Star-Crossed
by Kacey Musgraves
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 126 out of 161
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 161
  3. Negative: 23 out of 161
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  1. PEDROMFR
    Oct 3, 2022
    9
    Kacey brings us a full-on masterpiece. The album tells us the story surrounding her divorce and how she dealt with it in a magical and beautiful way. While still bringing notorious country influence, the singer-songwriter creates a very interesting bond between country and pop. It's indisputably one of the best albums released in 2021, and of this decade.
  2. jackhaj
    Jul 17, 2022
    6
    6/10 - star-crossed started off strong, but I will say that near the end, I was waiting for it to end. Most of the songs that I liked were in the first half of the album, so the end had me yawning as it dragged along. The album didn’t feature a lot of country either (which is not a bad thing, but if I were on an award committee, I wouldn’t nominate it for best country album as it didn’t6/10 - star-crossed started off strong, but I will say that near the end, I was waiting for it to end. Most of the songs that I liked were in the first half of the album, so the end had me yawning as it dragged along. The album didn’t feature a lot of country either (which is not a bad thing, but if I were on an award committee, I wouldn’t nominate it for best country album as it didn’t consistently have a lot of country elements). camera roll is a HEART-CRUSHER, I can swing my head to justified and breadwinner, and plenty of other songs caught my eye, but they’re all at the beginning. This is important when considering how an album can have so much artistry laden in the way it is structured.… Expand
  3. Segundoleo26
    Oct 22, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Otro error en el que Kacey vuelve a repetir lo mismos errores de sus inicios al parecer siempre será la sombra de Taylor Swift.
    "The balance of star-crossed is full of cringe-worthy lyrics and failed efforts to move further into pop (“good wife”) and dance (“what doesn’t kill me,” “breadwinner”) realms. Produced by the same team as Golden Hour (Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk), it’s hard to assess how that album’s gossamer sheen, that enchantingly revealed subtle hooks and melodies, gave way to almost nothing that stands out. " ...    … Expand
  4. aaedenn
    Nov 6, 2021
    8
    Golden Hour is one of my favorite albums of all time and it's hard to follow up an album like that. However unlike Melodrama's follow up, Solar Power, I actually liked Star-Crossed. The album explores it's main theme of divorce and it explores micro-emotions and how to move forward. The album is great, just not as great as Golden Hour.
  5. Menios
    Oct 29, 2021
    8
    She continues her streak, although it was almost expected that right after a masterpiece, it would not be that possible to release another one.
  6. kadudiniz
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    This album is about the quieter moments of heartbreak: crying in the car, stumbling on an old photograph, when you get caught thinking about what you could have done differently. It is not a big melodramatic album, but her observations are deft in their exploration of how things just fall apart sometimes.
  7. Markini
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    Some of Kacey Musgraves' best work. The music here is raw and just an example of pure talent. The ups and downs of a breakup and she takes you on a journey, through the stages of grief after heartbreak. The vocals and arrangements are varied and top-level. Many of the lyrics really hit you in ways that are unexpected.
  8. StargazerLily10
    Oct 15, 2021
    0
    What a joke. Kacey tries to sell it as a pop album and then her team complains when it is not eligible for the Country category. Stop worrying about labels. Try concentrating on making better music, Kacey. This album is utterly boring and unworthy of past country stars who transitioned to pop. You are not a Shania or a Taylor. You should have stuck to Outlaw Country.
  9. hausoflilluis
    Oct 14, 2021
    7
    To talk about star-crossed, I'm going to mention Golden Hour: it's been 3 years, and it seems like forever when it comes to Kacey Musgraves. I'd say "Did we fly too high just to get burned by the sun?" is the perfect phrase to describe the transition from GH to today. This "divorce album" is Musgraves' own resurrection, exposing her biggest fears, pains, and sighs on her fourth LP. FromTo talk about star-crossed, I'm going to mention Golden Hour: it's been 3 years, and it seems like forever when it comes to Kacey Musgraves. I'd say "Did we fly too high just to get burned by the sun?" is the perfect phrase to describe the transition from GH to today. This "divorce album" is Musgraves' own resurrection, exposing her biggest fears, pains, and sighs on her fourth LP. From start to finish, it is a melodrama; excellent closing singing to Violeta Parra.

