The Rolling Stones have been teasing a new album for the past month, and it’s now been officially announced. Foreign Tongues will be released on July 10 via Capitol. The album cover is by the artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn. Check it out below, along with the new single ‘In the Stars’.
The new album reunites the band with Hackney Diamonds collaborator Andrew Watt. “I love doing these recording sessions in London at Metropolis,” Mick Jagger said in a press statement. “It was a very intense few weeks recording Foreign Tongues. We had 14 great tracks and we went as fast as we could. I like the room there as it’s not too big so you can feel the passion in the room from everyone.”
“The Foreign Tongues album has a continuity from Hackney Diamonds and it was great to be working in London again, and to have that London vibe around us,” Keith Richards commented. “It was a month of concentrated punch. To me, it’s all about the enjoyment of it. I’m blessed to be able to do this and long may it last.”
And Ronnie Wood added: “The atmosphere in the room was so creative, and the whole band was on top form throughout the whole process. Very often we nailed it on the first take. I hope everyone loves it.”
About the cover artwork, Quinn had this to say: “Creating the album cover for the Rolling Stones is an artistic honour – a dialogue with one of the most enduring forces in cultural history.”
When it comes to selecting a symbol of commitment, few designs offer the immediate visual wow factor of the halo setting. This style (characterized by a central gemstone encircled by a border of smaller accent diamonds) is a masterclass in optical physics. By strategically placing smaller stones around a primary diamond, designers create a striking visual impact that makes the center stone appear brighter, larger, and more captivating than it would in a standard setting.
Understanding these design principles explains why this remains one of the most sought-after ring styles nationwide in 2026.
Why Halos Create the Illusion of a Larger Centre Stone
The primary appeal of the halo lies in its ability to trick the eye. From a distance, the boundary between the center stone and its surrounding diamonds blurs, creating a spread effect that increases the gem’s perceived diameter. It’s achieved through a meticulous circle of smaller diamonds that make the halo engagement ring appear significantly more substantial than its actual carat weight might suggest.
By framing the center diamond with light, the halo acts as a mirror, reflecting brilliance into the main stone and amplifying its presence through high-contrast framing.
The Light-Boosting Power of Micro Pavé Settings
The secret behind the seamless shimmer of a modern halo lies in micro pavé craftsmanship. This technique involves precisely placing tiny, uniform diamonds into the metal with minimal visible prongs.
It maximizes sparkle by creating a continuous surface of light. Instead of a few large flashes, a micro pavé halo provides a constant, radiant glow that follows the hand’s movement, ensuring the ring captures attention from every angle.
Color and the ‘Halo Glow’ Effect
The choice of precious metal plays a key role in the halo’s optical impact. While white gold and platinum offer a seamless, icy look that blends with the diamonds, many American couples are opting for high-contrast combinations.
Pairing a yellow-gold band with a white diamond halo can create a glowing effect, making the center stone pop against the warmth of the metal. Conversely, using rose gold can add a soft, romantic blush to the light, altering the ring’s mood without sacrificing its brilliance.
Hidden Halos and Vintage-Inspired Designs
Designers are evolving the traditional halo to suit diverse tastes. Hidden halos (where the diamonds sit just beneath the center stone on the gallery) offer a subtle sparkle visible only from the side profile. For those seeking maximum drama, double halos provide an architectural, tiered look that can make a one-carat stone rival the appearance of a three-carat masterpiece.
Meanwhile, vintage-style milgrain halos use tiny metal beads to add texture and an heirloom feel, proving that the halo’s optical magic can be adapted to any personal style.
Not everything at 080 Barcelona Fashion Week wanted to be seen in color. Some of my favorite, indie, edge-driven shows had one thing in common, and it was exactly that. The darkness wasn’t just about the lack of color, black here felt atmospheric. Leopard print and hairy bits did too.
Courtesy of 080 Barcelona Fashion Week – Reparto
Reparto
“Dreams are expensive, but dreaming is free,” said Margil Peña and Ana Viglione for their “BLACKLOT” collection, drawing from a film backlot, a place where movies build their own version of reality, designed to look real, but only from the right angle. Historical dress codes found their way onto the lineup, with 19th-century references alongside upcycled pieces, hot pink, animal print, and cheeky “I’m a star” graphics.
