Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well

[sportytheartist]

[schnetzka]

Okay, I got to be honest - I didn't like this album one bit. I was so bored during my listen through and I don't foresee any of the songs really growing on me. Which is a shame because I liked the lead single "Deeper Well" but the rest of the album just isn't it for me.

[wwr]

this album sounds like one boring song that never ends lol

[Ling-Ling]

I feel like with every release, she becomes more and more a niche artist. Golden Hour remains her peak and the only album where she found the perfect balance. In terms of production, vibe and vocals, this is such a lovely and delicate album though. I like it more than Star-Crossed, which collapsed under the weight of it's ambitions. The lyrics do teeter into hippy dippy/new-age gobbledygook here and there, but never enough to sink it. "Nothing To Be Scared Of" is a disappointing closer, "Heaven Is" is a perfect place to stop the album. And "Anime Eyes" is a total CHOP (no ma'am, lol). But other than that, I dig everything here?

I can totally understand the mixed reactions though. I think the vibe can veer into one of two directions, either you immerse yourself in it and go for the ride or it's a total f**king eyeroll, lol. Both valid. For some reason, I was immediately reminded of Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp, another venture into the hippy dippy that divided fans down the middle.

[The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷]

“The Architect” performance on the Tonight Show

[abbeyjones11]

Yeah, I'm going to listen to it in full again, but, there's a ton of sameness here, imo.

[SabrinaFan]

Just finished my first listen of this, and I loved it! Definitely feels like the equivalent of her Folklore era. Some of the songs admittedly blended together a bit on first listen, but overall I thought all of the songs here were super pretty. "Deeper Well" is still my fave on first listen, with "Jade Green," "The Architect," "Anime Eyes," and "Nothing to Be Scared Of" also being standouts.

[@DiegoMarcondes_]

After the first listen, I got disappointed that "Too Good to Be True" is still my fave song from the album. Lyrically is a great album, I just don't enjoyed this production, everything sounds the same to me.

My faves so far: Too Good to Be True, Cardinal, Moving Out, Dinner With Friends and Lonely Millionaire.

Golden Hour and Star Crossed are way better.

[HEADOFTHEPACK]

Mar 15, 2024 9:17:16 GMT -5 Ling-Ling said:

I feel like with every release, she becomes more and more a niche artist. Golden Hour remains her peak and the only album where she found the perfect balance. In terms of production, vibe and vocals, this is such a lovely and delicate album though. I like it more than Star-Crossed, which collapsed under the weight of it's ambitions. The lyrics do teeter into hippy dippy/new-age gobbledygook here and there, but never enough to sink it. "Nothing To Be Scared Of" is a disappointing closer, "Heaven Is" is a perfect place to stop the album. And "Anime Eyes" is a total CHOP (no ma'am, lol). But other than that, I dig everything here?

I can totally understand the mixed reactions though. I think the vibe can veer into one of two directions, either you immerse yourself in it and go for the ride or it's a total f**king eyeroll, lol. Both valid. For some reason, I was immediately reminded of Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp, another venture into the hippy dippy that divided fans down the middle.

Oh I love Anime Eyes ha. And I love Seventh Tree, I didn't make the connection until my second listen.

So this is definitely a grower, the melodies are creeping up on me as I thought they might and honestly... this sort of delicately produced vibe is what I need right now. I stand by Lonely Millionaire being far too heavy handed though. Sonically cool, lyrically terrible. Done to death and just unnecessary.

I agree that Golden Hour is perfectly balanced. And that Star-Crossed was a little disappointing. Felt like she didn't fully commit.

[abbeyjones11]

I did like "The Architect" on the first listen. I can see why it's being pushed to radio. It's also in my release radar playlist. 🙂

[HEADOFTHEPACK]

One other thing that doesn't quite match up for me - if anything her lyrics are more simplistic and the exploration less rich than in the past, so the notion she's accessing something 'deeper' is a bit off.

[14887fan]

Simplistic lyrics don’t necessarily equate to subliminal messaging. Kacey has often been able to convey profound ideas through the simplest of words; that’s arguably what garnered her such an immense following. Listening to “The Architect” — there are no noble vocabulary words (not to slam TayTay or her use of ‘covert narcissism’ in a radio hit) or quotes rivaling Socrates, but the song is like one sweet, ponderous love letter to the universe & the mere curiosity of whether or not there is a God.

