Kacey Musgraves has announced her sixth studio album, Middle of Nowhere, set for release on May 1, 2026, via Lost Highway Records. (universalmusic.ca) The album's lead single, "Dry Spell," was released on March 11, accompanied by a playful music video co-directed by Musgraves and Hannah Lux Davis. (pitchfork.com)
Middle of Nowhere marks a return to Musgraves' Texas roots, both thematically and sonically. The album features collaborations with notable artists such as Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings, and Gregory Alan Isakov. (universalmusic.ca) Musgraves co-produced the album with longtime collaborators Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, aiming to capture the essence of traditional country music while infusing it with her signature wit and modern sensibilities. (kpbs.org)
The lead single, "Dry Spell," showcases Musgraves' sharp lyricism and humor. The song's lyrics playfully address themes of solitude and longing, with lines like "Ain't nobody's tool up in my shed / Ain't nobody's boots under my bed." (pitchfork.com) The accompanying music video features Musgraves navigating a grocery store, daydreaming about a romantic encounter with an employee, adding a visual layer to the song's cheeky narrative. (pitchfork.com)
In a press release, Musgraves shared insights into the album's creation, stating that it was crafted during "the longest single period of my life," allowing her to embrace solitude and self-discovery. She expressed a newfound comfort in being alone and the creative freedom it afforded her. (universalmusic.ca)
The album's tracklist includes:
- "Middle of Nowhere"
- "Dry Spell"
- "Back on the Wagon"
- "I Believe in Ghosts"
- "Abilene"
- "Coyote" feat. Gregory Alan Isakov
- "Loneliest Girl"
- "Everybody Wants To Be a Cowboy" feat. Billy Strings
- "Horses and Divorces" feat. Miranda Lambert
- "Uncertain, Texas" feat. Willie Nelson
- "Rhinestoned"
- "Mexico Honey"
- "Hell on Me"
Fans can anticipate a blend of traditional country elements with Musgraves' contemporary flair, reflecting her journey of personal growth and artistic exploration. The release of Middle of Nowhere is highly anticipated, promising a fresh chapter in Musgraves' illustrious career.