Courtesy of 080 Barcelona Fashion Week – Nazzal Studio
Nazzal Studio
Founded by Sylwia Nazzal, the Palestinian label based in Jordan sits somewhere between tailoring, performance, and material experimentation, while working with refugee and local women artisans to keep traditional techniques going. The “Al-Najah” collection draws from Bilad al-Sham, Bedouin facial tattoos, and Palestinian embroidery, using leather, latex, silk, metal, and natural pigments pulled from desert rock textures.
Courtesy of 080 Barcelona Fashion Week – Eñaut
Eñaut
Eñaut Barruetabeña closed the week with “Ego Dissolution,” keeping things tight, both in color and construction. The collection is described as a reflection on personal growth and the idea of finding security through vulnerability. And in Barcelona, that mostly looks monochromatic, braided, and padded. Hockey influence takes care of the last one, framing protection and power.
Have you ever heard of a furniture mockup generator? Discover why more furniture brands are quietly switching to it at scale.
Buying common items like clothes or shoes from online shops likeAmazon is already tricky. Customers cannot physically try them or at least feel the material. It is basically a risk. So, just imagine how hard it would be for them to make a major furniture purchase online. Whether they are looking for sofas, office chairs, or home decor, it is important for buyers to see how it would ultimately look once placed in the style of room they intend to put it in. And as a seller, giving them high-definition photos of the product is not exactly going to help if it is just floating in a white void. This leaves customers guessing, and in many cases, hesitating or abandoning purchases.
That being the case, investing in contextual photography is a must if you want to increase your chances of making a sale. But going for traditional product photoshoots probably is not the way to go. Nowadays, many brands, such asZara, are using AI tools to generate product imagery. And the same applies to other items. A creative tool like Simfa is becoming a reliable furniture mockup generator for brands that need realistic visuals without the cost or delay.
Read on to find out what is really happening.
Why Brands Start Using a Furniture Mockup Generator
In all fairness, traditional product photography has long been the standard for furniture marketing. However, paying fees for photographers, studio rental, prop styling, and post-editing can be very costly for both big companies and small-scale sellers. More specifically, a lifestyle shoot can go as high as over $2,500. And that is just for one or a few scenes. Now, imagine how much it would be if a seller needs to produce images for several furniture pieces in various layouts. Traditional methods are also less efficient. Sellers would need to factor in logistics, setups, the actual shoot, and editing. That is time and money that brands can potentially allot to other business areas.
As visuals continue to drive sales on online marketplaces, achieving more engaging productlistings, consistent visual branding, and faster campaign testing should be done in a more flexible, scalable way. And that is why a furniture mockup generator appeals to modern brands. It responds to real business needs, such as speed to market, cost efficiency, creative flexibility, and scalable content creation.
How Simfa Fits Into the Creative Workflow
For creators, marketers, and designers,Simfa simplifies visual production. While many tools focus on specific use cases, this creative toolkit brings multiple AI capabilities into a single ecosystem. Not just that. It actually offers particular features designed to address the needs of furniture brands.
Right at the center are presets that brands can use for staging furniture products. With this powerful tool, the heaviest task for the user is uploading the photo. Other than that, the process can be completed in a few clicks. At the same time, there are plenty of stages to choose from, including Blue Gradient Serenity, Warm Gradient Wall, Minimalist Concrete Room, Modern Organic Retreat, Eclectic Moody Living, and much more. For better results and artistic tweaks, users can even manually adjust the color temperature, depth of field, and film grain.
Aside from these, Simfa also has a built-in product enhancer. This allows users to upload a product photo, pick a background and elements, and include custom instructions to add styling details. If a project needs more, the app also features an AI image generator and an instant background remover.
Overall, all of Simfa’s offerings make it a complete creative solution for producing high-quality furniture mockups. Take note: These come at affordable prices, starting from $15 up to $99 per month.
Best Practices for Using Simfa
To get the best results, some small adjustments can improve how visuals connect with potential buyers:
Begin with high-quality product photos
Test multiple variations
Match the environment to your product
Be Part of the Future of Furniture Visualization
The demand for faster, smarter, and more flexible content creation redefines how furniture brands operate. There is now a need to showcase pieces in realistic environments, test different interior styles without reshoots, create themed visuals instantly, and reduce dependency on traditional photography.
By choosing Simfa, sellers can easily update catalogs, run ads, or test new design directions in a single sitting, instead of waiting days for renders and edits. As a furniture mockup generator, it champions e-commerce product mockups and lifestyle imagery at scale. Simfa not only showcases the furniture but also presents the entire living experience around each piece, which is exactly what modern buyers expect before making a purchase decision.