I think the record is lovely. I’m so happy she has revisited her rootsy, introspective side again. The stunners on starcrossed for me were always “camera roll,” “hookup scene,” and “easier said” and I feel like any of those could’ve just as easily found their ways onto this record, or her debut, or even Golden Hour.

As a fan, I’m very happy with this release.

[HEADOFTHEPACK]

Simplistic in the sense that they aren't as sharp as her previous albums or don't have as unique/interesting turns of phrase - not that they aren't full of complex words. I do really like the album to be clear, but there's something about her being so literal that I find disappointing.

[zaclord 🌈]

This makes me want to go spend all day walking aimlessly around nature even though I hate the outdoors and nature, especially during allergy season lol.

"Cardinal" and "The Architect" I'm already putting among the best songs in her catalog. TGTBT, Heaven Is, Jade Green, Deeper Well, and Sway are in the next tier for me as of right now. The rest of them haven't quite stuck with me yet after just a few listens during work today (other than "Anime Eyes" and not really feeling that metaphor, sorry KM).

This type of album isn't for everyone - I think it's understandable to feel like a lot of the songs sound similar. But the more I've dug into it, the more I love it. It's a grower for sure. This album is all about the ~*vibes*~ and I'm here for it.

[Active Aggressive]

Yeah...I didn't read "simplistic" as not including SAT words, LOL. I love how Kacey included Boy Smells-scented liners in the Target vinyl LOL. So on brand. I gotta get through JT and Allie X, but excited to smoke, stare out the window, and listen to this at some pt this wknd.

[The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷]

Having listened to the album a couple of times now, I think I can try to articulate a brief rundown before leaving for the gym.

1. "Cardinal" - 9
Great "old school sound" opener! For some reason the intro reminds me a bit of California Dreamin'. Overall a strong song I could definitely see as a single.

2. "Deeper Well" - 8

I can see why she chose this song to announce the album. It does a great job at showing where Kacey is in life and artistically. I have to say though, having listened to the whole record, it's at the bottom half on the album for me.

3. "Too Good to Be True" 9

I also get why she chose this one for promo. I think is one of the catchiest songs here, but I wish it had a bridge or even an extra chorus... it would be perfect with that!

4. "Moving Out" - 10

This one was INSTANT for me. Something about it really connected and brought in a melancholy I (strangely) enjoy. This one also sounds very 70s to me. Even though I love it, I have a feeling most people won't give the same attention (kinda like "Easier Said" was a favorite on her last record but not really talked about upon release)

5. "Giver / Taker" - 9.5

Another instant favorite. This one sounds like classic Kacey and I could definitely see it as single on country radio if she actually still tried that lol. She sounds great, and I love how she plays with the melody here.

6. "Sway" - 6

It took me a couple of listens to actually warm up to this one. I really like it production-wise, but it's not a stand-out for me outside the "outro".

7. "Dinner with Friends" - 10

I get why people may not like Kacey's direct (and often times literal) writing... but she can convey SO MUCH with so little. I LOVE this song, and it connected with me right away. Definitely a stand-out!

8. "Heart of the Woods" - 8

I wish this one was longer... maybe not so much because of the writing or message, but I really like the production. It's just too short...

9. "Jade Green" - 7.5

I wish I liked this one more. It's a good song and has potential to grow more on me, but being sandwiched together (alongside "Heart of the Woods") between two personal favorites... I guess it suffered by comparison.

10. "The Architect" - 10

Really classic Kacey for me... it's a song that instantly brought me back to her earlier work and put a smile on my face with a little tear in my eye!

11. "Lonely Millionaire" - 9

I love the whole mood of this song. When I learned about the sample being used, I couldn't imagine who it would work on this album, but it did! It's funny how the whole "lalala" session got me vibing more than the actual lyrics... but I particularly love how she sings "When I get paid, I wanna spend it on yoooou".

12. "Heaven Is" - 8

This one wasn't instant but it grows on me the more I hear it. She sounds heavenly here (no pun intended)

13. "Anime Eyes" - 9

This is very Kacey and yet kinda different for her. It's a cute and catchy song, and definitely worked to brighten up the mood before the end of the record

14. "Nothing to Be Scared Of" - 8.5

Kacey has such a great collection of album closers that it's really hard to compete... still, this one does the job greatly (even if not her best closer). I have a feeling this one will also grow on me.

