New Kacey Musgraves Album “Golden Hour” On The Way
This story has been updated.
As we near the end of 2017, it’s time to start thinking about some of the records we expect to see in the coming year. And since it’s been some 2 1/2 years since Kacey Musgraves released a record of new original material, she would be one on the short list of who to anticipate will be showing up with new music. On Tuesday (12-12) we learned Kacey does have new music planned for the “Winter of 2018,” and went into detail of what fans can expect.
Entitled Golden Hour, Kacey’s fourth record overall will still likely have that throwboack Kacey Musgraves feel, but may be a little more retro than country this time around. Kacey is characterizing the music as “trippy,” and citing Sade, Neil Young, and the Bee Gees as influences. And aside for one song that she will perform in solo acoustic form for the record, the rest of the tracks she wrote for this project specifically, and wrote recently after her marriage to songwriter and performer Ruston Kelly.
“On this record, there’s the lonely girl, the blissful girl, the new wife, the girl that’s missing her mom, the angry girl, the sarcastic girl, the ‘60s-sequined Cruella de Vil with the beehive, the shy girl, the life of the party, the winner, the loser — they’re all characters on this record. None of them alone are me, but the golden hour is when they all come together and you see me as a whole,” Kacey told Entertainment Weekly about the new record.
Previous songwriting collaborators Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, and the New Country Music Antichrist Shane McAnally are said to appear on the new album, but Musgraves primarily collaborated with Ian Fitchuk and Daniel Tashian from Silver Seas as co-songwriters and co-producers on Golden Hour. Musgraves is originally from the small east Texas town of Golden, which perhaps inspired the title at least partly.
Musgraves also says she was inspired by this summer’s solar eclipse. “It felt like this majestic time where God was saying, ‘This is a moment to be present for, to witness and relish in the beauty of this incredible world. That was important for me to include on this record. It’s such an ugly time right now with society and politics, and it could be easy to focus on that. But one thing we could use is a little more love and positivity and pretty colors.”
December 12, 2017 @ 12:52 pm
I’d have to say she was manufactured also. Saw her in Baton Rouge with all the neon cactuses, country Rock-a-Billy clothing for the band and a desert background. She sounded great. The gimmicks had to go.
December 12, 2017 @ 1:08 pm
Yup… I have to agree. Kacey was a door that was opened to us and a door that Music Row slammed shut. Par for the course these days I guess… damn shame.
December 12, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
So you went to her “Wild West Revue” tour a year ago, and are upset because the stage and her band were done up like an old timey Wild West Revue.
Ain’t that somethin’.
December 12, 2017 @ 2:27 pm
Agreed. If you’re average, at least give us something interesting to look at.
December 12, 2017 @ 1:07 pm
Just to clarify:
The title of this article has been changed. The way this album was originally presented to me is that it would be released roughly a year from now in the “winter of 2018.” However, the “Winter of 2018” could also be January or February. If it will be in January or February of 2018, I would expect a proper release date and more details very soon.
December 12, 2017 @ 1:09 pm
The original release does say “early 2018.” So anytime before March 21st, 2018 qualifies.
December 12, 2017 @ 1:12 pm
I think it’s safe to assume that we’ll get new music from her before she goes on tour next year. Now let the countdown begin
December 12, 2017 @ 1:54 pm
Did I write “upset” in my comment ? Let me look at my comment again. Nope, I thought it was a good comment, not upset at all. Glad I spent my money to support her. Why hide behind a cactus if you can sing? Just wanted to hear her sing, not be distracted by a desert or the “Wild West Revue” theatrical entertainment. That’s all. (soooft tone)
December 12, 2017 @ 4:13 pm
Kacey is headlining one of the nights of the 3-day C2C: Country to Country festival in the UK and Ireland in March 2018, so I’d like to assume her new record would be released before then. She last performed at the festival in 2016 so, without a new album, it’d basically be the exact same set. I was getting worried as no new record had been announced but now I at least have hope that I’ll be able to learn some new songs before her set.
December 12, 2017 @ 1:09 pm
Awesome news!
