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“A Very Kacey Christmas” Album Review
Released in mid-October, Kacey Musgrave’s Christmas album has received plenty of positive reviews and much overall success. This album is unique because it caters to a wide range of listeners. Kacey’s signature country style is meshed with a plethora of genres, creating a very well-received response from listeners – many who claim this album to be a “breath of fresh air”.
In an interview with Sounds Like Nashville, Kacey noted, “I love Christmas music, but there are a million different versions of these songs that we’ve heard our whole lives, so it was a really fun challenge to say, ‘How do I take these songs and put my own spin on them? What would Christmas sound like coming from me?’ It’s part Western Swing, part classic pop, some Spanish flavor, some Hawaiian music—it’s a little bit me and a little bit of something different that you haven’t heard before.”
Kacey’s 12-song album begins with a steel-guitar filled rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. It also contains many other classic Christmas songs such as Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”, the Chipmunks “Christmas Don’t Be Late”, and Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas”. On top of these classics, the album also incorporates a few charming new tunes. One of these tunes is called “A Willie Nice Christmas”, a clever title Musgraves thought of while driving to a co-write. Willie is featured on the Hawaiian themed track, which cleverly slips in comical innuendos such as, “may we all stay higher than the angel on top of the tree.”
While Kacey brings much yuletide and cheer, she also incorporates a melancholy feeling to the mix. “Christmas Makes Me Cry” was inspired by Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas”. The song is filled with lyrics such as “I know that they say, have a happy holiday. And every year, I sincerely try. Oh, but Christmas, it always makes me cry.” Kacey’s honest lyrics mesh perfectly with the instrumentals. The album closes out with a beautiful original song, titled “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, which compliments her smooth, crooning vocals flawlessly.
This album's fresh new twist on the holiday season can truly put anyone in the Christmas spirit. Don’t take it from me, listen for yourself!
