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. calilfornia
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    hey queen! girl you have done it again. constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly. i’d say i’m surprised but i know who you are. i’ve seen it up close and personal. girl you make me so proud.
  2. Jungstir
    Sep 10, 2021
    9
    I have always been intrigued by Kacey Musgraves. She was penning songs for other stars before breaking out in her own path. Always top notch song writing that paints an incredible vision. I find her originally more of a country bent but now she is moving in a different direction. Justified is a great example on this album. A winner!
  3. cesar1990
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Kacey's new album is cohesive yet adventurous, restrained yet compelling and idiosyncratic yet ambiguous and relatable. It is also a grower so give it time.
  4. 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
  5. brxlno
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    nossa mas eu fico passada cara como que pode alguem ser simplesmente a maior ARTISTA do mundo
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. riccardomancini
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Kacey Musgraves with her magnetic voice has put on a cohesive, moving, sad and well balanced record. I've already listened to it 4 times in a row and each time it gets better and better.

    P.S. I was so moved by "easier said"
  12. ml13
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. album of the year for a reason, "camera roll" is probably the best song on the album… Expand
  13. osvxldo
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    amazing album. kacey did what she had to do. all the songs are amazing
  14. bienalkjds
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    its just so good omfg, she didn't beated golden hour but it is still so good
  15. drizziewayward
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Musgraves finally makes a full-fledged transition into glowingly tender pop; tinges of her Texan twang coupled with a few banjo chords stand as the only remnants of her country rearing. The indie-pop melodies of the album are but a backdrop to much darker lyrical contemplations on seemingly unavoidable circumstances that led to her divorce. Disillusioned with the institution of marriage,Musgraves finally makes a full-fledged transition into glowingly tender pop; tinges of her Texan twang coupled with a few banjo chords stand as the only remnants of her country rearing. The indie-pop melodies of the album are but a backdrop to much darker lyrical contemplations on seemingly unavoidable circumstances that led to her divorce. Disillusioned with the institution of marriage, Musgraves romanticizes the nostalgia of being a carefree teenager without the perceived burdens of adulthood. "Golden hour faded black," she declares on "What Doesn't Kill Me", which represents the lyrical red thread on an album packed with sad bops. That said, Musgraves remains grateful for all of life's ups and downs on the album closer, a cover of Parra's iconic "Gracias a la Vida".… Expand
  16. starcrossed
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Queen Of Country music is back.. this album is the new album of the year, Musgraves surpassed himself.
  17. henrylewis1350
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Beautiful. Creative. Versatile. I feel a sense of happiness and sadness at the same time. Definitely AOTY materials.
  18. Savagesam12
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    I can’t even pick out a favorite song but the album on the whole is amazing. As a 22 year old who’s never been married yet alone divorced I’m shocked this is my favorite of her albums but it’s just bangers after bangers. I can’t wait to see her live
  19. jgsmuniz
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    golden hour faded black. masterpiece.she is a major one in this industry, respect a divorced woman
  20. musgravesoty
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Kacey Musgraves the queen of country music, taylor tanked so hard, kacey ended her.
  21. lovercountry
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Kacey Musgraves legend of the country music, so excited for an pop album, made it queen!
  22. Kcountry
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    kacey Musgraves created a work of art with this album she proved she is here to stay
  23. Probablyasleep
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    While definitely more melancholy than precious releases, Star Crossed remains cautiously optimistic in it’s conclusion. It’s stylistically eclectic but still features Kacey’s signature breezy, whimsical sound.
  24. kaceymu
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    kacey Musgraves really managed to surpass Alanis and Shania by creating the best country album ever.
  25. taytanked
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    star-crossed is a masterpiece created by the greatest country singer of the decade, I really hope to see her on a pop album soon.
  26. Kaceycountry
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    album of the year, love it so much, love you kacey forever, **** taylor!!!!
  27. MusicTwitterMom
    Sep 10, 2021
    3
    I'm honestly surprised how many positive reviews this got because despite having a really beautiful opener and a few good tracks, the rest felt quite bland. I'd recommend others to listen to her previous album, as it was a better project. This one had bland lyrics, not really too much to read into.
    Intro and outro are the best songs.
  28. nickson8221
    Sep 10, 2021
    1
    Just listen front to end and this album kinda fall flat to me, it’s meh tbh, background music that they play and you just vibing but won’t pay attention to, samey samey. Definitely her weakest album, same trailer different park and pageant material are much more interesting when you put her discography on rank (of course Golden hour is her peak), this feel half-baked. The lyrics doesn’tJust listen front to end and this album kinda fall flat to me, it’s meh tbh, background music that they play and you just vibing but won’t pay attention to, samey samey. Definitely her weakest album, same trailer different park and pageant material are much more interesting when you put her discography on rank (of course Golden hour is her peak), this feel half-baked. The lyrics doesn’t present that much about her divorce cause it’s just on the surface, the music is weird, especially when hear it on headphone, mixing seems off and muddy, idk it’s on purpose or anything…anyway this is boring… Expand
  29. Elchubbo
    Sep 10, 2021
    1
    As Someone who has followed her career since the start, and owns all her albums on Vinyl (MORE THAN ONE COPY IN SOME CASES!), This album is an absolute abomination.