December 12, 2017 @ 1:26 pm
Look, I’m not telling any artist to sell their soul or leave the authenticities behind to go mainstream. But it always aggravated me how stubborn Kasey seemed to be going into her second major-label album, Pagent Material. It’s as if she didn’t even try to get mainstream recognition. She debuted with “Biscuits” when there were so many other great, practical songs on the album that could’ve been sent to radio first. She spoke out against mainstream like many do but went further by declared she didn’t even care enough to be there, but deep down she clearly did want to be a Country Top 40 artist. She tried so hard to break through to the mainstream during her first album, but it’s as if she gave up just because they wouldn’t play Follow Your Arrow. She seems to be in a happy place now, which is fine and I’m glad she has a passionate albeit small fan base. But she could have helped shape mainstream for the better if she played her cards right.
There’s obviously more to it and I’m sure her label has helped and hurt her along the way. But it’s hard for me to look past with her.
December 12, 2017 @ 1:52 pm
Hell yes!!!! She is not only one of my favorite mainstream artists, but one of my favorite country artists in general. Her songwriting is brilliant.
December 12, 2017 @ 2:04 pm
oh joy a bunch of un-melodic and politically biased pop music! Im so excitied! it isnt like there are any talented people I would rather support with my dollars so why wouldnt i waste money on this! in fact im probably some kind of horrid old person who says get of my lawn because i want to hear rela coountyr music with quality songwriting instead of following the crowd and buying this record just because it has a woman on ittttt and its about tine we ot a new rcord of this music after all who doesnt want to listen to music from the creative genius behind biscuits in fact most of the people who liked biscuits have 2 more birthdsays behind them now they might be ready to learn the alphabet song
December 12, 2017 @ 2:32 pm
Really looking forward to this! I really love her Christmas album, but it’s been too long since we’ve heard some new non holiday music from her.
December 12, 2017 @ 2:34 pm
Sounds like yet another country artist that is trying to be passed off by the industry as “traditional” country artist planning an album that is not country. She cites the freaking Bee Gees? As an influence. C’mon man…
December 13, 2017 @ 6:16 am
Have you ever listened to a Bee Gees song other than Stayin’ Alive?
I caught a few minutes of an old concert on PBS, and was stunned at how country they were.
(Also, Kacey has plenty of country bona fides, including that absolutely stunning duet of “Are You Sure” with Willie)
December 13, 2017 @ 6:46 pm
The Flying Burrito Brothers covered “To Love Somebody” with Gram Parsons singing. That was from the Bee Gees second album before they went disco. Hank Williams Jr. covered it too. Still, Kacey Musgraves is boring… average singer, average songwriter, nice legs.
December 12, 2017 @ 2:44 pm
Looking forward to it. I’m sure a lot of the readers here who think anything with even the slightest bit of polish to it is pop will recoil at that list of collaborators, but it sounds very much in line with the image Kacey has presented up to this point. I’ve enjoyed it so far and trust this will be another good one.
December 12, 2017 @ 2:58 pm
I’m looking forward to hearing her new album. I loved Pageant Material and Golden Hour hopefully will build upon that.
December 12, 2017 @ 3:08 pm
I love her, but it kind of sounds like she’s headed out of country. Maybe not, but with the influences listed for the album, it left me a bit confused.
December 12, 2017 @ 3:41 pm
Not to be profane but I’d buy every copy of the record just to sniff one of her farts…
But really, she is an immense talent and a graceful woman. I think she’s authentic but also inclined to explore different areas.
December 12, 2017 @ 3:53 pm
I’m looking forward to this album, but it seems that Kacey is going the Sturgill route and not trying to do a country album. Her fanbase isn’t as passionate as Sturgill’s (current or former), but I anticipate a lot of “this isn’t c.ountry” posts
December 12, 2017 @ 3:59 pm
Kinda replying to some above comments here, and at the risk of sounding pretentious, I think Kacey has transcended country music. Yes, at one point she wanted to be that Top 40 country artist, but after not being fully embraced with “Follow Your Arrow,” it seems like she has gone the more “independent/alt-country” direction and prefers to do things her own way. She definitely has the country influences, country songs, and country instrumentation there in Same Trailer and Pageant Material. But there’s just something about the retro vibe and her love of old things that sets her apart. I attended a “Rhinestone Revue” show 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it – the neon backdrops, nudie suits, and costumes all complimented the overall concert.
I for one am looking forward to this album. I imagine this time around Kacey won’t make a hard push with a single to country radio, but will reply on her existing fan base instead. She’s occasionally played on the independent radio station Lighting 100 here in Nasvhille. I think she fits well in that alternative and indie realm, and will find success whether she stays strict country or not. And after hearing some snippet previews Kacey has shared on her Instagram page, I can hear the Bee Gees influences there, while also reminding me of that “Nashville Sound” from the 1950’s.
