Kacey Musgraves
Album Review by Gabrielle Groves
2024 is proving to be the year of Saturn in music. First SZA’s latest release of "Saturn," followed by Ariana Grande with her concept album Eternal Sunshine, and now Kacey Musgraves with the title track off her new album, Deeper Well. Both Grande and Musgraves mention the concept of Saturn’s return. This experience is when you reach a certain age (around 30), and have profound realizations about life. Saturn in the sky now aligns with Saturn on the day you were born.
Deeper Well seemingly delves into the seven-time Grammy winner's past relationship(s) as she looks back on them with mostly fondness, longing, and some disappointment. The 14-track country album starts off strong with the dream-like song "Cardinal," a reference to losing someone and seeing a cardinal as a “sign” from them. Next is the title track, “Deeper Well," where Musgraves mentions the concept of Saturn’s return in the first lines of the song: “My Saturn has returned // When I turned twenty-seven // Everything started to change." Musgraves then sings about letting go of habits and relationships that no longer serve her, and focusing on herself to lean into the recurring theme on the album.
The third track is “Too Good to be True" in which Musgraves expresses concern about being vulnerable in a relationship. She heartbreakingly sings, “Please don’t make me regret // Openin’ up that part of myself." “Moving Out" reflects on the good memories that she and her former partner had in the house they used to share. This inevitably brings up feelings of both sadness and excitement about the future. “Giver/Taker'' refers back to lyrics in “Deeper Well” to discuss people falling into the category of being either a taker or a giver when it comes to relationships. “'Cause I would give you everything that you wanted // but I would never ask for any of it back // and if I could take only as much as I needеd // I would take everything you had," Musgraves sings during the chorus. In the next song, "Sway," Musgraves compares herself to a palm tree in the sense that no matter what life throws at her, she will stay standing.
The second half of the album begins with “Dinner With Friends" to discuss little things in life she loves and “the things [she] would miss // from the other side." In “Heart of the Woods," Musgraves shows her appreciation for nature and how she believes that everyone should have each other’s back. “Jade Green” talks about a special bracelet that Musgraves holds close and makes her feel safe, even when her lover is not with her. “The Architect," has Musgraves asking the architect (a.k.a. God) why he does certain things, and whether or not he thinks about his decisions before making them. “Lonely Millionaire” is a melodious song where the listener is warned money can’t buy happiness, and how love should be valued over material possessions. “Heaven Is” has Musgraves thinking about what heaven means to her, and what reminds her of it. Each verse ends with something she loves followed by, “That’s what heaven is." “Anime Eyes” presents an interesting concept as Musgraves sings about the distinct style in which anime character's eyes widen, and are filled with “explosions of ecstasy” when they are overjoyed. She even makes references to the popular anime, Sailor Moon, and Studio Ghibli co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki. Musgraves ends the album with the track “Nothing to be Scared Of," where she expresses feelings of moving on from someone she loved, but wishing they could be back together again.
Prior to the album’s release on March 15th, Musgraves performed “Deeper Well” and “Too Good to be True” on Saturday Night Live. She also announced a world tour beginning in Ireland on April 28th, and ending in Nashville, Tennessee on December 7th. She celebrated the album’s release with a concert on The Today Show, and a special post on Instagram. In the caption Musgraves stated, “Grateful to be alive and continuously inspired by life’s little mysteries and pleasures. Massive thanks to my team and trusted collaborators.”
