Midwest Farmer's Daughter cover

Released 10 years ago

Midwest Farmer's Daughter

Margo Price · 2016

38 min · 10 tracks · country music

A blend of earnest storytelling and honky-tonk grooves that evokes the struggles and triumphs of rural life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hands of Time — The opening track sets the tone with its reflective lyrics about the passage of time, showcasing Price's soulful vocals and narrative style.
  • →
    Tennessee Song — This track highlights Price's ability to weave vivid imagery with personal storytelling, capturing the essence of longing for home.
  • →
    Hurtin’ (on the Bottle) — A raw and honest ballad that addresses heartbreak and coping through substance use, it exemplifies the album's emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong storytelling with traditional country instrumentation, making it both relatable and distinctive.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow tempo and builds into more upbeat rhythms by the third track, creating a dynamic shift in energy.
  • Several tracks feature prominent pedal steel guitar, which adds a traditional country texture to the arrangements.
  • Lyrics often reflect personal narratives and rural themes, with storytelling elements woven throughout each song.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • heartfelt storytelling in every track
  • for reflective road trips
  • emotionally resonant with rural themes
  • easygoing pace for casual listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy dance tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released as Margo Price's debut album in 2016, Midwest Farmer's Daughter marked her arrival on the country music scene after years of honing her craft. The album came after a challenging period of personal and professional setbacks, including a divorce and financial difficulties, making its themes of resilience particularly poignant.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hands of Time 6:09
  • 2 About to Find Out 3:12
  • 3 Tennessee Song 4:40
  • 4 Since You Put Me Down 4:52
  • 5 Four Years of Chances 4:33
  • 6 This Town Gets Around 2:55
  • 7 How the Mighty Have Fallen 3:11
  • 8 Weekender 4:40
  • 9 Hurtin’ (on the Bottle) 4:12
  • 10 World’s Greatest Lover

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata