Kacey Musgraves - "Pageant Material"

[Daryl the Beryl]

Released: June 23, 2015



Kacey Musgraves
"Pageant Material"
(Mercury Nashville)

Track List:

01 "High Time" (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)

02 "Dime Store Cowgirl" (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)

03 "Late To the Party" (Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne)

04 "Pageant Material" (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)

05 "This Town" (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Brandy Clark)

06 "Biscuits" (Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally)

07 "Somebody To Love" (Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)

08 "Miserable" (Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne)

09 "Die Fun" (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)

10 "Family Is Family" (Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)

11 "Good Ol' Boys Club" (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby)

12 "Cup of Tea" (Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)

13 "Fine" (Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Ashley Arrison)

Hidden Track:
14 "Are You Sure" featuring Willie Nelson (Willie Nelson, Buddy Emmons)

[Deleted]

WOW, what an album. So beautiful and incredible. I'll need to listen to it some more to really flesh out my thoughts, but this gets an easy A+ from me, 5 stars, 10/10, etc. I liked Same Trailer, Different Park a lot, but this one goes above and beyond that one for me. In fact, I'm quite surprised at just how much more I enjoy this album as compared to her debut, because again, I really liked her debut.

My favorite tracks are definitely "Dime Store Cowgirl" and "Late To The Party", but I really like "Somebody To Love", "Cup of Tea", and "Fine" a lot as well. "Good Ol' Boys Club" is another excellent track -- I feel like that one does a great job at subtly calling out the country radio industry and how it's no longer about how good you are (and how good your music is), but it's more of a "who do you know/what have you done for me lately" type of thing. I've really felt that way about the country radio industry for quite some time now, especially after following the charts for a few years and reading different articles about how songs get 'promoted' to radio. I'll say it now: I don't like the system, at all. There's always talk about "relationships" and "thanks to my friends in radio!!"...but I think that's a load of crap. Obviously artists are appreciative when radio plays their songs, but I don't for a minute believe that artists are or will be out there hanging out or golfing with radio station employees years after the artist is no longer relevant at radio. They hang out with and "be friends with" the radio people for one purpose -- they want the radio people to like them, and to play their music. In short, I think Kacey tackled the message in "Good Ol' Boys Club" brilliantly. It doesn't come across as antagonistic or anything like that...it's Kacey saying "that sounds great and all, but I'd rather do things my way and not have to play by those rules". And thank God, because if she did play by radio's 'rules', they'd suffocate her creative talent.

I don't know if Kacey will ever be a mainstay in the top 20 or top 30 of the airplay charts, but I actually think she has a chance to score a couple of hits from this album (and from future albums too). And the reason I feel that way is because she's already become a household name despite only limited exposure from radio. This album is already projecting to finish at #1 on the Billboard 200; I can't wait to see how it sells. I really think it could surprise a lot of people, even me. And then with the critical acclaim this one is likely to get...

This album is old school country; in my opinion it sounds even more old school than her debut album did. With that said, again, I do think there's a small handful of tracks that could work on radio. I'm more optimistic about "Dime Store Cowgirl" than I was about "Biscuits", and I think "Late To The Party" has potential as well. After one listen I'm just so...enamored with each and every song here. The lyrics, her vocals, the production...this album is art as much as it is music. And that's what so many of today's country music artists have forgotten...they care only about being singers, not artists, and as a result we get way too much radio fluff and not nearly enough substance.

Pageant Material is a true gem of an album, and it only further proves that Kacey is one of those rare talents that doesn't come along very often. Truly gorgeous arrangements with intelligent adult lyrics...this one's gonna be on repeat for a long time to come.

[Deleted]

This is a really good album. I particularly like "Dime Store Cowgirl", "Good Ol' Boys Club", and "Fine". I'm sure this will get 90/100, or A+, or 5 stars on all the ratings, and it will snag an AOTY nomination in every category it can, plus a few wins, since she's a critical darling.

