Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves · 2018
45 min · 13 tracks · country music
A luminous blend of country, pop, and folk that explores love, loss, and self-discovery with a warm, inviting soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Butterflies — This track encapsulates the album's theme of love's transformative power through its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics about newfound romance.
-
→
Space Cowboy — With its poignant narrative about letting go of a relationship, this song showcases Musgraves' lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
-
→
Rainbow — Offering hope amidst struggles, this track stands out for its uplifting message and simplicity, resonating deeply with listeners facing challenges.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Golden Hour combines rich songwriting with polished production, creating a standout record in contemporary country.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while the fourth introduces a more reflective tone with layered harmonies.
- Several songs feature lush instrumentation, including strings and synthesizers, which blend seamlessly with traditional country elements.
- The album closes with 'Rainbow', a gentle ballad that shifts the mood to one of hope and resolution, contrasting with earlier themes of uncertainty.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative emotional reflections
- uplifting, positive vibes
- gentle melodic exploration
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 30, 2018, Golden Hour is Kacey Musgraves' third studio album, following her critically acclaimed project, Pageant Material. At this point in her career, Musgraves was transitioning from a niche country artist to a mainstream sensation, showcasing her unique storytelling and progressive themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brandi Carlile· Maggie Rogers· Lana Del Rey
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Slow Burn 4:06
- 2 Lonely Weekend 3:46
- 3 Butterflies 3:39
- 4 Oh, What a World 4:01
- 5 Mother 1:18
- 6 Love Is a Wild Thing 4:16
- 7 Space Cowboy 3:36
- 8 Happy & Sad 4:03
- 9 Velvet Elvis 2:34
- 10 Wonder Woman 4:00
- 11 High Horse 3:33
- 12 Golden Hour 3:18
- 13 Rainbow 3:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.