    fav tracks: "good wife", "angel", "breadwinner", "gracias a la vida" & "there is a light"
    KEY-TRACK: "star-crossed"    … Expand
  10. Heyitscarlos
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    I was pleasantly surprised that this follow up record could grab my attention just as much as "Golden Hour" did. Kacey has this ability to write songs that speak to a person no matter the age, sex, color, or background. "Golden Hour" was her falling in love and "Star-Crossed" is her falling out out love & the collapse of her marriage. Every song on this record is personal & amazinglyI was pleasantly surprised that this follow up record could grab my attention just as much as "Golden Hour" did. Kacey has this ability to write songs that speak to a person no matter the age, sex, color, or background. "Golden Hour" was her falling in love and "Star-Crossed" is her falling out out love & the collapse of her marriage. Every song on this record is personal & amazingly honest. Her confidence shines through this whole album especially when singing about such a touchy subject like divorce. A few of the highlights for me "Good Wife", "Justified", "Camera Roll", "Hookup Scene" and "Gracias A La Vida" (a cover of a Chilean folk song).… Expand
  11. RobPhatt
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I’m amazed, this album exceeded my expectations. Kacey was able to deliver a masterpiece. Every song is exquisite.… Expand
  12. feck99
    Sep 23, 2021
    5
    SUCH a disappointment. This is not a bad album, it's just boring, and bland pop. I'm a huge fan of her work, but I don't "love" a single song on this record, and after repeated listens, frankly, it will sit on my shelf to (probably) never be listened to again.
  13. Rubencs4
    Sep 20, 2021
    10
    love this album so much. Kacey es puro talento, no decepciona, a pesar de su exitoso Golden Hour, pudo crear un album casi al mismo nivel
  14. iamachmad75
    Sep 20, 2021
    0
    Wow she did it again with flawless album. Omg can you believe that. Just wowwww
  15. musicallycaleb
    Sep 20, 2021
    9
    Wow, Kacey made a perfect country-pop album! Star-Crossed excels with incredible storytelling and refreshing country twangs with a pop twist. The visuals and vocals are stellar as well!

    My favorite tracks on the album are Justified, Star-Crossed, Simple Things, Good Wife, and Cherry Blossom because they are all bops and radio-friendly.
  16. Musably
    Sep 19, 2021
    2
    I’m sad to say that my favorite artist has derailed from my personal taste with this album. This album felt like it was the diet version of her previous work. I didn’t get the writing or the bops I’m used to. I’ll still be here for her next release.
  17. Leosteen87
    Sep 19, 2021
    10
    Love this. Gorgeous album. Such a cohesive piece with wonderful production. All the songs complement each other beautifully. I personally think this matches Golden Hour in terms of quality.