Surgical procedures are meant to improve health, but when mistakes occur in the operating room, the consequences can be devastating. In such cases, a Surgical Malpractice Lawyerbecomes essential in helping victims seek justice and compensation. Surgical errors often result in severe injuries, prolonged recovery, or even life-threatening complications.Patients place immense trust in surgeons and medical staff, expecting a high standard of care.
Unfortunately, negligence, lack of preparation, or communication failures can lead to preventable mistakes. Victims are often left dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress.An experienced malpractice attorney understands the complexity of surgical error cases and works to hold negligent parties accountable. Taking legal action not only helps victims recover damages but also promotes safer medical practices. Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your future.
What Constitutes Surgical Malpractice in Medical Practice
Surgical malpractice occurs when a surgeon or medical team fails to meet the accepted standard of care. A Surgical Malpractice Lawyer evaluates whether the error was preventable and caused harm to the patient.This may include mistakes during surgery, poor pre-operative planning, or inadequate post-operative care. Not every complication is malpractice, which makes legal assessment critical.Attorneys collaborate with medical experts to determine whether negligence occurred. This process ensures that only valid claims are pursued effectively.
Common Types of Surgical Errors That Lead to Claims
A Surgical Malpractice Lawyer handles a variety of cases involving surgical negligence. These include wrong-site surgery, leaving instruments inside the body, and anesthesia errors.Other common issues involve nerve damage, infections due to poor hygiene, or unnecessary procedures. Each type of error can have serious long-term effects.Understanding the nature of the mistake helps in identifying liability and building a strong legal strategy. Proper classification strengthens the case.
The Importance of Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Care
Surgical safety is not limited to the operating room. A Surgical Malpractice Lawyer examines whether proper care was provided before and after the procedure.Pre-operative errors may include failure to review medical history or incorrect diagnosis. Post-operative negligence can involve lack of monitoring or delayed response to complications.These factors play a crucial role in determining whether the standard of care was breached. Comprehensive evaluation is essential for a successful claim.
How Negligence is Proven in Surgical Cases
Proving negligence requires a structured legal approach. A Surgical Malpractice Lawyer must establish that the surgeon owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm.Medical records, expert testimony, and surgical reports are key pieces of evidence. Attorneys carefully analyze these details to build a strong case.This process ensures that the claim is supported by facts and meets legal requirements. Strong proof increases the chances of success.
Steps to Take After Experiencing a Surgical Error
If you suspect a surgical mistake, taking immediate action is important. Seek medical attention to address any complications and document your condition.Contacting a Surgical Malpractice Lawyer early helps preserve evidence and evaluate your case properly. Avoid discussing the issue with the hospital without legal advice.Keeping records of treatments, bills, and communication can strengthen your claim. These steps are essential for protecting your rights.
Compensation Available in Surgical Malpractice Cases
Victims of surgical errors may be entitled to significant compensation. A Surgical Malpractice Lawyer calculates damages based on the severity of harm.This may include medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and emotional distress. In severe cases, future medical care is also considered.Compensation helps victims recover financially and provides acknowledgment of the suffering caused by negligence.
Challenges in Surgical Malpractice Claims
Surgical malpractice cases are often complex and difficult to prove. A Surgical Malpractice Lawyer must handle technical medical details and strong defense teams.Hospitals and surgeons typically have extensive legal support, making the process challenging for victims. Strict legal deadlines must also be met.An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these challenges and build a compelling case. Their expertise is critical for achieving justice.
Why Legal Representation is Crucial for Surgical Cases
Facing a malpractice case alone can be overwhelming. A Surgical Malpractice Lawyer provides the knowledge and support needed to handle complex legal procedures.They manage everything from evidence collection to negotiations and court representation. This allows victims to focus on recovery.Professional legal representation increases the chances of a favorable outcome and ensures your rights are protected.
Choosing the Right Surgical Malpractice Lawyer
Selecting the right lawyer is a key step in your case. Look for experience in handling surgical malpractice claims and a strong track record.A reliable Surgical Malpractice Lawyer should offer clear communication, transparency, and a personalized strategy. Trust and expertise are essential factors.The right attorney will advocate for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
FAQs
What does a Surgical Malpractice Lawyer do?
They represent victims of surgical errors and help them seek compensation and justice.
What qualifies as surgical malpractice?
Any preventable error caused by negligence that leads to patient harm may qualify.
What compensation can I receive?
You may receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The time limit varies by location, so it’s important to consult a lawyer quickly.
