Kacey Musgraves, ‘Space Cowboy’ | Track Review

Kacey Musgraves doesn’t miss a beat following a three-year hiatus.  Single “Space Cowboy” kicks off the promo campaign for her third album, ‘Golden Hour’ superbly.

Kacey Musgraves has returned! The Grammy-winning country artist returns with her first original material since Pageant Material (2015).  Unfortunately, Pageant Material was an underrated album.  It shouldn’t have been.  Moving on, “Space Cowboy” arrives as one of two initial promo singles for her third studio album, Golden Hour (March 30, 2018).

Following a lone introductory chord, Kacey Musgraves begins “Space Cowboy” abruptly.  While we’re accustomed to a lengthier preface to the vocals, Musgraves delivers beautiful, expressive vocals from the jump.  The clarity with which she sings is a major selling point.  Notably, she doesn’t employ twang, which takes away an ‘in your face’ countrified vibe.  This is clearly a country song, but it also has a wider appeal than most because it doesn’t feel forced.  Musically, the country cues happen naturally, particularly the subtlety and timely appearance of steel guitar.

The title “Space Cowboy” is clever.  Without listening, the first thing that comes to mind is outer space.  Obviously, Kacey Musgraves isn’t talking about a cowboy going into outer space – that makes no sense.  Also, before listening, you get the sense that she’s confirming the country vibes because we associate cowboys with country music.  This is a country song, but as aforementioned, there have been much more countrified numbers.  Ultimately, what Musgraves is getting at is breaking things off, best evidenced by the chorus.

“You can have your space, cowboy

I ain’t gonna fence you in

Go on, ride, away in your Silverado

Guess I’ll see you ‘round again

I know my place, and it ain’t with you

Well, sunsets fade, and love does too

Yeah, we had our day in the sun

When a horse wants to run, there ain’t no sense in closing the gate

You can have your space, cowboy.”

Final Thoughts

I’ve said once before, but I’ll say it again. Consistency should be Kacey Musgraves’ middle name.  “Space Cowboy” may not necessarily be the most thrilling record ever, but it’s beautifully performed, produced, and written.

Kacey Musgraves • Golden Hour • MCA Nashville • Release: 3.30.18

Photo Credit: MCA Nashville