Kacey Musgraves has taken her sweet time to trade a slow burn for a “Deeper Well” with her new single. Released on Thursday, this lilting title track serves as the first taste of what is to come from her fifth album, which is set to drop on March 15th.
In “Deeper Well,” Musgraves showcases her acoustic prowess, finger-picking her way through the song and exuding a sense of contentment as she moves on from an unsatisfactory relationship. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to sway along and contemplate making some lifestyle changes. To add visual flair to the experience, Musgraves also unveiled a companion video directed by Hannah Lux Davis—known for her work with the likes of Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, and Nicki Minaj.
The album, titled “Deeper Well,” boasts an impressive tracklist of 10 songs. Some of the more intriguing titles include “Too Good to Be True,” “Giver/Taker,” “Anime Eyes,” and “Lonely Millionaire.” Musgraves continues her successful collaboration with Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, who co-produced and co-wrote the majority of her Grammy-winning album “Golden Hour” and “Star-Crossed.” However, she ventures into new creative territory with the addition of Nashville luminaries Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne on one track, “The Architect,” a lyrical exploration of faith and existential questions.
Musgraves had previously teased some of the lyrics for “Deeper Well” on social media, giving fans a taste of her personal journey. She even name-drops her age in the first verse, proudly declaring, “My Saturn has returned / When I turned 27, everything started to change.” The song reflects her growth and decision to let go of people who waste her time, declaring, “So, I’m saying goodbye / To the people that I feel are real good at wasting my time / No regrets, baby / I just think that maybe you go your way and I’ll go mine / It’s been a real good time / But you’ve got dark energy / Something I can’t unsee / And I’ve got to take care of myself.”
In a surprising twist, Musgraves also hints at a change in her relationship with marijuana. She sings, “I used to wake and bake / Roll out of bed, hit the gravity bong / that I made and start the day / For a while it got me by / Everything I did seemed better / when I was high / I don’t know why.” It seems the astrological alignment has influenced more than just her perspective on relationships.
Speaking about the song, Musgraves shares, “Sometimes you reach a crossroads. Winds change direction. What you once felt drawn to doesn’t hold the same allure. You get blown off course but eventually find your footing and forage for new inspiration, new insight, and deeper love somewhere else.” It’s a sentiment we can all relate to at times.
Recorded at New York’s iconic Electric Lady Studios, the album harnesses the studio’s unique energy, which Musgraves describes as having the best mojo and “great ghosts.” It’s clear that she was seeking a different environment to explore her sound and push creative boundaries.
Musgraves is no stranger to success, and she recently added another accolade to her repertoire. On Sunday night, she took home a Grammy for her featured appearance on Zach Bryan’s “I Remember Everything,” making her the first female performer to win in all four Grammy country categories. It’s yet another testament to her talent and versatility.
And now, without further ado, here is the delightful track listing for “Deeper Well”:
1. Cardinal
2. Deeper Well
3. Too Good to Be True
4. Moving Out
5. Giver / Taker
6. Sway
7. Dinner With Friends
8. Heart of the Woods
9. Jade Green
10. The Architect
11. Lonely Millionaire
12. Heaven Is
13. Anime Eyes
14. Nothing to Be Scared Of
Get ready to dive into the depths of Kacey Musgraves’ musical artistry when “Deeper Well” graces our ears on March 15th.
