“Deeper Well" - Kacey Musgraves Album Review

Kacey Musgraves is back with her sixth studio album “Deeper Well” and it provides all the astrological and spiritual needs of bettering oneself.

It is a 14-track album that is ultimately nothing life changing but fulfills and delivers everything expected from a Kacey album.

The country singer exudes comfort and care in her signature sound while diving into the life-long journey of finding oneself.

She opens the album with “Cardinal” which accentuates her Texas roots with the farm vibes showcased. The song deals with ideas of death as it mentions “delivering a message from the other side.”

The bridge of this track is the first taste of the eerie and haunted energy that is woven throughout the whole album.

The title track and lead single “Deeper Well” is next in queue and the production of this song is one of the most adventurous for Musgraves and it pays off. The ethereal and magical feel gives another meaning to the lyrics.

She sings, “But you got dark energy, somethin' I can't unsee/ And I've got to take care of myself/ I found a deeper well.” Musgraves gives a good reminder to get rid of the people in one's life who are always dragging them to a darker place.

The three-track run of “Sway,” “Dinner with Friends,” and “Heart of the Woods” feels the most soothing as the nature elements of the tracks truly shine through. Musgraves reflects on the need to check in with friends and not letting them and herself break in half, but instead to just sway with the palm trees.

“The Architect” is the standout of the album. The acoustic guitar and piano intertwine like a dance in the background while the lyrics accompany it beautifully. She asks questions about how the lovely things in life are made while begging to speak to the architect and creator.

The bridge of “Anime Eyes” is something completely unexpected as Musgraves gives a rap/talk spiel on how the love she shares with someone makes her recall all these happy cosmic cartoons. However, it feels weird and almost out of place on this album and ends with a cringy line about Sailor Moon that just doesn’t hit.

Musgraves ends the album with “Nothing to be Scared Of,” a classic ballad that makes one feel safe in her words. And at the end of the day, people will always be there for the ones they love.

“Come to me, and drop your bags/ And I'll help you unpack them/ You're the only one I want to give my love/ There's nothing to be scared of.”

“Deeper Well” is a testimony to Musgraves' healing and growing phase in her life and reflects her evolution as an artist exquisitely.

Overall, the theme of the album is Musgraves telling the audience they will be alright. And hearing that in her stunning voice truly makes them want to believe her.

Rating: 6/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Tracks: “The Architect” and “Sway”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Tracks: “Anime Eyes” and “Lonely Millionaire”

Madison Rush is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.