[Daryl the Beryl]

Listened to the album twice, and it's almost flawless. It gets a 9/10 and I'll put it up with albums from Kendrick Lamar and Jamie xx to be one of the best albums of 2015. Great music, vocals and songwriting. The only concern I had with this album was the hidden track (it was good, just not as good as the other tracks) as I thought Willie Nelson sounded out of place (it's my first time hearing him though, which could explain why)

[bjer127]

I was very anxious to hear this album before today. I only listened to Biscuits, and previews of Family Is Family and Dime Store Cowgirl. I did stream the album on Spotify (albeit from my phone while working), and I did already purchase on Itunes. I will give it a 8.5/10, A- rating etc. I am sure I will call this a masterpiece once I am able to really listen to it, and focus on it. I have a flight up to the Northeast next week, so I will definately put my earphones in and give this is a spin from start to finish. For me though, it didn't wow me at first listen like Chris Stapleton's "Traveller" did. Then again, the day Traveller came out I was in my car for 2 hours, so I had plenty of jam time. Eventually, I am sure I will give this A+, 10 stars and all that. But for this instant, it didn't WOW me like I thought it would out of gate. Still a great listen, and very COUNTRY, thank the lord.

And I am still very anxious to hear Ashley Monroe'e album, and whenever Brandy Clark's sophomore album comes out (presumably Q4 this year, or Q1 2016)

[dm2081]

Wow, what a flawless album. Kacey makes old school country sound so refreshing that it seems almost as if it's brand new. Haven't been able to completely digest the album yet, but my favorite tracks so far are "Dime Store Cowgirl", "Good Ol' Boys Club" and "Biscuits". Honestly though, every song sounds great. Kacey has elevated herself to one of my favorite country artists now. I thought her first album was decent and promising, but this album is the one that cements her as a star in my opinion. Not sure if I can see her having too much radio success at this point, but I don't even care anymore after "Biscuits" flopped. I'll be shocked if this doesn't win at least one Album of the Year award. I think Kacey and Zac Brown Band are going to sweep the Country categories at the Grammy's this time around.

[sabre14]

[.indulgecountry]

Love this album. On the whole, I think it's a stronger set than her debut album, though there were some high highs on that record for me that are tough to top. Right now (I think) my favorites are "Dime Store Cowgirl," "Biscuits," "Pageant Material," "Somebody to Love," and "This Town." That's subject to change since the album is still so fresh, but I really like all of the songs on the album and it is very cohesive and just beautifully produced. All that steel guitar is just a thrill to hear. My only complaint is that the Willie Nelson duet is a hidden track; I hate when artists do that to songs, because I'd rather them be split up into two tracks, but eh, I'll deal.

I have high hopes for "Dime Store Cowgirl" at radio and even though its still pretty traditional in sound, the tempo, lyrics, etc. are all very radio-friendly to country and I can see it going over well and getting her back into at least the Top 20. I was really surprised "Biscuits" did so poorly, but I'm still optimistic about the follow-up's chances. I can also see "Late to the Party," "This Town," and the title track as potential singles down the road, too. Those sound like the best options to me outside "Dime Store Cowgirl."

[carrieidol1]

This album is absolutely amazing! I love all the songs, there are none that seem out of place. Just a great album. I see nothing but critical acclaim and lots of awards. Hopefully she can get some decent airplay... but I doubt it, unfortunately.

[Deleted]

Pageant Material is heading for an easy #1 debut on Top Country Albums. HITS has this projected to debut with 50-55k in first week sales. Same Trailer Different Park sold 42,000 copies in its 1st week (503,000 sold to-date).

They didn't have any numbers for Canaan Smith, which means he'll be lucky if he can sell 15-20k.

[.indulgecountry]

Jun 24, 2015 23:32:32 GMT -5 jhomes87 said:

Pageant Material is heading for an easy #1 debut on Top Country Albums. HITS has this projected to debut with 50-55k in first week sales. Same Trailer Different Park sold 42,000 copies in its 1st week (503,000 sold to-date).

It's projected to hit #1 all-genre, too, isn't it? I recall reading that somewhere. Either way though, that'll be an absolutely superb opening week for this album.

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2015 2:00:48 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Jun 24, 2015 23:32:32 GMT -5 jhomes87 said:

Pageant Material is heading for an easy #1 debut on Top Country Albums. HITS has this projected to debut with 50-55k in first week sales. Same Trailer Different Park sold 42,000 copies in its 1st week (503,000 sold to-date).

