Very few artists have been able to start their careers with as much force as small-town Texan native Kacey Musgraves. Her debut album Same Trailer Different Park has given Musgraves a strong career launching album that is made up with unique, honest and down-to-earth lyrics and sweet melodies that have set this record apart from other recently released country albums.

Kicking off this sure to be a hit album, “Silver Lining” offer listeners a song that has great advice wrapped around by an old school country melody. The melodies bring back the notion of calm breezy summer nights with a feel for the good old days during the 1970’s, a sound that is found throughout the entire album. The enchanting melody captures listener’s attention and allows them to focus in on the clear message portrayed through “Silver Lining”. The lyrics say that the only way to get what we want out of life is to take chances (“If you’re ever gonna find a four leaf clover, you gotta get a little dirt on your hands”). “My House” showcases Musgraves quirky songwriting skills with lyrics about a mobile home traveling around the country. With a melody that contains a bluegrass feel, which can be compared to the music style of other country artists such as The Zac Brown Band, “My House” is clearly one of the more light hearted songs on Same Trailer Different Park.

Musgraves lives up to her reputation as a songwriter whose lyrics are full of real life emotions and inspired by real life. “Dandelion” is a prime example. With a haunting music box melody, “Dandelion” showcases a vulnerability that is sure to connect with people through lyrics such as “…and like a stupid little girl, I spent my wishes on a weed thinking it could change my world”. This vulnerability is also shown through other tracks such as “I Miss You” and “Back On The Map”.

“Back On The Map” is one of the more emotional songs on Same Trailer Different Park as it talks about someone who has given up on love and is trying to find someone who can make them believe again. Musgraves sings about what seems to happen to  everyone at some point, the song strikes an emotional chord with lyrics like “’Cuz honestly I’ve been out of touch and out of reach, just  looking for someone, anything that is finally going to put me back…on the map.”

The story telling writing theme can be seen throughout the entire album, including the tracks “Stupid” and “Blowin’ Smoke” which are the tracks that portray the tough side of Kacey Musgraves.“Blowin’ Smoke” talks about how people say they are going to do things and change their lives but never end up doing it and once again exudes honestly in a way that seems to be particularly colorful and unique to Musgraves. Using these colorful lyrics to portray her quirky yet tough attitude, Musgraves is able to tell someone to “Step Off” and mind their own business in another track.

“Keep It To Yourself” and “It Is What It Is” both are composed of honest lyrics staying true to country music while their simple melodies let the words speak for themselves while offering a soothing “pretty” background music. Both songs have a strong potential to play very well in country radio if ever released as singles. A song that can possibly have a tougher time on country airwaves is “Follow Your Arrow”. Possibly one of the strongest and most original tracks on Same Trailer Different Park, its quirky lyrics are more liberal than the other tracks on Musgrave’s album and with lyrics like “ Make lots of noise, kiss lots of boys, or kiss lots of girls if that’s something you’re into. When the straight and narrow gets a little to straight, roll up a joint…” “Follow Your Arrow” might be too liberal for country radio only due to their reputation of being composed of mostly conservative listeners. Despite this possible set back, the song is strong and sends a powerful message that is sure to make it a hit with real fans.

It’s impossible to talk about Kacey Musgraves' album debut without mentioning the song that has put her on the map. “Merry Go ‘Round” is about the lives of people in a small town. Inspired by her hometown and with lyrics that give an insight to the traditional small town mentality, Musgraves wrote about what she heard and what she saw growing up. With a clever play on words, Musgraves uses the name “Mary” to describe situations of small town people and then switches off to “Merry” to describe how the cycle will never end. “Merry Go ‘Round” is composed of a simple tune with a laid back style that allows Musgraves effortlessly soothing voice really shine. “Merry Go ‘Round” has reached a level of success that is very rare for an artist’s first single release. Already critically acclaimed, “Merry Go ‘Round” has also been named one of Rolling Stones’ top “50 Best Songs of 2012”.

It’s safe to say that Kacey Musgraves has herself a strong debut album that stands out on the shelves. Same Trailer Different Park has aspects of older, more traditional country music that have been missed by many real country fans. With simple chords, honest lyrics and calm soothing vocals, Same Trailer Different Park will bring positive attention to a real artist that deserves it.  After the release of this album, Musgraves has won herself a spot with the top playing female country singers and it’s clear that we will hear greater country music from this girl.