By Kalena Reynolds | Editor-in-Chief, Arden Berry | Arts & Life Editor
Last week, we asked for your album suggestions on Instagram. This week, we plugged them into a randomizer and listened to the winner.
For the first installment of Arts & Life Reviews, we’re listening to “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves.
In an interview with Crack Magazine, Musgraves explained her sonic philosophies while creating the album and said she earned the nickname of “axe man” in the studio. This is showcased in her opening song “Slow Burn,” a euphorically romantic track describing the beauty of not rushing love.
On the whole, Musgraves’ blend of country, pop and electronic music creates an album that feels both ethereal and down to earth. Musgraves weaves wilderness metaphors into everyday feelings and events with songs like “Love is a Wild Thing” and “Space Cowboy.”
Other songs, like “Lonely Weekend” and “Happy & Sad,” feel like they’re about Musgraves thinking out loud, as she works through spending a weekend by herself and wonders what the word is for being both happy and sad, respectively.
The juxtaposition of emotions specifically sticks out in these tracks and emphasizes Musgraves relationship with contradictions.
“Velvet Elvis” and “Wonder Woman” veer away from the natural metaphors and go toward a pop culture icons. In both songs, Musgraves sets expectations for her relationship.
Cuts like “High Horse” and “Lonely Weekend” are on the heavier end of production for the album, yet still it feels like Musgraves intentionally left space for the emotionally-drenched lyrics.
“High Horse” is also an obvious standout, and it epitomizes the mix of country metaphor with a more pop-oriented tune. The chorus is catchy and has light harmonies with “mmm-mmm’s” that add to the wild west feel.
The other standout is “Rainbow,” the chorus for which was definitely used in a commercial at some point. For those familiar and unfamiliar, the whole song is worth a listen. The song is sweet, and the steady but emphatic piano bolsters the message that, despite the rain, it’s going to be OK.
“Butterfly” and “Golden Hour” lean toward the ethereal beauty of natural things.
The choruses and bridge for “Golden Hour” feel like being faced with golden light and surrounded by the dark blue sky as the sun sets. “Golden Hour” not only changed the trajectory of country music production but also proves Musgraves’ intelligence as an artist. The psychedelic-folk track was notably minimalistic compared to her previous work.
“You make the world look beautiful; oh I thought I’d seen it all before. But looking through your eyes looks like paradise,” Musgraves said in her title track.
John Prine was also a large inspiration of the album, which is showcased in her prominent acoustic sound and low-pitched legato lyricism, more specifically in “Slow Burn.” The track sonically submerges you in dreamy synth, while the lyricism paints colorful visuals of nostalgia and romance.
Overall, this album is a creative masterpiece. From top to bottom, “Golden Hour” hits on both euphoric emotion and heart-breaking sadness. In previous albums Musgraves showcased her talents as a songwriter and storyteller by carefully crafting metaphors and similes, however in “Golden Hour” it’s evident that she leaned into pure, honest emotion.
Musgrave’s genius truly lies within tracks like “Slow Burn,” “High Horse” and “Butterflies.” Whether you’re looking for an easy-going song perfect for watching the sunset or needing something to cry to, this album has both.
Check The Baylor Lariat Instagram stories for more recommendation opportunities each week. Later this week, we’ll ask for your movie recommendations.