I'm really happy with this record overall... such a delicate work of art. I think it feels like a natural progression and I just love Kacey doesn't do the same record twice... it's clear she uses art to vent her emotions and not just as a formula for "success" (whatever that means) and I'm glad to have an artist that I can so well connect with. I have a feeling this one will grow on me even more as the time goes!

[upsidedown]

Are all of the songs similar to Deeper Well and Too Good To Be True? I felt those two kind of same-y and disappointed tbh. I loved how there was different production and song styles on Golden Hour and Star-crossed (I really don't get the dislike for the latter either) but this one sounds shockingly boring so far. But I want to give it a chance; just want to know what I'm in for here lol

[The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷]

Mar 16, 2024 8:44:35 GMT -5 upsidedown said:

Are all of the songs similar to Deeper Well and Too Good To Be True? I felt those two kind of same-y and disappointed tbh. I loved how there was different production and song styles on Golden Hour and Star-crossed (I really don't get the dislike for the latter either) but this one sounds shockingly boring so far. But I want to give it a chance; just want to know what I'm in for here lol

I mean… I love the record, but I don’t think it’s an album for everybody, not because of the quality of the music at all, but more in the sense that it doesn't sound super “mainstream” or “accessible” like most of Golden Hour or Star-crossed. I don’t think all the songs here sound the same, but just like my dad would say all hip-hop sounds the same (because that’s not really a style of music he cares for), I totally get why this can be divisive if people have a resistance against this kind of reflexive writing or a 70s folk-leaning country sound (which is something I love). 

My guess is that if you think “Deeper Well” and “Too Good To Be True” sound the same, then I think this isn’t a record you would enjoy right away… you’ll probably need more time with it because the quality is definitely there. If you're not willing to give it time, then this is probably not for you, and that’s fine.

[The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷]

Kacey performing “Deeper Well” and “The Architect” on the TODAY show

[wwr]

I mean, she started experimenting a bit more during the early stages of the album… there’s a song called Everything is Energy that has a different sound (thought lyrically, she’s still introspective/stoned lol)

[HEADOFTHEPACK]

Mar 16, 2024 10:11:17 GMT -5 The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 said:

Mar 16, 2024 8:44:35 GMT -5 upsidedown said:

Are all of the songs similar to Deeper Well and Too Good To Be True? I felt those two kind of same-y and disappointed tbh. I loved how there was different production and song styles on Golden Hour and Star-crossed (I really don't get the dislike for the latter either) but this one sounds shockingly boring so far. But I want to give it a chance; just want to know what I'm in for here lol

I mean… I love the record, but I don’t think it’s an album for everybody, not because of the quality of the music at all, but more in the sense that it doesn't sound super “mainstream” or “accessible” like most of Golden Hour or Star-crossed. I don’t think all the songs here sound the same, but just like my dad would say all hip-hop sounds the same (because that’s not really a style of music he cares for), I totally get why this can be divisive if people have a resistance against this kind of reflexive writing or a 70s folk-leaning country sound (which is something I love). 

My guess is that if you think “Deeper Well” and “Too Good To Be True” sound the same, then I think this isn’t a record you would enjoy right away… you’ll probably need more time with it because the quality is definitely there. If you're not willing to give it time, then this is probably not for you, and that’s fine.

Yeah Deeper Well is definitely one of the more 'twee' tracks on the album. Too Good To Be True is one of the lesser tracks imo.

[cking33]

This has a mix of vintage, classic Kacey and some songs that'll have to grow on me with repeated lessons because they didn't grab me right away. As for the good stuff ... "The Architect" to me is an instant Kacey classic. Absolutely the right move to make it a single. If any song is bound to catch on from this album, it's that one. Catchy hook, beautiful, poetic lyrics. Songs like that are why I fell in love with Kacey in the first place.

I've been a fan the title track since she premiered it. Also a home run for me. I also took an instant liking to "Cardinal," "Dinner with Friends" and "Lonely Millionaire." Of all the songs on the album, "Lonley Millionaire" at least offered a little variety in terms of production and style. It was a welcome change of pace. Overall, I liked this better that I liked Starcrossed initially, even if I still do prefer her first three albums over this. But the 4th best Kacey album is better than a lot of people's best.