December 12, 2017 @ 4:31 pm
George Strait has covered Tom Petty at some of his shows.
Jamey Johnson & Stapleton sang at Kenny Rogers farewell concert (Kenny is about as country as the Bee Gees far as I’m concerned)
Mountain of Love by Charley Pride was originallya pop song.
So what’s the point you are trying to make?
December 12, 2017 @ 4:47 pm
Never really liked the lyrics to her songs. She is very untraditional lyrically, but I do the love the traditional sound. That is way listening to her records are so aggravating.
December 12, 2017 @ 4:47 pm
Shes very original and immensely talented. Not a huge fan but her releases are always interesting enough to give a listen, her Christmas album is a lot of fun. Shes on tour next year with Little Big Town and the dreaded…..MIDLAND! Ahhhh! Jk.
December 12, 2017 @ 6:55 pm
WHAT? Maybe we’ll get that Wystrach/Coronoes cage fight after all!
December 12, 2017 @ 8:33 pm
Not really following how you think I’ve got some crush on Kacey Musgraves or something. This is literally the very first article I have written about her in the entirety of 2017, and only the fourth article I’ve written on her in almost three years.
December 12, 2017 @ 10:37 pm
The night of the live blog of the CMAs 2015 … she wore that swimsuit to perform Arrows. You used a lot of adjectives that would make Matt Lauer blush.
Although very fair about covering her music, you’ve complimented Musgraves about her beauty more than any other female artist.
I agree it’s been a long time – probably why I forgot about her.
December 12, 2017 @ 10:39 pm
That wasn’t Arrows … Dime Store Cowboy
December 12, 2017 @ 11:28 pm
And who gives a Damn?!
He probably does that cause it’s the truth she’s is the best looking woman in country.
December 13, 2017 @ 4:07 pm
She is absolutely stunning, which makes her talent that much more evident. You see that she looks like that and she makes you forget about it with her songs.
December 14, 2017 @ 10:12 am
What else would there be to write about? She’s smoking hot, legs for days, with forgettable songs that mostly say the same thing.
December 12, 2017 @ 8:23 pm
That makes sense she is touring with Midland.. both Musgraves and Midland are tight with McAnally.
December 12, 2017 @ 10:38 pm
And have the same stylist!
December 13, 2017 @ 7:37 am
Hahaha good point!
December 21, 2017 @ 8:22 am
she is on tour next summer with Harry Styles from One Direction. That tells me this is not going to be a mainstream country record. I would look for a pop record dressed in cowboy boots
December 12, 2017 @ 4:49 pm
When people talk about country music evolving and citing Rhett , Hunt et al , I think they are overlooking the ONE place it HAS evolved : Kacey Musgraves .
Here’s a woman who uses a fairly traditional sound but garnishes it ever so slightly with her own sonic touches .She may use a few more than 3 chords but her narratives are ALWAYS the truth , as she sees it in these times , and always substance -driven . Her vocal performances , while a long way from a Carrie or Martina McBride , are uniquely her own and much closer to traditional country than either of the aforementioned these days . The lyric is ALWAYS the star ….not over-the-top vocal pyrotechnics ….And the melodies …those amazingly simple yet inventive stick-to-your-brain melodies …are ALWAYS the supporting cast and not un-credited bit players .The woman totally GETS IT on all fronts . ITS A SONG …ITS ABOUT THE LYRIC ,THE MELODY , THE SUBSTANCE , THE NARRATIVE ….not a clap machine , an in-your-face Les Paul on 11 or Bebe’s breasts .
Musgraves’ approach to COUNTRY music would surely have been the same in any era …..a truthful lyric which resonates across the demographics in a fresh ,unique manner which always and overtly recognizes the traditions of the genre and the intelligence of the listener . She’s in a class by herself .
December 12, 2017 @ 9:09 pm
Very well said! I totally agree.
December 12, 2017 @ 5:09 pm
What little I’ve listened to she sounds legit. I don’t think much of her get up in the picture accompanying this article though.
December 12, 2017 @ 6:51 pm
Oh, boy! Trig is going to need a case of Astroglide to get through all the articles he’s going to write corresponding to the launch and release (ha!) of this album.
I honestly kind of forgot about her. 2 1/2 years? Crazy.
December 12, 2017 @ 7:27 pm
I like her more than her music if that makes any sense. Her music isn’t bad to me, and it’s often somewhat clever. I would be fine with listening on the radio but there are so many other really good choices when I go to grab a record. I hope she does well though, and kinda hope she surprises me on this one with a little more sophistication, for lack of a better word ATM.
