Golden Hour
by Kacey Musgraves
  • Record Label: MCA
  • Release Date: Mar 30, 2018
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 519 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 464 out of 519
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 519
  3. Negative: 25 out of 519
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  1. pittsy66
    May 8, 2018
    10
    I enjoyed Pageant Material but this is another level of storytelling. Despite fluctuating between country, acoustic and disco(!), this is one of the most cohesive albums I've ever heard. By the end of the first listen I was prepared to call it my album of 2018 so far, narrowly edging out Janelle Monae.

    I've never even written a Metacritic review – that's how much I love it. Faves    I enjoyed Pageant Material but this is another level of storytelling. Despite fluctuating between country, acoustic and disco(!), this is one of the most cohesive albums I've ever heard. By the end of the first listen I was prepared to call it my album of 2018 so far, narrowly edging out Janelle Monae.

    I've never even written a Metacritic review – that's how much I love it.

    Faves are: Slow Burn, Butterflies, Oh What a World and High Horse.    … Expand
  2. stilldirrtyja
    Apr 12, 2018
    10
    There are so many great things about this album. But, by far, the songwriting stands out the most. Her work with Natalie Hemby is just blissful. Through this album, I also found out Natalie Hemby has written most of favorite Miranda Lambert song.
  3. vscoott345
    Feb 27, 2019
    10
    This album is the best of 2018. Art, just pure art. It's beautiful, happy, sad, melancholy, fun, sentimental, everything. Her best album.
  4. Arthurmell0
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Golden Hour is an extraordinary album. It marks a different essence of the country genre and I'm sure it also marks much the essence of the artist that Musgraves has become over the years.

    Musgraves has been evolving as an artist betting on genres and instruments to make production flawless. Best tracks: Slow Burn, Butterflies, Oh What a World, Space Cowboy, Happy & Sad, High Horse,    Golden Hour is an extraordinary album. It marks a different essence of the country genre and I'm sure it also marks much the essence of the artist that Musgraves has become over the years.

    Musgraves has been evolving as an artist betting on genres and instruments to make production flawless.

    Best tracks: Slow Burn, Butterflies, Oh What a World, Space Cowboy, Happy & Sad, High Horse, Golden Hour, Rainbow    … Expand
  5. ibadukefan
    May 13, 2018
    10
    It's a crime this album doesn't have a perfect score here. It's, as they call it, an instant classic, if there is such a thing. This album will be viewed in history as one of the all-time greatest albums. It's that good.
  6. nswain1110
    Apr 4, 2018
    10
    Sonically diverse while staying true to her origins, lyrically mature, vocally blissful and a damn fine listen from beginning to end. Kacey Musgraves is quite the songwriting force, and knows how to pair with producers that will make those beautiful songs shine as bright as they can. Brava young lady :-)
  7. cadmus2166
    Apr 2, 2018
    10
    "Golden Hour" is an extraordinary album on every level. It's a perfect blend of country, pop, and folk. The lyrics are more personal than on her past albums, and they add a lot of depth to the already wonderful melodies. It's easily the best album of the year so far, and one of the best albums of this entire decade. I'll be shocked if this doesn't win Album of the Year at the Grammys.
  8. Llan
    Apr 4, 2018
    10
    Sou novato no som dela, mas achei bem interessante e gostei bastante do álbum. Coeso, maduro, emocional e com certeza um dos melhores álbuns que eu escutei até agora. O álbum brinca com o disco em alguns momentos e é definitivamente a coisa que eu mais gostei (além da voz dela). 10 merecido.
  9. OmarVita
    Apr 4, 2018
    10
    The songwriting is very different from her previous albums, but still feels like her
  10. rapmonster
    Dec 2, 2018
    10
    Golden Hour finds Kacey Musgraves at her best. She might not have the best voice, or be the most talented songwriter, but her music feel fresh, something that is not common to experience these days. In Golden Hour, Kacey steps up for a moment from her country roots, without getting too much into a mainstream pop sound.
    The best album of 2019.
    Highlights: Space Cowboy, Slow Burn and Butterflies.
  11. Deivide
    Mar 31, 2018
    10
    Kacey Musgraves' album "Golden Hour" is simply extraordinary. An album that easily blends the Country, with Indie and Folk and of course, pop shines and leaves the album even younger, making people listen. Certainly a strong contender for the big Grammy categories.
  12. nolanfenty
    Mar 30, 2018
    10
    From her first album i knew she was different and unique artist and now she once again proves why she is the best country artist out there. Golden Hour is bold, real and an ambitious album.
  13. crafty7
    Jul 26, 2018
    10
    Golden Hour is the type of record that you listen to once and you are a bit confused on why it's so critically acclaimed. But then you listen to it again. And again. And again. And then you realize that through simple ideas and pleasant sounds, Kacey Musgraves constructs a near perfect world that you want to live in forever.