[austin]

I wish she had a few songs with tempo here. What made Golden Hour so great is while every song felt cohesive and fresh, she had a handful of songs on there with tempo (High Horse, Velvet Elvis, etc). This album just kinda feels like grocery store or elevator music where it all sounds the same.

I’m not saying it’s bad, but I was disappointed.

[SHOOTER]

DW will challenge Ariana for #1 next week with 75-85k SPS per HITS — potentially Kacey’s largest first-week opening and first #1 album on the BB 200.

Same Trailer Different Park: #2, 42k

Pageant Material: #3, 60k SPS (55k sales)

A Very Kacey Christmas: #143, 4.8k SPS

Golden Hour: #4, 49k SPS (39k sales)

The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show: #120, 8k SPS

Star-Crossed: #3, 77k SPS (47k sales)

Fun fact: Kacey and Justin Timberlake also released albums on the same day (March 19th) in 2013; The 20/20 Experience blocked her from #1. How the tables have turned.

[Active Aggressive]

This is easily my favorite Kacey album, honestly. Her plain voice and the simple lyrics really fit here, but there are songs like Lonely Millionaire, The Architect, Heaven Is, and Dinner with Friends that are better than anything else in her catalog. Also, she sounds FANTASTIC. The best I have heard her sound on record. Lovely album. A-

Lonely Millionaire (Um...I wasn't expecting this at all. What a vibe with some soul.)
Heaven Is (Breathtaking.)
The Architect (Song of the Year material. Beautiful and the lyrics are perfect.)
Dinner With Friends (What a perfect song.)
Sway (Ooooh I love this)
Jade Green (This grooves a little. Big fan. Love the guitar work on this one.)
Moving Out
Giver/Taker
Deeper Well
Heart Of The Woods
Too Good To Be True
Cardinal
Nothing To Be Scared Of
Anime Eyes

[bat1990]

This is the first ever Kacey album I've listened to in full and I played through it twice on a drive through the countryside today.

This album is so sublime and I loved it. Thoughts:

- The guitar work is exquisite across the entire record
- The literal, straightforward, earnestness of the record makes me think a lot of Jewel
- Lonely Millionaire could be a multi-format radio single if she/her team/label care to push it
- Sway is my favorite on the first couple of listens. I also enjoy Cardinal, Heart of the Moon, and Jade Green a lot
- The line in Giver/Taker of "And if I could take only as much as I needed / I would take everything you had" was devastating especially on such a laid back song
- at the "Sailor Moon's got nothing on me" line. I only caught it on the second list and got my life as a lifelong Moonie

[bat1990]

I am getting the hang of my content production process!

[AmazDrag]

I really liked this record and honestly found the introspective vibe refreshing. Is this my favourite from her? No. I do still really enjoyed this and would probably rank it a smidge behind (STDP, GH and SC) which are pretty much tied as my favourite from her.    

Mar 16, 2024 13:18:23 GMT -5 austin said:

I wish she had a few songs with tempo here. What made Golden Hour so great is while every song felt cohesive and fresh, she had a handful of songs on there with tempo (High Horse, Velvet Elvis, etc). This album just kinda feels like grocery store or elevator music where it all sounds the same.

I’m not saying it’s bad, but I was disappointed.

I probably would have had a similar reaction had I not seen a response of hers to a comment about there being no songs in the vain of high horse on the album. This sort of prepared me for not expecting anything like that. I do hope her next record is more in the vain of some of her past uptempo. Regardless, she is in my opinion one of the most consistent artists and I look forward to hearing many more albums from her in the future.

[HEADOFTHEPACK]

I just realized that Anime Eyes and Easier Said from Star-Crossed are quite similar in some ways. Cut from the same cloth.

[14887fan]

Listened through this record a few times so far, and it really does boast some of her finest cuts to date. “Giver/Taker” is such a stunner…
I already mentioned my appreciation for the depth that “The Architect” carries, but I also need to shout out “Sway”, “Heaven Is”, and “Cardinal”. Title track also ranks up there for me. I’m not as drawn to “Jade Green” or “Anime Eyes”, but everything else… man, what a sublime listen. Just love her.