Pageant Material
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Pageant Material Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 121 Ratings

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  • Summary: The follow-up to the country singer's Grammy-winning major label debut release was co-produced with Luke Laird and Shane McAnally.
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Top Track

Biscuits
Taking down your neighbour won't take you any higher I burned my own damn finger poking someone else's fire I've never gotten taller making someone... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Country Weekly
    Jun 26, 2015
    100
    Kacey adroitly communicates who she is through her music, maturing in her artistry while staying true to herself. Pageant Material deserves to win some sort of title--and it just might.
  2. Spin
    Jun 22, 2015
    90
    On her excellent second album, she brings us the whole block.
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jun 23, 2015
    83
    Kacey’s dulcet voice and talent for melody are still worthy of great respect--just about every tune connects.
  4. AllMusic
    Jun 16, 2015
    80
    Ahe stumbles when she gets lighter, particularly on "Family Is Family," where it seems like she can't wait to be rid of those leeches--but it's hardly enough to prevent the album from being a rich, enchanting collection of stories, confessions, and the occasional joke.
  5. Boston Globe
    Jun 22, 2015
    80
    With her slight but sweet voice, Musgraves has a way with a sing-songy chorus, many of which she co-writes with her frequent collaborators and fellow hitmakers Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, and Luke Laird.
  6. No Ripcord
    Dec 1, 2021
    60
    Musgraves plays up her lyrical prowess to the detriment of the instrumentation, which is crisp but generic and unremarkable. Neither is there much stylistic variety in terms of vocals or even the attitude Musgraves brings to her songs.
  7. Magnet
    Jul 8, 2015
    40
    The relationship songs are distressingly generic; she backpedals on her "edgy" (for country) envelope-pushing; and she sings about what's she's not. [No. 122, p.57]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. marbleprince
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    Pageant Material is not the same as Same Trailer, Different Park and it isn't too different either. Pageant stands on its own two feet,Pageant Material is not the same as Same Trailer, Different Park and it isn't too different either. Pageant stands on its own two feet, Kacey's songwriting and voice has developed even more. Same Trailer was about a small town and Pageant is about a small town's point of view on the world. Same Trailer will always have a special place in my heart, but Pageant is competing for it as well. Well done Kacey, another amazing album. Highlights: Dime Store Cowgirl, Pageant Material, Good Ol' Boys Club, and This Town… Expand
  2. manningn15
    Apr 4, 2018
    10
    A great follow up to her grammy winning debut album. With her amazing voice and spectacular songwriting she continues to give use amazingA great follow up to her grammy winning debut album. With her amazing voice and spectacular songwriting she continues to give use amazing music that has a great message.… Expand
  4. GiaccoU
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    Pageant Material isn't as good and consistent as Same Trailer, Different Park. The difference between both are in the way the lyrics arePageant Material isn't as good and consistent as Same Trailer, Different Park. The difference between both are in the way the lyrics are presented, they're still good but it feels that Kacey and her writers could 've done better.… Expand
  5. Wael
    Jun 30, 2015
    9
    Kacey Musgraves' second effort doesn't stray from the excellence her debut album shined with, but somehow feels like she spread her wings muchKacey Musgraves' second effort doesn't stray from the excellence her debut album shined with, but somehow feels like she spread her wings much wider musically. The country songstress is back with catchy tunes that are at the same time deep and relatable. She also got a band to play strings that sound so damn good on the songs and showcase the essence of true country songs. The lyrics are deeper than ever, and it's obvious they are so personal to Kacey, who, throughout 13 mind-blowing tracks, show us she will never quit being the strong independent country girl at soul. Stand outs include 'Dime Store Cowgirl', 'This Town', 'Fine', and 'Family is Family' (which is a genius song if you ask me). Kacey has done it once again, and came up with a non-mainstream country record that won't disappoint. Listen to it! 10.… Expand
  6. redaktor
    Jul 24, 2015
    9
    I expected this one to pale in comparison to "Same Trailer ...", but I'm delighted to be proven wrong. Some of the credit must go to herI expected this one to pale in comparison to "Same Trailer ...", but I'm delighted to be proven wrong. Some of the credit must go to her stellar songwriting collaborators, but the bottom line is that this is a rich, superbly written and impeccably recorded country album, with ear-worms galore. The title track is a hoot.… Expand
  7. luislemos
    Jun 25, 2015
    8
    It's good, but is no better than his debut album. His debut album is better because contains songs liveliest and it makes a difference. AnywayIt's good, but is no better than his debut album. His debut album is better because contains songs liveliest and it makes a difference. Anyway congrats Kacey.… Expand
  8. Dennonyx
    Jun 27, 2015
    4
    Mediocre, tepid-flavored country album.
    I'm sorry to say I hated her first album and I still have to understand why everyone rated it as    Mediocre, tepid-flavored country album.
    I'm sorry to say I hated her first album and I still have to understand why everyone rated it as excellent.
    Pageant Matrial is slighly better, it sounds a bit deeper and emotional.
    Unfortunately, the good lyrics are ruined by the underproduction and the monotony that pervade the entire album. It's sad to say that the instrumental is pretty much THE SAME in every track, that's annoying and denoting unconcern and/or lack of creativity.

    I definitely hate the lead single 'Biscuits' where her voice sounds like Meghan Trainor.

    Best song is 'Somebody To Love'.    … Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed Album of 2015

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