    Favorite Songs: Lonely Weekend, Space Cowboy, Happy & Sad,    Golden Hour is the type of record that you listen to once and you are a bit confused on why it's so critically acclaimed. But then you listen to it again. And again. And again. And then you realize that through simple ideas and pleasant sounds, Kacey Musgraves constructs a near perfect world that you want to live in forever.

    Favorite Songs: Lonely Weekend, Space Cowboy, Happy & Sad, Wonder Woman, High Horse    … Expand
  14. AndyRyse
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    This is something really enjoyable, love the way she sings so straightfoward but it it so amazing!!
  15. feck99
    Apr 6, 2018
    10
    What a stunning, beautiful record - on another level from her previous work. The songs are gorgeous, and the production is bathed in a gauzy, hazy echo that sounds amazing. The real tear jerker is "Rainbow" - guaranteed to give you a lump in the throat at least. Her voice is amazing, and the musicianship even more so. This will very likely get many Grammy nominations.
  16. samwich21
    Apr 9, 2018
    10
    Kacey creates bearable country music with an actual purpose and a worthwhile message. I don't consider myself a fan of country music, but Musgraves' country-pop lyrics and melodies are irresistible. My favorite track is "High Horse."
  17. dasha1097
    Jan 12, 2020
    10
    2020 and I am still listening and loving this record! All the production, mind behind this is making me speechless! I wish i could see her singing live!
  18. Wonderland28
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    "Golden Hour" shows that the strength of Musgrave's lyricism can be matched by the power of her melodies and when the two meet, something truly heavenly results.
  19. juanc1317
    May 13, 2018
    10
    This Album shows how much Kacey have grown as an artist. Every song its perfect in their own unique way.
  20. marianodealba
    Apr 29, 2018
    10
    So far my favorite album of 2018. All songs are great; the melody is unbelievably good, and she shines as a singer on this one. The record is a must listen for any music lover.
  21. emile20
    Jan 14, 2019
    10
    Brilliant, timeless and genre breaking. Kacey introduces the album with a slow burn and leaves us with a Rainbow of country/pop/electro infused tracks that have infinite replay value. This album is perfection start to finish.
  22. PsychoLevi
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Country music is always true but not always beautiful. Kacey did both and set a world you can just sleep and enjoy. From slow burn to rainbow, you can never feel it boring.
  23. manningn15
    Apr 4, 2018
    10
    One of my all time favorite albums and by far my favorite album she has put out. Just as before Kacey Musgraves uses her spectacular voice and songwriting skills to put together a beautiful piece of art. Her songs Slow Burn, High Horse, Butterflies, and Space Cowboy are by far my favorites on the album.
  24. GustavoRomais
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    It's so extraordinary! Her vocals are so addictive, the melody and the vibe of this album definitely can transport you to a whole another world!
  25. taylorgc
    Apr 5, 2018
    10
    I already knew Kacey Musgraves was an extraordinary artist. That was no secret. Her songwriting is sharp, incisive, and emotional. Her voice is spot on, always. But the best thing about Kacey Musgraves is not her voice or her songwriting, it is her attitude. She takes chances and she doesn't care if it fits within her perceived "comfort zone" or if it is what people expect from her. SheI already knew Kacey Musgraves was an extraordinary artist. That was no secret. Her songwriting is sharp, incisive, and emotional. Her voice is spot on, always. But the best thing about Kacey Musgraves is not her voice or her songwriting, it is her attitude. She takes chances and she doesn't care if it fits within her perceived "comfort zone" or if it is what people expect from her. She does it because it satisfies her artistic urges. That my friends, the willingness to break out of one's comfort zone and bend genres to their will is what separates great artists from good ones. Bob Dylan, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Prince, and countless other truly great artists didn't stick to genre conventions, they transcended genres. Kacey Musgraves is transcending genre. She is doing the unexpected and executing it in perfect fashion.

