KACEY MUSGRAVES
Pageant Material
[Mercury-2015]
Aside from the fact that she’s
been known to cover the deplorably materialistic and plastic “No Scrubs” by TLC
on stage, Musgraves is alright in our book. Actually, as one of the few
mainstream country artists who is, in fact, solidly country, and not a purveyor
of that cheesy pop/rock with a twang that passes for the venerable art form
these days, she’s more than alright. Musgraves seems like the real deal.
On her sophomore album, the
Grammy-winning Musgraves fuels the frequent Dolly Parton comparisons by
continuing on her traditionalist bent and delivering some of the best
mainstream country we’ve heard in a while. Sure, she makes a few concessions to
contemporary Nashville (“Dime Store Cowgirl”, “Die Fun”, “Good Old
Boys Club”), but it's unavoidable in 2015 while recording for a major
label, even if you happen to be a
traditionalist. Fret not, however—there’s more of the good stuff than you would expect from a
new darling of the country set on Pageant Material. This one, though, looks
like she might have a chance at keeping the crown.
Highlights: “High Time”,
“Biscuits”, “Miserable”, the hilarious “Family is Family”, “Cup of Tea”,
“Fine”, the Willie Nelson duet “Are You Sure?” and the title track.
