GRAMMYS: Kacey Musgraves wins four Grammys, one for each category she was nominated for.
By Emma Carson, Staff Writer
On February 10, at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, country singer Kacey Musgraves won four awards including Grammys for best country song, best country solo performance, best country album, and the biggest award of the night, Album of the Year.
The 30 year old singer/songwriter has three original albums as well as five singles and EPs, including her newest release “Rainbow,” which she performed at the Grammys. Along with the impressive four Grammys she claimed at this past awards, the singer has six all together, two of which she won in 2013. She has been nominated nine times, and out of these nominations she has won both best country song and album twice, plus this year’s best country solo performance and Album of the Year.
Musgraves released her album Golden Hour on March 30, 2018. The album features classic country beats such as “Lonely Weekend” and “Mother” while also containing tracks such as “High Horse,” which has an upbeat tempo and follows the same verse-chorus structure of a pop song; her previous albums follow the free verse style of country songs. All of the lyrics of her songs describe the pure moments, struggles, and overall lifestyle lived by a young girl. “Slow Burn,” the first track of the album, is an intricate example of this type of songwriting. The song describes living life at a slow, observational pace, introducing the listener to the type of album they are about to dive into.
The song “Space Cowboy” won best country song, and Musgraves’ performance of “Butterflies” won best country solo performance. “Golden Hour” was in tough competition against seven other albums, including Janelle Monae’s “Dirty Computer,” Drake’s “Scorpion,” and “Black Panther: The Album,” which featured a variety of artists. Musgraves rose above the rest due to her fresh take on a combination of her country roots and the pop music of today.
Country is a genre heavily criticized by the public due to the popular “stadium” country music, a newer form of country music which is generally more aggressive in its lyrics, messages, and instrumentals. Typically, people feel that this branch of country music lacks substance, unable to connect with the audience. However, Musgraves is able to utilize a calming voice, nostalgic instrumentals, and personal lyrics, allowing listeners to feel understood.