I’m not sure anyone saw this one coming. Lana Del Rey was not kidding when she said the music industry is going country.
There is no denying that country music is having a significant moment in the eyes of pop culture. Since the release of Beyonce’s country-inspired album earlier this year, many artists have announced crossovers into the genre, like Post Malone has successfully done, or you have artists dipping their toes in. Whether appearing on stage with a country music superstar like Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, Oliva Rodrigo, and Tate McRae or covering a classic like MGK did at CMA Fest, country music is everywhere.
A few weeks ago, Sabrina Carpenter brought Kacey Musgraves on stage during her Outside Lands set, and the duo performed the hit song “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.” While Sabrina Carpenter is a certified pop princess, opening for Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour, seeing her embrace a country spirit while on stage was entertaining. Not to mention that she and Musgraves (while an unexpected pair) had fantastic stage chemistry and rocked their duet.
Sabrina Carpenter brought out Kacey Musgraves to perform “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” during her set at Outside Lands.
— Kacey Musgraves Access (@KaceyAccess) August 11, 2024
Today, the “Please Please Please” singer released her latest album, Short n’ Sweet, and to many folks’ surprise, the record includes a country-inspired track titled “Slim Pickins,” not unlike something Kacey Musgraves would release. While it’s not a twanger like we usually write about here at Whiskey Riff, there is no denying that she drew inspiration from a genre outside of her own when light banjo pickings open up the track.
Her lyrics talk about how there are slim pickings when it comes to the crop of men that she has to choose from, and while she might not get the cream of the crop, she will settle for the next best. After the first verse, you hear the gentle whine of a steel guitar as she sings about “moaning and b*tching” about her tragic love life.
“Oh, it’s slim pickings
If I can’t have the one I love
I guess it’s you that I’ll be kissin’
Just to get my fixings
Since the good ones are deceased or taken
I’ll just keep on moanin’ and b*tchin’.”
I must admit I dig this single. Not only is it an excellent anthem for the girls out there who feel like they can never find a good one, but the softness in her voice is the perfect vocal delivery for the melody. Lyrically, it’s right in line with something else that Carpenter would release, but it’s refreshing to see an artist so heavily rooted in pop step off her typical path and try something new. I think her leaning into a more roots sound really works for her.
Now, I doubt we will see her say she is headed toward country music, as she loves a choreographed number on stage with her sparkly mini-dresses. Still, it’s always good to see artists drawing inspiration from all walks of life musically.
If you want a change of pace this New Music Friday, fire up this one.
