Kacey Musgraves has always had a unique ability to transcend the boundaries of country music, drawing in listeners who might not typically gravitate toward the genre. That crossover appeal was solidified with Golden Hour, an album that, for many, revealed the full scope of her songwriting and artistic vision. Its follow-up, Star-Crossed, while a compelling and deeply personal exploration of heartbreak, never quite reached the same emotional highs.

With Deeper Well, Musgraves embarks on a journey of renewal, shaped by self-reflection and quiet introspection. Having navigated the emotional turbulence of divorce—an experience that defined much of Star-Crossed—this album feels like an exhale, a moment of clarity after the storm. Themes of healing and personal growth run throughout, from the literal symbolism of Jade Green, where she carries the stone as a source of comfort, to the raw vulnerability of Giver/Taker, a meditation on love, sacrifice, and the need for reciprocity. Like in Golden Hour, Musgraves takes an observational approach, contemplating the meaning behind everyday moments and natural signs, as she does in Cardinal.

Her existential ponderings reach their peak in The Architect, a strikingly philosophical track where she questions the mechanics of the universe itself. She longs for a conversation with God, seeking answers about life’s grand design, only to arrive at an even deeper uncertainty by the song’s end.

Musgraves has worn many creative hats throughout her career—from the cosmic country-disco of Golden Hour to the raw, pop-infused melancholy of Star-Crossed. With Deeper Well, she leans into a warm, folk-driven sound that feels like a natural evolution. A record of quiet strength and subtle beauty, it stands as one of the year’s most captivating releases—a perfect companion to Golden Hour, yet distinct in its own right.