Kacey Musgraves, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - music review

From certain angles, Kacey Musgraves resembled P Middy in cowboy boots, though the singer’s Southern charm was all her own. Her choice of covers, ranging from Weezer and Bob Marley to Screamin' Jay Hawkins, pointed to a musical hinterland beyond the sound she’s honed in Nashville

Southern charmer: Kacey Musgraves delivered her country sounds complete with sharp lyrics and confident, lilting vocals (Picture: Christie Goodwin/Redferns via Getty Images)

Andre Paine8 July 2014

"So it's crazy, you guys like country music here," said Kacey Musgraves, as she witnessed her tunes being cheered like pop hits rather than twanging, Texan confessionals.

Musgraves made it easy to embrace country thanks to sharp lyrics and confident, lilting vocals. From certain angles, she resembled P Middy in cowboy boots, though the singer’s Southern charm was all her own.

The Trailer Song was a light-hearted opener adorned with gorgeous pedal steel guitar but Musgraves could also do tender. She downed a whisky to prepare for the lovelorn I Miss You, described It Is What It Is as “depressing” and plucked banjo over the quiet desperation of Merry Go ’Round.

Musgraves, who has married the spirit of Loretta Lynn with the tunes of Taylor Swift, showed off her crossover potential when she strummed her guitar during the stomping Stupid. Her choice of covers, ranging from Weezer and Bob Marley to Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, pointed to a musical hinterland beyond the sound she’s honed in Nashville.

She’s also transforming the conservative country music scene from within. The jaunty, whistling Follow Your Arrow, which celebrates gay relationships, was reserved for an encore featuring a mass singalong by her British fans.

Musgraves didn’t need to keep repeating her adoration for London, but it certainly won’t hurt her campaign for country over here.