K has set aside the bong, revealing a shift in her habits. The country crossover sensation reflects on her past, singing about the allure of being under the influence in the mesmerizing title track of her sixth album. She confesses, “I used to wake and bake, everything felt enhanced in the haze, I’m not sure why.” While fans may not be shocked by the revelation of her previous marijuana use, given her history of drawing inspiration from substances like LSD and psilocybin for her music, on her latest album, “Deeper Well,” filled with 60s folk influences and a deep connection to nature, Musgraves still maintains a dreamy, almost psychedelic vibe. However, this time, her intoxicant of choice seems to be love: fresh, genuine, and introspective.
Musgraves, as evident from her unconventional approach, stands out as a unique figure in the realm of country music. She transcended geographical boundaries to garner acclaim beyond Nashville, particularly in Europe. Throughout the 2010s, she gained prominence for her candid portrayals of rural life and her vocal advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. With “Golden Hour,” a heartfelt tribute to her then-spouse, she skillfully integrated elements of electropop and disco, earning her a Grammy for Album of the Year. Following her divorce, “Star-Crossed” served as a more subdued sequel, solidifying her status as a versatile artist capable of thriving in diverse musical landscapes while preserving the essence of country music—a trajectory reminiscent of pop icon Taylor Swift.
Unlike Swift’s focus on chart-topping hits, Musgraves prioritizes cultivating moods over commercial success. In “Deeper Well,” she appears liberated from the pressures of following up the critically acclaimed “Golden Hour,” transcending the confines of country music and her personal struggles to embrace a theme of healing and self-discovery, infused with a modern ethos of self-care. This sentiment is mirrored in the album’s organic sound, blending new-wave Americana with Simon and Garfunkel-esque acoustic arrangements, creating a harmonious and introspective atmosphere. The opening track, “Cardinal,” a luminous meditation on loss, hope, and universal love, exudes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s timeless hits.
While the album reaches sublime heights with tracks like “Cardinal” and “Deeper Well,” showcasing Musgraves’ exceptional artistry, some moments fall short of the mark. Her attempts at conveying simplicity sometimes border on superficiality, as seen in tracks like “The Architect,” where she marvels at the intricacies of an apple, or “Dinner With Friends,” which delves into mundane observations about her home state of Texas. Despite these occasional missteps, there are gems like “Anime Eyes,” a whimsical blend of psychedelic folk-pop that playfully references Japanese culture. However, the album occasionally veers into clichés, with lyrical expressions of romantic bliss that lack depth. Musgraves’ angelic vocals and refined melodies elevate the folk-country ballads, yet at times, the music veers into predictability, with a few standout tracks like “Lonely Millionaire” infusing a sultry 90s neo-soul vibe.
“Deeper Well” navigates a fine line between poetic brilliance and uninspired mediocrity, showcasing the delicate balance between profound simplicity and superficiality.