Do I need expert testimony?
Yes, medical experts are usually required to prove negligence in surgical cases.
Conclusion
Surgical errors can have serious and lasting consequences, but victims have the right to seek justice. A skilled Surgical Malpractice Lawyer plays a crucial role in holding negligent medical professionals accountable.Taking legal action not only helps you recover compensation but also promotes higher standards in medical care. If you believe you have been affected by a surgical error, consulting an experienced attorney is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.
People who desire to live a balanced existence frequently choose pastimes that are good for their minds and their emotions. A lot of individuals are using classical music to get away from the noise of the digital world and back into a physical, disciplined craft in a bustling city. People who have to deal with the crowded streets of Ontario’s capital have found that signing up for piano lessons Toronto is one of the finest methods to improve themselves. It helps kids learn how to play one of the most flexible instruments in the world in a disciplined method. This commitment to music education extends beyond just learning how to play an instrument. It becomes an important element of a well-rounded daily routine that helps people develop a unique mix of patience, focus, and artistic expression that makes every other part of their personal and professional lives better.
Studying music once a week offers you a strong foundation in a world that is always changing. It’s hard to find a level of presence in today’s environment that you need to sit at a keyboard. You need to pay close attention to how your body moves with the written score. Students become more self-aware as they learn how to deal with the complexities of rhythm and harmony. This benefits them in both their work and their social life. This scheduled time for artistic growth is a great way to balance out the stress of a profession that requires a lot of work. It indicates that the nicest things in life today are frequently the ones that take the most time and work to make.
The Cognitive Edge and Your Mental Health
Playing music on a regular basis is good for your mental and cognitive health in the long term as well as the short term. Playing the piano works out your complete brain because you have to utilize your eyes, ears, and hands all at once. Researchers have shown that this kind of mental engagement makes brain circuits stronger, which helps people of all ages remember information and figure things out. This indicates that professionals today have stronger executive function and are better at doing hard things. The emotional resonance of the instrument also helps you deal with stress in a healthy way by enabling you artistically work through the challenges of the day with the timeless works of the masters.
Playing an instrument is good for your mind, but it’s also good for your social and cultural life. People who are in a musical community can meet others who have the same ideals and would rather take their time learning something than acquire what they want right away. Playing music together, whether at official performances or casual get-togethers, helps you become more resilient and confident. It makes us think differently about what success means. We should not just look at the end results, but also how well we practiced and what we learnt along the way.
Making a Safe Place with Noise
Turning a living area into a creative hub is another evidence of a smart way to live in today’s environment. A piano in the house is a continual reminder to pause and enjoy something beautiful. It changes the vibe of a home, converting a simple room into a studio where you may try out musical concepts that have been around for hundreds of years. This combination of art and house makes sure that the home is more than simply a place to rest; it’s also a place of high culture and personal progress.
Choosing to seek musical excellence is a long-term investment in yourself that will pay off for years to come. As the player’s hands and ears get better, they start to hear the world in a new way. They notice the little rhythms and harmonies that are always there. The goal of a cultured lifestyle is to have a better sense of perception, where the lines between studying, working, and living are not clear. People that put the arts first make sure their lives are busy and full of the music that only music can deliver.
The Avalanches have been teasing a new album, their first since 2020’s We Will Always Love You. The record doesn’t have a release date or even a title attached to it yet, but here’s everything we know so far.
When did the Avalanches start dropping hints of a new album?
The first teaser came just a year after the release of their last album, with the band writing “Album #4” on Facebook and checking in at “Planet Earth.” They took to social media to hint at the album again in 2023, posting, “What do you imagine the next Avalanches album to sound like?”
The teasers started feeling more concrete last fall, when the group shared a photo of a pile of LaCie Rugged drives. More recently, they revealed a new logo on Instagram after wiping their profile clean. And now, as Stereogum reports, they’re rolling out the album via a fictional company called Takumi, whose mascot is a purple cat flying around on a broomstick. An animated ad promoting it first appeared on platforms including Spotify and YouTube before surfacing on the Takumi Digital Archives Instagram. All the way back in December, the Avalanches shared photos of actor Haley Joel Osment wearing a uniform that featured the Takumi logo.
What does Takumi do?
The company offers clients the opportunity to upload their memories, particularly of old commercials. “Our new TAKUMI data centre is now operational,” reads the caption on one post. “The 155,000ft fault tolerant facility comprises 1,800 computing cores, three petabytes of high-density racks and 36 superchips with low-latency networking. A world first in Non-Volatile storage solutions. At Takumi, your memories are safe with us.”