It's projected to hit #1 all-genre, too, isn't it? I recall reading that somewhere. Either way though, that'll be an absolutely superb opening week for this album.

No, not even close. There was an article (NY Daily News I think) that said she'd debut #1 all-genre but I have no idea why they said that, considering neither Billboard nor HITS had made any projections until today.

Here's what HITS has for the 5 biggest debuts of the week:

Breaking Benjamin (Hollywood) 135-145k album sales, 145-155k SPS
Tori Kelly (Capitol) 60-65k, 70-75k
Kacey Musgraves (Mercury Nashville) 50-55k, 55-60k
Leon Bridges (Columbia) 28-33k, 30-35k
Teen Beach 2 (Walt Disney) 21-24k, 24-27k

[.indulgecountry]

^ Ah, okay. Well that was an unfortunate and misleading title then for them to report it that way. But she's still looking for a great debut anyway, which is what matters. <3

[rsmatto]

Jun 25, 2015 3:09:10 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

^ Ah, okay. Well that was an unfortunate and misleading title then for them to report it that way. But she's still looking for a great debut anyway, which is what matters. <3

I think those writers just offhandedly thought Breaking Benjamin was a rock act and rock doesn't sell like it used to. But that was poorly thought out as the band hasn't released an album in a six years. Also I think Tori Kelly's sales are surprising some but a $6.99 iTunes price certainly doesn't hurt getting people to buy it (I bought 2 copies, one for me one for my niece as a bday gift).

[Deleted]

Another incredible album from Kacey.

She knows exactly who she is, and it shows.


As of now, my favorites are This Town, Pageant Material, Good Ole Boys Club & Somebody To Love, but I'll be giving this one a few more spins.

"Somebody To Love" really resonated with me; the honesty and power of such simple lyrics is what I love about Country music.

The critical acclaim for this album will be insane, and I see a few award nominations (and hopefully wins) in the bag.

Fantastic album.

[matty005]

This is just an amazing album. "Late To The Party," "This Town," "Somebody To Love," and "Fine" are the standouts - but really this whole album is a standout. What an amazing piece of work.

[Deleted]

Seems like "Miserable" was written for Bobby Bones ;)

[someguy]

I really like this album. I got it on Tuesday, but I've only really had time to listen to it Friday and Saturday (and I'm sure I'll play it again today). I love her writing, and her perspective is like a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of what comes out on country radio.

Initially I think I like her debut better, but I've also listened to that album many, many times over the last two years, and I've only heard the new one three times now. At first, my favourite tracks are "Pageant Material", "Biscuits", "Dime Store Cowgirl", "Family Is Family" and "Cup Of Tea", but I'm sure that will change slightly the more I get into the album.

I'm glad to see her open well with album sales....it shows that good music will find its way, regardless of radio support (I'd like to see some of the generic 'lettuce' open with 55K with no airplay - doubt it would happen in most cases).

[Deleted]

Jun 28, 2015 5:20:16 GMT -5 someguy said:

(I'd like to see some of the generic 'lettuce' open with 55K with no airplay - doubt it would happen in most cases).

Most of the lettuce can't open with 55k even with airplay. I bet I could list 2 dozen male artists who have each scored at least one top 5 hit from their most recent albums, and I don't think any of them did even half of what Musgraves is gonna do in her first week.

[Deleted]

My thoughts on "Pageant Material"

thisiscountrymusic.weebly.com/album-reviews/album-review-kacey-musgraves-pageant-material

[onebuffalo]

#1 country, #3 top 200 CD with 55,000 sold. Congratulations, Kacey Musgraves!

