Music review: Kacey Musgraves – ‘Golden Hour’
The third studio release from Kacey Musgraves is a charming piece of country and pop, full of calming reflections on love and the everyday adventures of life.
As the opening track suggests right from the start, “Golden Hour” is a glorious slow burn of an album that finds the Texas singer-songwriter taking her time as she soaks in the surroundings by announcing, “Taking my time, let the world turn.”
The 29-year-old Musgraves demonstrates that she’s matured and is no longer the same-trailer-in-a-different-park girl singing, “Old soul, waiting my turn/I know a few things, but I still got a lot to learn.”
With “Butterflies,” love is in the air as Musgraves details the wondrous transformation experienced when you find your perfect match as she declares, “Cloud Nine was always out of reach/Now, I remember what it feels like to fly.”
“Wonder Woman” continues the love theme with the realization that all relationships have limitations and we’re simply regular humans living regular lives and not superheroes without flaws.
One of my favorite tracks is “Velvet Elvis.” Yet another love song that finds Musgraves comparing her man to an Elvis portrait that is soft to the touch and makes all her friends jealous. Digging deeper into the catchy lyrics, one could argue that the arrangement is truly about finding security and comfort through the love of another who is always on your mind.
The tender “Space Cowboy” is not a Steve Miller reference, but rather a moving tune about letting go as a once dazzling love affair finally fizzles into a fading sunset.
Musgraves unleashes her inner disco diva as she sparkles and shines on the pulsating “High Horse.” With the flair of Cher, Musgraves delivers a fashionable dance vibe that addresses the person who always ruins the party because they have to be the center of attention as Musgraves sings, “Darling, you take the high horse and I’ll take the high road/If you’re too good for us, you’ll be good riding solo.”
“Rainbow” brings the set to a gracious close as Musgraves reflects on getting through life’s storms and basking in the vibrant colors of the rainbow that ultimately appear to let us know that it is time to let go of our umbrella and that everything is going to be okay.
“Golden Hour” is Musgrave’s finest hour yet.