"The opening title track sets the tone within seconds: sunlit acoustic strums, a low-end thump and Musgraves calmly declaring, 'It's just me and me and that's all I need.' It's both a mission statement and, as the record unfolds, a thesis she keeps testing."
"Take 'Dry Spell,' an LOL highlight that doubles as a 911 call for physical affection after '335 days' without it. The song revels in the double entendres and deadpan punchlines at which Musgraves has long excelled."
"Musically, Middle of Nowhere leans into traditions shaped in small-town Texas dancehalls but rarely plays it straight. 'Abilene' is a campfire tale with an effective twist, while 'Everybody Wants To Be a Cowboy' pairs its barroom observations with a quietly pointed thesis about commitment in both love and life."
Kacey Musgraves' seventh LP, Middle of Nowhere, reimagines solitude as a destination rather than a mere pause between relationships. Written post-breakup, the album showcases themes of self-sufficiency and chaos. The title track emphasizes independence, while songs like "Dry Spell" and "Back on the Wagon" explore the tension between desire and independence. Musgraves incorporates traditional Texas sounds, blending them with modern storytelling. Tracks like "Abilene" and "Everybody Wants To Be a Cowboy" reflect on commitment and personal narratives, reinforcing the idea that solitude can be more rewarding than undesirable companionship.
Read at SPIN
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