There’s also an accompanying website full of fake vintage magazine covers and retro ads, which might be hinting at song titles. Adding to the nostalgic aesthetic are images of CDs, cassettes, floppy disks, VHS, and USB drives. There are also prompts like “I remember… we were at the club?” and other text that could be glimpses of song lyrics.
Have the Avalanches released any singles from the album?
On May 14, the Avalanches returned with a new single, ‘Together’. The trio of Robbie Chater, Tony Di Blasi, and Andy Szekeres made the ebullient track in collaboration with Nikki Nair, Jessy Lanza, and Prentiss.
Have there been other hints of new music?
In March, a music video for ‘Every Single Weekend’ was shot, but it’s unclear whether it’s going to be part of the new album rollout. ‘Every Single Weekend’ was an Avalanches-assisted interlude on Jamie xx’s latest album In Waves, which came out two years ago. But it’s interesting that the casting call seeks “female talent in their 20s” to “play our ‘El Dorado Girl’,” alluding to the fictional beverage that shows up on the Takumi website.
All Things Go DC has announced the full three-day lineup for its 2026 edition, which will be headlined by Mitski and Hayley Williams. Ethel Cain, Slayyyter, Brandi Carlile, Zara Larsson, Father John Misty, Muna, Magdalena Bay, Grace Ives, and more are on the bill. The event takes place September 25-27 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. Check out the full lineup below.
The NYC edition of the festival happens the same weekend, at Forest Hills Stadium, but the lineup has yet to be announced. There’s also a Toronto edition taking place on June 6 and 7.
Saturday, Sep 26, 2026
Hayley Williams
Muna
Zara Larsson
Suki Waterhouse
Del Water Gap
She & Him
The Beaches
The Beths
Rebecca Black
Naika
Hemlocke Springs
Haute & Freddy
Grace Ives
Zolita
Love Spells
Susannah Joffe
Glom
Kevin Atwater
Sunday, Sep 27, 2026
Brandi Carlile
Lola Young
Sienna Spiro
Father John Misty
Tinashe
Flipturn
Wolf Alice
CMAT
Jensen McRae
Ryan Beatty
Stella Lefty
Rochelle Jordan
Tiny Habits
Trousdale
Violet Grohl
Natalie Jinju
googly eyes
Jake Minch
“We knew from the get that we wanted to work with Camille Anais Semprez and Cedar Teionietathe Jocks again—the filmmaking duo who crafted the video for ‘So Excited’ and kicked off our debut album so brilliantly,” the band said in a statement. “They took Tim to a western movie set in the deep desert, abandoned of activity in the midnight hours.
“It was the perfect setting to investigate the themes of the song,” they continued “What does it mean to live in the Haveluck Country anyways? The ‘red right hand’ could be of a gunslinger swinging a gun arm out in earnest—or pure camp. A metaphor for an archaic political climate. Who needs vaccines anyways? Take your vitamins. Is the sun perhaps setting on the old west? Is the pathetic and imaginary political promise of the ‘shining city on the hill’ vacant and empty as a western saloon façade??”
Kacey Musgraves was wandering around her hometown in Texas when she noticed a small sign that said, “Golden, Texas: Somewhere in the middle of nowhere.” She loved that it was “self-deprecating but also kind of confident,” she explained in an interview, which is the exact tonal balance she strikes on her latest record. Middle of Nowhere, in fact, begins “out there on the edge of the world, way past common sense” before Musgraves proclaims that she lives in “the great state of confusion.” Yet the album is less incoherent than her 2021 pop pivot star-crossed, and even more grounded than 2024’s Deeper Well, which focused less inspiringly on growth and healing. She’s not only more comfortable but more incisive in this transitional lane, leaning into the country classicism of Pageant Material (an important part of the album’s story is Musgraves’ return to the revived Lost Highway Records) and the radiance, if not the total brilliance, of Golden Hour. You could reduce it to the musical equivalent of the “girl who is going to be okay” meme, but you might be surprised by some of the places it takes you.
1. Middle of Nowhere
The title track feels like Musgraves’ way of starting the album in medias res, having taken the decidion to leave the reckless men behind and “lean into the in-between.” Yet the vast, empty space she situates us in feels naturally cozy, not least because, despite her final proclamation that “It’s just me and me” from now on, longtime collaborator Daniel Tashian immediately serves as a wonderful duet partner. Middle of Nowhere may be stacking its guest features later on, but the homey camaraderie is there from the very beginning.
