Kacey Musgraves
Album: Pagent Material
Label: Decca
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.kaceymusgraves.com/

Pageant Material is Kacey Musgraves' brand new follow up to 2013's critically acclaimed Same Trailer Different Park.

As with the former, what makes this CD really stand out is Musgraves's lyrics. Alongside her songwriting partners, esteemed artists Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, she has produced another collection of brilliantly written, clever yet powerful songs; the title track is a case in point.

Immediately striking is the extent to which the lyrics, and indeed her voice, belie her twenty six years; there is a definite maturity about both.

There is a poignancy juxtaposed with an obvious sense of humour, woven throughout the CD. Family is Family explores the complex, often frustrating dynamic which exists within families. Biscuits is a great song, and This Town intriguingly opens with a recording of Musgraves' late grandmother imparting a rather unsettling vignette about a drugged-out hospital patient before we are told in song about the joys and pitfalls of growing up in Small Town America. Having spent time in lots of small towns it really rings true.

Throughout, the band play exquisitely, enough to perfectly complement, but never overwhelm Musgrave's vocals.

I am now very much looking forward to her UK tour to see how these songs translate live. In the interim, I am certain this CD will be on regular rotation.

Helen Mitchell