December 12, 2017 @ 9:49 pm
Sounds horrible. I was really hoping to hear an adult country album from her someday.
December 12, 2017 @ 11:38 pm
She was listed in this week’s Entertainment Weekly as an artist with new music coming out soon, so I would assume her album’s almost done. I’m excited. She was great in concert.
December 13, 2017 @ 3:08 pm
I saw that — hers was probably the only project they listed that I’m really looking forward to. 🙂 (I’m also very psyched for They Might Be Giants’ ‘I Like Fun,’ due out January 19 — I’ve already heard a couple songs from it, and pre-ordered it from the band’s online store.)
December 13, 2017 @ 3:50 am
I’d like to nominate her for Most Beautiful Woman in country music.
December 13, 2017 @ 6:46 am
I’m pretty disappointed to hear she’s distancing herself from Country music. I have 2 of her albums and really like them. They both have a few skippable tracks for sure (also, I always feel like I’m maybe too old for some of her music. And I’m not old! lol) But I come back to them often and really love many songs a lot. And I rather like her kitschy aesthetic.
Obviously she should do what she wants, but as a fan of Country music, I’m bummed to hear this album will likely be less Country.
December 13, 2017 @ 7:40 am
I’m not the biggest Musgraves fan but I do enjoy some of her music.. It is disappointing that she is going in another direction (at least for this album) and kind of confusing. She is only a couple albums into her career.
December 13, 2017 @ 9:20 am
Yeah when I saw a new album was coming, I was actually quite excited and thought “Oh I’ll definitely buy that.” Now that I’ve read the article, I’ll definitely wait and try to listen more to see if it’s even anything I’d want to own. So I hope other fans aren’t similarly disillusioned. She seems to appeal to a plenty of people who aren’t necessarily looking for Country music, so it may not be an issue.
December 13, 2017 @ 9:25 pm
That’s my only problem with her. She’s talented…but her songs make her sound like she’s pandering to the crowd that Swift finally got too old to go after anymore…
December 13, 2017 @ 8:36 am
Where Kacey fucked up is that she married that sad sounding Ruston Kelly bitch instead of me. I told her she was making a poor choice.
February 23, 2018 @ 11:28 am
So true.
December 13, 2017 @ 2:45 pm
So many of these edgier, hipper acts use country as a jumping off point to wherever it is they actually see themselves. The Dixie Chicks, after their political fallout, made it a point to say that they always saw themselves more as rockers anyway. It’s already been said, but it appears that KM is following Sturgill’s lead by straying into non-country territory. Country as a genre and business entity provides an entry into music as a whole, and grants exposure that would otherwise not be possible. Plus, it’s not seen as artistically challenging to remain within the casual confines of country. Bottom line, it’s more about image/perception than anything else. KM, to me, is nothing to get excited about. Never has been.
December 13, 2017 @ 6:51 pm
I really don’t think that many people care whether she releases another album or not. Yawn! I’d rather look at her with the music turned down.
December 14, 2017 @ 4:41 am
Do you just make these kind of creepy ass remarks every time a female country singer is mentioned? I wonder if there’s any female country singers you like for their talent and not just for their appearance.
December 14, 2017 @ 10:23 am
So, his opinion that her looks > her talent is creepy? How’s that work exactly? Face it, a lot of folks don’t think she’s that great, especially when compared to timeless female talent. Dolly Parton, Suzy Boggus, Kathy Mattea, Lori McKenna, etc. But liking her looks more than her music and saying so isn’t creepy. Staring in someone’s window, following them around, etc is creepy. Grow up and get some perspective.
December 14, 2017 @ 10:38 am
If you’ve read Jesse’s comments in the past, you’d know what Tyrone is talking about.
December 14, 2017 @ 4:47 pm
Tyrone and Anti-Bro! What a couple of manginas! You guys need to go buy some tampons and take a couple of Midols. Let me try and explain a little more clearly. I think Sara Palin looks great in a swimsuit but I don’t want to hear her talk and I don’t want her to run our country. Kind of like I think Kacey Musgraves is pretty but just an average artist. You wonder if there are any female artists that I like for their music and not their appearance? Yes, Allison Krauss, LeeAnn Womack, Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton, early Dixie Chicks, early Trisha Yearwood, Adell, Amy Winehouse, Shelby Lynn’s “I Am Shelby Lynn” album, Tammy Wynette, early Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Kim Richey, EmmyLou Harris, Linda Rondstat, Joan Jett, Beyonce’, Etta James, etc.