    When I heard the first two singles on this album ("Space Cowboy" and "Butterflies"), I wasn't sold. I longed for the old "Kacey" sound. I wasn't sure I was gong to order the album. However, I told myself to trust her artistry. She has earned my confidence with the brilliance of her first two studio albums (Christmas album excluded for these purposes, despite it being great). So, I didn't listen to any other singles and I waited for the record to arrive at my house. The first thing I noticed was the beauty of the packaging compared to the other record of hers I have on vinyl (Same Trailer...). Then I saw the clear vinyl, perfectly cut. Finally, I popped it on the turntable and let the music do the talking.
    Three songs in and I was sold, 13 tracks in and I started it over and listened to it from the beginning for a second time, then a third time. Something about the album as a whole is intoxicating. The songs flow effortlessly but each one is distinct from the one before. The album feels like a concept album in the way that it comes together seamlessly and there are no missteps.
    The tracks that I originally didn't fall in love with, I am now jamming to because they make sense within the context of the album. I couldn't fully appreciate those songs until I heard the entirety of Golden Hour.

    There are no mistakes on this album. Everything works and everything is perfection. Kacey Musgraves has knocked it out of the park with this effort and has perhaps made THE album of 2018. Only time will tell, but at this point, she has my vote.    … Expand
  26. RodrigoMOD
    May 6, 2018
    10
    Musgraves surprises in this beautiful album with a new bet on his work. Kacey made a great mix of country and pop that artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Kylie Minougue tried to do but failed miserably.
    Kacey combined flawless lyrics with smooth, harmonious melodies. The 80's vibe of "High Horse" sounds like something genuine in the midst of poorly made repetitions of the    Musgraves surprises in this beautiful album with a new bet on his work. Kacey made a great mix of country and pop that artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Kylie Minougue tried to do but failed miserably.
    Kacey combined flawless lyrics with smooth, harmonious melodies. The 80's vibe of "High Horse" sounds like something genuine in the midst of poorly made repetitions of the industry. The first singles "Space Cowboy" and "Butterflies" sound melancholy but with a passionate softness.    … Expand
  27. sethdesuisse
    Apr 1, 2018
    10
    You will get high of her vocal, instruments, the rhythm and the mood and tones of sounds.
    Can't stop listening to it
  28. LaineMitchell
    Apr 2, 2018
    10
    There is something for everyone on this album, from disco-infused 'High Horse' to country infused 'Space Cowboy.' Kacey hits it right in the Golden Hour.
  29. matieu
    Apr 2, 2018
    10
    "Golden Hour" is extremely good. I have never listened to her last previous works, but this one seems pretty obvious that she is amazing on what she does. Kacey is effortlessly giving us the hype of alternative country and some kind of folk music with quality. As of the instrumentals, the strings and all the well placed arrangements, she deserves the full rate.
  30. tederheid
    Apr 4, 2018
    10
    This album is so incredibly good, I never really listened to her before except one other song. But this definitely made me a fan! So many great, personal songs and such a cohesive sound overall. My favorites on here are "Butterflies", "Oh, What A World" and "High Horse". She definitely made me appreciate country music more than I did before and I would recommend this album to anyone, evenThis album is so incredibly good, I never really listened to her before except one other song. But this definitely made me a fan! So many great, personal songs and such a cohesive sound overall. My favorites on here are "Butterflies", "Oh, What A World" and "High Horse". She definitely made me appreciate country music more than I did before and I would recommend this album to anyone, even if country isn't your cup of tea per se. I could wax poetic about this album all day but bottom line: Kacey Musgraves is a queen.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Album of 2018
19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2018
23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 8, 2021
    85
    Golden Hour imagines a world much sweeter than the one we’re living in; and for 45 minutes, it can just about take you there. Kacey Musgraves’ golden hour is far from over.
    Read full review
  2. Record Collector
    May 23, 2018
    80
    Golden Hour is a bedazzled, wide-eyed rush.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    May 9, 2018
    60
    Whilst tracks like "Butterflies" and "High Horse" offer the best of what Musgraves can do in terms of balancing her obvious charm against a certain steely underbelly that has served her so well so far in her career, all too often, Golden Hour delivers a lackluster vibe and a feeling that Musgraves has become too infatuated with the pop side of her artistry and is beginning to forget about the things that made her so interesting and worth investing in in the first place.
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