In a country music world of oversingers, Kacey Musgraves is a breath of fresh air. Pure and natural, at times ethereal, Kacey has opted to not compete with power singers like Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride and just let her honest, effortless vocals shine. And while the intention is likely to let the focus fall on the song instead of the singer, what actually happens is that Kacey becomes one of the most distinctive vocalists on country radio today. 

And much like her voice, this 12-song collection is distinctive in both its arrangements and lyrics. Musically, the songs range from the jangly Americana groove of the opening track, “Silver Linings,” to the acrid, thumping “Stupid.”

It is at its lyrical foundation that the album shines most brightly, however. Kacey and co-writers Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark and Luke Laird produce track after track of musical poetry reminiscent of Townes Van Zandt.

Whether it’s the heartbreaking hit single “Merry Go ’Round,” the inspiring “Follow Your Arrow” or the toe-tapping “My House,” each track evokes an emotion, a giggle, a tear or a memory, but always a hunger for what’s next.