You fucktards can’t come up with any better argument than to paint me a misogynist? I love women. Nothing wrong with saying someone is hot and nothing wrong with saying someone’s music doesn’t do it for you.
December 14, 2017 @ 7:32 pm
And if Musgraves didn’t want anyone noticing the freight that she’s hauling, she wouldn’t go on an award show dressed like she’s about to go on her shift at the TaTa Ranch.
December 15, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
You throw a cursing fit and get super defensive and they’re the manginas? LOL.
Look, it’s the way you come across every time you run your trap. I don’t know how you really are but you come across as a total dick. That’s just me being honest. I’m not offended, I’m honestly laughing.
December 15, 2017 @ 2:07 pm
I understand Chad Perry. I just get tired of the PC police trying to monitor everyone and paint them negative for being honest. Guys look at girls and we are attracted to them. Sometimes we actually make comments that we think they are attractive. What I’ve said isn’t like Trump saying he could grab women by the pussy. I just don’t mind saying when I think a woman is hot. And yes, I’m sure I come across as a dick to some folks on here. To be honest, I kind of enjoy seeing them get all riled up over nothing and then giving it back to them. To get pissed off because I said I’d rather look at Kacey Musgraves than look at her is what’s laughable. I’m laughing right along with you! BTW, I don’t throw cursing fits, I just like using colorful language all the time. If someone has a problem with that, they can go fuck themselves! Again, I’m laughing here. 🙂
December 15, 2017 @ 1:14 pm
But good list. At least your taste is music isn’t complete shit like your taste in word choice.
December 14, 2017 @ 3:16 pm
As a massive Bee Gees fan, I’m really intrigued and looking forward to this.
Still, it begs the question if we’ll hear the disco influence of the Bee Gees or the more baroque pop/soft rock sound they did in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Also, for those who are raising their eyebrows because of the Bee Gees, remember that they wrote a great song that was a massive hit for Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
They also dabbled into country on the occasion, in particular Barry Gibb.
December 15, 2017 @ 9:08 am
”They also dabbled into country on the occasion, in particular Barry Gibb.”
See….this is what really perturbs me about the whole country bandwagon every other pop star from Timberlake to Cindi Lauper to Steven Tyler seems so intent on jumping on . ” Dabbled” in country ? Dabbled ? YOU DON’T DABBLE IN TO COUNTRY ! You ARE a country artist or you aren’t . You’re steeped in it …you grew up with it, you respect the history and tradition of it, you totally get the importance of a lyric with substance , a GREAT ( usually veteran ) country songwriter and a timeless song . YOU DON’T DABBLE …’ test the waters ‘ , give it a shot to see if it sticks , try it on for size . One of two things happens when singers decide to do this . Either its as phony as a 3 dollar bill or it sounds like a Jason Aldean record …..rap-rock with a cowboy hat .
Please ….can we pass some law that prohibits rock and pop stars from ‘dabbling’ in country ? I mean …do we really wanna hear Elton John recording a Waylon tribute ? And yes the Bee Gees did get a huge Kenny Dolly cut …BUT IT WASN’T A COUNTRY SONG . Diggin’ Up Bones is a country song .
December 15, 2017 @ 9:33 am
Geez people- it’s not like if The Bee Gees released those songs to country radio.
But of course in today’s days of overreaction everyone has to get angry.
There’s nothing wrong with being influenced by someone outside of country music.
Willie Nelson has said before that his favorite singer is Frank Sinatra and recorded an entire album of standards- is that somehow not valid or because he’s Willie Nelson he’s given a free pass?
Relax folks- life is too short to get your blood boiling like that.
December 15, 2017 @ 3:32 pm
Kacey is one of few artists that is able to tastefully borrow inspirations from a lot of places (including POP) and make it work wonderfully. It’s that nice blend of indie sound with pop country undertones and I appreciate that about her. Her sound isn’t blatantly in one camp or the other. Crawdad Republic is another band that comes to mind (if you haven’t heard them, they are excellent, check them out). But I appreciate a good pop song as well so I might be in the minority here. Either way, stoked to listen to anything by Kacey.
December 16, 2017 @ 11:15 pm
Kacey is so talented. She is amazing in concert. Her Christmas album is bangin’. I can’t wait to see what she does next.