[George Strait Junkie]

i love the hell out of this record so much more than here first here's my ranking

1. Pageant Material - i love the sound on this track so much it's pure country i play it alot
2. Good Ole Boy's Club - ha ha nice one Kacey who needs radio. so right it should be about how good you are not who you know
3. Family Is Family - yup this one is true on every line lets just leave it at that lol
4. High Time - love the whistling track on this song great song to start off the record
5. Dime Store Cowgirl - you can't take the country out of me - thats so true and why would you want to
6. Biscuits - i love the hook mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy so cleaver
7. Are You Sure (With Willie) - why is this a bonus/hidden track its fantastic
8. Late To The Party - future single???
9. This Town - i get this song completely no matter how big your small town gets it's still too small
10. Fine - classic
11. Cup of Tea - yup why would ya wanna be
12. Somebody To Love
13. Misserble
14. Die Fun

[toomuchboy]

How I'd rank the tracks right now:

1. "Fine"
2. "Somebody to Love"
3. "Pageant Material"
4. "Miserable"
5. "Good Ol' Boys Club"
6. "Dime Store Cowgirl"
7. "Cup of Tea"
8. "Biscuits"
9. "High Time"
10. "Late to the Party"
11. "Die Fun"
12. "This Town"
13. "Family Is Family"

The last two are the only songs that I skip occasionally. I wouldn't say this is necessarily better or worse than her first album; I'd rather say she equalled her debut, because both albums are phenomenal.

[codyj100]

I have seen everyone constantly rave about Pageant Material and I waited without streaming the album first. (Didn't think I was going to make it). The pink vinyl came in the mail yesterday, and the record has been on repeat ever since. I can only agree with all the good things that have been said about this album. I have had one solid concentrated listen through the first time I played it. It has been beautiful background noise since, so I haven't gotten a chance to listen as deeply as I would have liked. So, once I listen through a few more times I will rank the tracks. 

[Zeebz]

This album is phenomenal. I didn't think that Kacey could ever top Same Trailer Different Park (one of my favorite albums ever) but she did. I bought this immediately after I first heard it and it's been on repeat since. Every song is fantastic and I'm never tempted to skip a single one. I'm loving all of the praise that this is getting, and without much radio play at that.

Ranking So Far:

01. "Dime Store Cowgirl"
02. "Pageant Material"
03. "High Time"
04. "Late To The Party"
05. "Family Is Family"
06. "Somebody To Love"
07. "Fine"
08. "Biscuits"
09. "Cup Of Tea"
10. "Are You Sure"
11. "This Town"
12. "Die Fun"
13. "Good Ol' Boys Club"
14. "Miserable"

[.indulgecountry]

My ranking:

01. Dime Store Cowgirl
02. Biscuits
03. Pageant Material
04. Late to the Party
05. This Town
06. Somebody to Love
07. Family Is Family
08. High Time
09. Fine
10. Good Ol' Boys Club
11. Cup of Tea
12. Miserable
13. Die Fun
14. Are You Sure

[Deleted]

I listened to this quite a few times when it first came out, so I think I have a good enough grip on how I'd rank the songs. So, here goes nothing:

01 Dime Store Cowgirl
02 Late To The Party
03 Fine
04 Are You Sure? (w/ Willie Nelson)
05 Good Ol' Boys Club
06 Die Fun
07 High Time
08 Somebody To Love
09 Miserable
10 Cup Of Tea
11 Pageant Material
12 This Town
13 Biscuits
14 Family Is Family

With the bottom 3 it's mostly just the production and the arrangements that I'm not all that fond of. Lyrically I still like them a lot. And it was pretty much impossible for me to rank tracks 3-9...I find them all extremely close in terms of quality and how much I personally enjoy them.

[trebor]

3rd straight week at #1 in the United Kingdom Country Artists Chart. 
Pretty low burn rate for a country album on the general album chart as it moves: 11 - 29 - 40 

[Kanenrá:ke]

01. "This Town"
02. "Dime Store Cowgirl"
03. "Pageant Material"
04. "Late To The Party"
05. "Cup Of Tea"
06. "Die Fun"
07. "Biscuits"
08. "High Time"
09. "Good Ol' Boys Club"
10. "Family Is Family"
11. "Are You Sure"
12. "Miserable"
13. "Somebody To Love"
14. "Fine"

[zjames]

01 "Fine"
02 "Dime Store Cowgirl"
03 "Pageant Material"
04 "Somebody To Love"
05 "Late To The Party"
06 "High Time"
07 "Are You Sure"
08 "Good Ol' Boys Club"
09 "Biscuits"
10 "Family Is Family"
11 "This Town"
12 "Cup Of Tea"
13 "Miserable"
14 "Die Fun"