#85 Golden HourKacey Musgraves

Genres: Country pop

Description

"Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves addresses themes of love, introspection, and personal growth. Released during a peak moment in Musgraves' personal and professional life, this album combines ethereal country pop with introspective, poetic lyrics. Each track conveys a sense of warmth and emotional depth, making it significant in Musgraves' music catalog.

Background

After getting married and experiencing a "golden hour" in her life, Musgraves wrote and recorded most of the songs throughout 2017. The album was partly recorded above a horse stable owned by Sheryl Crow, adding a unique ambiance to the recording process. Notably, Musgraves acknowledged that the creative process for tracks like "Mother" and "Slow Burn" was influenced by her experiences with LSD, which she claimed positively impacted her artistic expression.

Notable Tracks

• "Slow Burn": A reflective opener that sets a dreamy, gradual pace, focusing on the beauty of taking things slow.
• "Butterflies": A light, airy love song that captures the fluttering excitement of newfound love.
• "Space Cowboy": Uses cosmic metaphors to express the bittersweet nature of giving someone the freedom to leave.
• "Rainbow": A hopeful, reassuring ballad that encourages perseverance through life's storms.

Reception and Impact

"Golden Hour" received universal acclaim, with an average score of 89 on Metacritic. Critics praised its warm and enveloping nature, noting the sharp songwriting and long, melodic tunes. The album topped numerous year-end lists and won Album of the Year at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, among other accolades. Commercially, it debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 and was eventually certified Platinum by the RIAA.

Legacy

"Golden Hour" remains a cornerstone of Kacey Musgraves' discography, reflecting her journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of love. Its genre-blending style continues to influence the contemporary country music landscape.