In today’s world, we have access to so much music. There are so many genres to choose from, so many artists to pick. However, if you ask a teenager what kind of music they like the least, the answer will generally be country music. I am usually right there along with the majority, but the one exception for me is Kacey Musgraves.

Musgraves has a music style that is very different from the rest of country music I have heard. Most sing about love and life out on the country, but while Musgraves does include those narratives, somehow she makes it relatable to anyone. Her style is country, but it is feel good music that makes you just want to sing along.

Pageant Material is a country album unlike any other. The small band that backs all of her songs provides a sweet and mellow sound, and doesn’t stand to overpower the strength of her vocals and lyrics. Armed with a sweet voice that does not quite seem like country at first, it powers her songs that strike very close to home for a lot of people.

Because it is country music, there is definitely the inclusion of life in the south. However many of her songs are about family, friendship and even feminism. This provides a breath of fresh air in the world of country music. Pageant Material is not the typical country album, with a focus on bettering yourself as a person, and understanding yourself and the world around you.

I have always been a big fan of Musgraves, from her first album, Same Trailer, Different Park, and her music drew me back into the world of country. Her songs provide a relatable, feel good outlet, and is music that is not only road-trip sing-along worthy, but it is also perfect for a time when you simply want to chill out and reflect.

I would highly recommend this album for long time country lovers, those who want to listen to the genre but don’t know where to start and even for those who are wary of the genre. Pageant Material is the perfect country-without-trying-too-hard album and will warm the hearts of even the most skeptical of music fanatics.