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After upgrading my turntable situation, I’ve been listening to more vinyls lately. Not too long after testing out my new turntable, I purchased Kacey Musgraves‘ new album, “Middle of Nowhere,” and have been listening to it on REPEAT.
Admittedly, I caught on to Musgraves’ talent later than most and jumped on board with “Golden Hour.” I bought that vinyl while visiting Nashville during the holidays a few years back.
When she released “Deeper Well” in 2024, I purchased that vinyl and quickly got tickets when she announced her tour. I got to see her perform in Austin, and it made me love her even more!
So, when I heard she was putting out a new album, I was excited to hear it. I watched her Coachella set via YouTube, and I loved what I heard.
Middle of Nowhere
The album has 13 tracks, including collaborations with Gregory Alan Isakov, Billy Strings, Miranda Lambert, and Willie Nelson. Its official description emphasizes Texas dancehall, traditional country, norteño, zydeco, and Kacey’s characteristic humor.
After the more folk-sound of “Deeper Well,” this album feels like a return to her roots, with an updated twist after she spent time learning to be by herself.
My favorite tracks on the album are:
Loneliest Girl: This song should be the anthem for single girls everywhere! It’s got such a catchy, upbeat tune that reflects the lyrics, assuring everyone that just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’re feeling bad about yourself. The song talks about the benefits of being your best company, and also shares that single people aren’t always jealous or mad at people in love. It’s a great reminder that you can fill your cup in other ways than simply being in a relationship.
Rhinestoned: This was the first track I clung to, as it’s such a great representation of Musgraves’ clever lyrics and creates a fun visual of the rhinestone cowboy fashion. This one is likely about getting over a heartbreak, but it could be easily translated to picking yourself up after life gets you down.
Everybody Wants to be a Cowboy: This is an interesting track, and I think it fits a narrative that Musgraves discusses a lot in her songs — men (or people) who don’t want to stick around for one reason or another. In this song, of course, the message could be translated to anyone who wants something or someone until things get difficult.
Uncertain, TX: I think this song is fun. The lyrics are not necessarily reflective of that feeling, but it reminds me of older country music, complete with plenty of cowbell. It’s the perfect song to line dance to, even if only in your kitchen!
Mexico Honey: This one is fun and upbeat, and it adds to the album’s overall musical mix.
The “musical mix” of this album is really what I love the most about it. I know you can listen to music all kinds of ways these days, but I love playing the songs in the order the artist intended, and this one provides such a great ride.
I’ve put this album on while I’m cooking dinner, while I’m writing- you name it. It’s truly such a great album and I’d highly recommend it, especially if you like country music.
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The Bitter Lemon 