2. Dry Spell
Musgraves, “lonely with a capital H, if you know what I mean,” fittingly sings her own harmonies on the lead single, which rolls out double entendres like she’s already got Sabrina Carpenter on the line for a remix. The sultriness rubs up against the sense of resignation as she sings “911, it’s officially a cry for help,” like she’s picking up a phone with a dead battery. But the tune is insiduously catchy and well-crafted, relieving any fear that her sexual frustration might translate into musical fatigue.
3. Back on the Wagon
Sweetened by Paul Franklin’s pedal steel, Musgraves slips into her warmest cadence as she defends her man over accusations that he’s bound to fuck it up, singing, “He’s caused so much pain, but this time, he’s changed.” She’s well aware of her possible naivety; even if she didn’t downright admit it, the echoes of her early sound would hint at it. Sometimes there’s a thin line between going back to your your roots and burying your head in the sand.
4. I Believe in Ghosts
I believe there’s too much ‘We are the People’ by Empire of the Sun in what’s otherwise a solid track; the chorus is especially evocative, but that chord progression just flattens it.
5. Abilene
What ‘I Believe in Ghosts’ does achieve is setting the mood for a haunting stretch of songs, with ‘Abilene’ especially showcasing Musgraves’ knack for storytelling. It’s the best country song about the titular city since Katie Crutchfield and Jess Williamson’s 2022 Plains single.
6. Coyote [feat. Gregory Alan Isakov]
For an album called Middle of Nowhere, it’s no surprise this reflective middle stretch is the most nuanced and rewarding, darkening even further with ‘Coyote’. The central couplet – “I saw a coyote running down the highway last night/ And it made me think of you” – is so potent it makes the chorus sound like a post-chorus, a recognition of a flawed man’s buried vulnerability that’s knowingly more convincing than ‘Back on the Wagon’. Gregory Alan Isakov’s guest vocals are unfortunately overshadowed, which only drives the message home.
7. Loneliest Girl
It would’ve worked perfectly as a follow-up single to ‘Dry Spell’, striking a finer balance between witness and sincerity. While Musgraves is making peace with the loneliness, her band adds wistful asterisks all over her professed happiness.
8. Everybody Wants to Be a Cowboy [feat. Billy Strings]
Even as a loner, or perhaps especially as one, Musgraves is a keen observer, easily singling out those who embrace the cowboy aesthetic for performative reasons. Her problem isn’t so much the cosplaying, though, as the inability to get the work done in the morning – or actually stick to it. Billy Strings gets about as much time in the spotlight as Gregory Alan Isakov, though his supportive role doesn’t make as much sense in the context of the song.
9. Horses and Divorces [feat. Miranda Lambert]
Musgraves and Miranda Lambert bury the hatchet on the waltzing ‘Horses and Divorces’, probably the most lived-in song on the album. Horses, divorces, cussing, and drinking are a few of their common interests, though nothing seems to beat the shared pleasure of singing together, especially as they raise their voices on the line, “What asshole doesn’t like Willie?”
10. Uncertain, TX [feat. Willie Nelson]
That line is basically a setup for Willie Nelson’s guest spot, which is again much subtler than you might think – he beautifully joins in to scoff at “cowboys that just can’t get off the fence.” But the cowbell makes clear we’re still at the same party, in what Musgraves quotably refers to as “the great state of confusion.” (Uncertain, TX is an actual place on the map.)
11. Rhinestoned
“I used to wake and bake,” Musgraves sang on Deeper Well’s title track. “Everything I did seemed better when I was high, I don’t know why.” The exquisitely melodic ‘Rhinestoned’ serves as a kind of explanation.
12. Mexico Honey
In the drought-like conditions of Middle of Nowhere, ‘Mexico Honey’ comes off like the sexiest song in the world, even if it’s a little middle-of-the-road. Last time may not have been that good, but the tides are shifting in the singer’s favour.
13. Hell on Me
For most of the album, Musgraves explicitly avoids ruminating on the past, weaving heartbreak into metaphor while avoiding getting too personal. But even on a record that’s anchored in the present, not stressing over the beginning and ending of a story, she can’t help but close on a reflective, even reconciliatory note. Clichés abound, but no one sings them like Musgraves. “I always do this/ Wind up losing/ My light in someone else’s dark,” she sings. Yet she manages to steer clear of that path on Middle of Nowhere, sparkling off her own version of the story.
