Kacey Musgraves, Justified | Track Review

Grammy winning country artist Kacey Musgraves makes an appealing return with “Justified,” the promo single from Star-Crossed. 

“I

t was a fun, strange summer / I rolled on, didn’t think of you…” Although it’s time for a new Kacey Musgraves album, prior to her announcing her fourth studio album, Star-Crossed (September 10, 2021), it wasn’t expected this soon.  “Justified” arrives as the promo single.  It was written by the Grammy winning country artist alongside Brandon Joyner Burton, Ian Fitchuk, and Ilsey Juber. Musgraves and Juber produce the track alongside Daniel Tashian, giving it a cool, groovy, and light sound (not overtly country). Notably, “Justified” explores Musgraves’ feelings after divorcing her husband, musician Ruston Kelly.  “We lost touch wth each other,” Musgraves continues singing on the first verse, adding, “Fall came and I had to move.”

The verses on “Justified” find Kacey reflecting on the state of things.  The first, excerpted, focuses on the aftermath of the divorce.  The second is also reflective, but looks back on the relationship itself, prior to ending. “And when you lied, said you didn’t want me / Tell me, what was I supposed to do?” The chorus, as well as the bridge, sums up the conflicted feelings, she experiences, highlighted by the assertion “That I [You] shoulda treated you [me] right.”  

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Final Thoughts

So, how does “Justified” stack up? Is the buzz surrounding Star-Crossed worth it? “Justified” is another welcome addition to the Kacey Musgraves collection, and the buzz surrounding Star-Crossed is legit.  With the lyrics and theme clear and relatable, light but appealing production, and Kacey singing beautifully in her traditional cool, calm, and collected style, there’s lots to heart about “Justified.”  I’m not sure it eclipses anything off Golden Hour, but only time will tell.  Earns my seal or approval. 

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Kacey Musgraves • Star-Crossed • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 9.10.21

[: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, UMG Recordings, Inc.]

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