academy, Glasgow
11 May 2024 – O2 Apollo, Manchester
13 May 2024 – The Civic At The Halls, Wolverhampton
14 May 2024 – Roundhouse, London
15 May 2024 – Roundhouse, London
