American country act, Texas-born Kacey Musgraves music may be coming out of Nashville, but unlike the majority it isn’t spoilt, the true essence of what country music is all about remains intact. Fans of Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Kelly Willis and Elizabeth Cook will find a little of their favourite in the sparkling, natural throw-back country style of Musgraves.
Following in the steps of Same Trailer –Different Park, Pageant Material is co-produced by Shane McAnally and Luke Laid; and who also share songwriting credits with Musgraves, Josh Osborne, Brandy Clark, Natalie Hemby and Ashley Arrison on the 13 songs.
A super fine lyricist, Musgraves draws the listener into her emotions, the words of her songs are something people can relate to. Not meaningless beer soaked songs of pick-up trucks and pretty girl stories as all too often produced by others, male mainly. Heaped in pedal steel, banjo, fiddle and guitars the listener is given bright and breezy tunes augmented by tender ballads as in “Somebody To Love” and Alison Krauss-like “Miserable”, and though arguably of more substance, it is the likes of uplifting “Biscuits”, easy flowing ditty “Dime Store Cowgirl” and old fashioned philosophy piece “Family is Family” and the title-track “Pageant Material” set the standard. It’s a glimpse into where my head is from Same Trailer to now says Musgraves, and from all account it seems to be a comfortable spot too! Awards and nominations for singles and albums are already mounting up.
An exception to the snappy feel-good style of song rule “Late To The Party”, a co-writer with Clark and Osborne slows things down, and with a familiar classy opening chord sequence the song might be a slow burner but it's still a notable effort. Others worth a mention include the powerful piece of writing in “Somebody To Love”, and with pedal steel gently waft cross its bow, “Good Ol’ Boys Club” is a big one, and with a beautiful piece of rhythmic guitar in the mix “Cup Of Tea” has a 1970s, cum 1980s feel. Musgrave is only starting her career, and will I firmly believe, get better through time. Such her ability to mix country, a hint of pop and eras ensure her music remains fresh, sparkling, entertaining and current.
Maurice Hope