    GOLDEN HOUR managed to balance her country sensibilities and sound with her desire to expand beyond that genre. She wins a grammy for ALBUM OF THE FREAKING YEAR! Her choice then is to sell out, go full pop, and abandon    As Someone who has followed her career since the start, and owns all her albums on Vinyl (MORE THAN ONE COPY IN SOME CASES!), This album is an absolute abomination.

    GOLDEN HOUR managed to balance her country sensibilities and sound with her desire to expand beyond that genre. She wins a grammy for ALBUM OF THE FREAKING YEAR!

    Her choice then is to sell out, go full pop, and abandon everything (Her unique sound, her fans etc.) that got her to the dance in the first place.

    Hookup Scene is LITERALLY the only track that sounds resolutely Kacey, and the only reason the album gets a 1 even.

    Otherwise, it's filled to the brim with narrative cliches, **** click tracks and digitial instrumentation, and a voice that sounds like it could easily be replaced with any other dime a dozen auto tuned pop star on the radio.

    Say what you will about her previous output, but Kacey has finally become exactly what all the critics have always said she was. A Sell Out. In fact, she's become something worse. Boring...    … Expand
  30. WellRested
    Sep 11, 2021
    1
    From someone who loves most of Kacey’s work in the past I just found this record boring. I don’t know if my expectations were just too high but the lyrics are lacking considering the songwriter, production is horrible, and just sounds like it’s trying too hard at being a pop record. I’m disappointed.
  31. zhong
    Sep 10, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just common as a piece of paper
    And i can't understand why she transfered to pop music without great production and beats    … Expand
  32. Blueshamrock
    Sep 10, 2021
    0
    Naah, I didnt líke it. Snsndndndndjfjfjdjd djdjdbdbdbdddbdjdjdjdjdjsjshdhdbdvdvd
  33. kpalms88
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    I didn’t think it was possible to top Golden Hour but, here she did it! Not a skip in the entire bunch! Hats off to you again Ms. Musgraves!
  34. darlan
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    everything in this album sounds so beautiful, fresh and nostalgic, Kacey did an amazing job! i am playing it on replay.
  35. iamachmad75
    Sep 20, 2021
    0
    Wow she did it again with flawless album. Omg can you believe that. Just wowwww
  36. Mattgrande
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    The lyrics, melodies and visuals are all 10/10 chefs kiss. Everything Kacey put into this album is pure greatness and is on the same level as golden hour. An album for everyone.
  37. 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!
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. 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.
  42. 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.
  43. 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.
  44. bogdan778855
    Sep 10, 2021
    9
    Waited for her album so much and it didn't disappointed me at all. Maybe it's not as good as "Golden Hour" but that doesn't change the fact that the album came out great.
  45. 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.
  46. 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
  47. iammikendlovu
    Sep 11, 2021
    9
    Incredible album. It's an enjoyable ride all throughout the 15 tracks.
    The opening track is so cinematic it gets you excited for the rest of the tracks. The closing track summarizes the entire experience perfectly well with a satisfying conclusion.
  48. 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.
  49. 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.
  50. 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
  51. Zackwwyki
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    This album is deep and filled with emotion! Loved every single track everyone go give it a listen :)
  52. 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
  53. 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.
  54. 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.
  55. LemonBlue
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    A discography containing Golden Hour and star-crossed is immaculate. Perfection
  56. 12manucasta
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    best album I've listened thid year yup yup, deserves aoty, soty and more. cherry blossom my fav
  57. 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.
  58. 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.
  59. Jojo335
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    This is a gorgeous album upon first listen. I love how Kacey brings us into her headspace as she sorts out her feelings in real-time across the record. The lyrics are sharp but also deceptively simple, at times (and the production is top-notch and sonically surprising in places). And, as I see it, star-crossed really isn’t an album about a divorce. It’s ultimately about Kacey Musgraves,This is a gorgeous album upon first listen. I love how Kacey brings us into her headspace as she sorts out her feelings in real-time across the record. The lyrics are sharp but also deceptively simple, at times (and the production is top-notch and sonically surprising in places). And, as I see it, star-crossed really isn’t an album about a divorce. It’s ultimately about Kacey Musgraves, the person - the messiness, the disappointments, the contradictions, all of it.… Expand
  60. 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.
  61. Dondaoty
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    I loved listening to this masterpiece from beginning to end, an album with quality and very good.
  62. 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.
  63. 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.
  64. musgry
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    Perfect album ... She passes exactly the pain and overcoming a separation I love very much
  65. 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

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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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