  18. atchasonk300
    Sep 18, 2021
    0
    If you want to listen to some good modern country music you are out of luck. If you like something that sounds like a 1970 James bond theme song, then I guess it's for you
  19. musgry
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    Perfect album ... She passes exactly the pain and overcoming a separation I love very much
  20. brennans
    Sep 16, 2021
    2
    I had mixed feelings about Golden Hour and always wondered why the album did so well and so many fans and musicians praised it. I guess I liked the production and Musgraves' vocals well enough, but the song lyrics were cliche and predictable. Star-Crossed confirms my hesitation about her work. Each song on the new album seems constructed around an idea, driven by a thesis, carefullyI had mixed feelings about Golden Hour and always wondered why the album did so well and so many fans and musicians praised it. I guess I liked the production and Musgraves' vocals well enough, but the song lyrics were cliche and predictable. Star-Crossed confirms my hesitation about her work. Each song on the new album seems constructed around an idea, driven by a thesis, carefully walking us (more like dragging us) through the process of a relationship's decline. The are cringe. Nothing about the emotions in the songs feels organic or heartfelt, as the songs seem driven by ideas rather than authentic emotions. They seems songs about what she thought and how she felt at the time, perhaps, but there's little feeling in them. The poet Robert Frost said, "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader." The songs on Star-Crossed don't make me feel anything, and that's why the album fails. They are about emotions, but not of them. Listened to it a few times to give it a chance, but deleted it to save space on my phone for more interesting music.… Expand
  21. bsimp3340
    Sep 16, 2021
    6
    Some of the lyrics on this one are...stupid. It is too bad because that last album was great. This one has nice moments here and there but overall not great. 6/10
  22. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 14, 2021
    9
    Though the squeaky-clean pop production at times feels at odds with the emotional rawness the record is clearly shooting for, Musgraves's songwriting talents and the passion she pours into her performance on each song ensures that "Star-Crossed" remains a compellingly tragic tale of love not meant to be told with a heartbreakingly tender sorrow.
  23. itsmauripapaxd
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Legend, queen of country, is not better than Golden Hour but still sounds perfect and it proves that Kacey has so much potential to be a superstar… Expand
  24. johnnyd93
    Sep 13, 2021
    9
    Probably the best album I’ve heard this year so far. Exceptional songwriting and instrumental used. Impeccable production especially when in Dolby Atmos. A step up from Golden Hours for sure.
  25. skyechaser
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    I feel like she is exploring new sounds and it was kind of unexpected to first listen. But then when you kind of get rid of the "fall apart" concept she has been teasing. (The album is not that sad honey), this sounds perfect.
  26. LemonBlue
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    A discography containing Golden Hour and star-crossed is immaculate. Perfection
  27. Ratieo
    Sep 12, 2021
    9
    I've not previously been a Kacey Musgraves fan, but i think i should start. Moody, spacey, heartfelt. I loved it.
  28. DylanRenard
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    Best album this year bar far in my opinion.
    Kacey is able to keep her signature sound, her voice didn't change during her shift to pop music and this "country style" of writing and singing is so refreshing in pop music.
    The production is really good but what makes this album special is the storytelling. From the first to last song, everything makes sense and build the story of her    Best album this year bar far in my opinion.
    Kacey is able to keep her signature sound, her voice didn't change during her shift to pop music and this "country style" of writing and singing is so refreshing in pop music.
    The production is really good but what makes this album special is the storytelling. From the first to last song, everything makes sense and build the story of her divorce/healing process.

    PS: We all know all these negative reviews are from Taylor Swift fans... For some reasons they think what they do wouldn't make Taylor disgusted and mad.    … Expand
  29. urielhuidobro
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    este álbum es algo especial; la producción se destaca mucho sobre cada canción en este material. Kacey hizo un álbum muy hermoso y muy claro.
  30. louisiango
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    I thought she couldn't top Golden Hour, but she proved me wrong! The album has some experimental elements that were really welcomed! Loved every aspect of it!
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Sep 21, 2021
    60
    “Star-Crossed” is actually a less emotional experience than the blissed-out “Golden Hour,” which practically vibrated with feeling. ... Musgraves’ writing on “Star-Crossed” is squishier and more prone to cliché than on “Golden Hour” or her earlier albums.
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  2. Uncut
    Sep 17, 2021
    80
    Musgraves' superpower is her ability to convey complex emotions via concise phrasing, which means quieter songs such as "Good Wife" and "If This Was A Movie" hit especially hard. [Nov 2021, p.30]
  3. Variety
    Sep 16, 2021
    88
    It’s an album where she can be not so much “happy and sad at the same time” as heartsick, defiant, nostalgic, self-doubting, sassy, rueful and flatlining in the same divorce-court feedback loop. ... And one of the best things about “Star-Crossed” is its boldly weird but highly satisfying finale.
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