It seems 2024 is the year of healing for Kacey Musgraves. Her sixth studio album, “Deeper Well,” was released on March 15, and is a collection of soft, folky ballads. It focuses on Musgraves’ self-reflection and growth as a person — a different but welcomed approach from her signature pop-country tone.
Musgraves has had a tumultuous couple of years. After divorcing her husband of two years, Ruston Kelly, in 2020, Musgraves was spotted with poet Cole Schafer almost a year later. The two dated until Musgraves confirmed their breakup this month in an interview. After listening to “Deeper Well” in its entirety, I have a gut feeling that their relationship was a key inspiration for the melodramatic lyrics and tone.
Starting off strong with “Cardinal,” Musgraves opens her album reminiscing about a fallout with a past friend, wondering if they still think about her. Compared to her last release in 2021, “star-crossed,” “Deeper Well” provides a different approach toward healing. Self-reflection and growth seem to be on Musgraves’ mind as she matures into adulthood. Through her lyrics, she is beginning to understand that friends come and go, and that everything will be OK. The vulnerability throughout her lyricism creates a sense of relatability with her listeners, allowing them to have a glimpse into her life as she continues to find herself at 35.
A signature melody progresses throughout the album, one that makes a person want to frolic in a grass-covered field and reconnect with their soul. Soft acoustic guitar strums and gentle piano notes complement her intricate lyrics beautifully, compared to her past pop-electronic tone in “Golden Hour.”
My favorite songs are “Deeper Well” and “Moving Out,” both slow, soft melodies about outgrowing old habits and learning to grow in the face of change, rather than resent it. Both songs delve into sensitive topics, such as her struggles with marijuana use to cope and trying to salvage a failing romance as it crumbles in front of her. Throughout each song, Musgraves wears her past experiences and mistakes as a badge of honor, displaying a sign of her growth as a person and how far she’s come.
This album is refreshing as fans see Musgraves pull back the curtain of the stage and offer a more realistic, raw version of herself. As I transition into adulthood, “Deeper Well” is comforting, unveiling that Musgraves, despite having a few years on me, is experiencing similar emotional hurdles. “Deeper Well” is Musgraves’ best work since “Golden Hour,” the breakthrough album that put her on the musical map.
Musgraves’ lyrics can resonate with anybody on a “deeper” level. If you’re feeling mellow and alone on a “Lonely Weekend,” “Deeper Well” is the perfect remedy.
