Miranda Lambert has been there for me since, well, practically the very beginning. It’s always felt like each of her albums has landed right when it was needed, as if this musical twin flame was going through all the same crap I went through. From striking out on our own (“Mama, I’m Alright”) and then missing home (“The House That Built Me”) to second chances (“Pushin’ Time”) and trying to decide what to do with yourself (“Settling Down”), Lambert has single-handedly soundtracked the last two decades of my life and has even become part of my little girl’s life soundtrack (her favorite part of “Tequila Does” is singing, “They’re all hat, no cattle”).
Lambert’s latest album, Palomino, still fits that relatable, heart-stirring bill while reaching something Lambert has seemed to grab at throughout her career. Palomino finds Lambert at her peak in the Outlaw Country genre. The first single, “If I Was A Cowboy,” is only just a tease of what the new release offers. “Carousel” offers something akin to “Pancho And Lefty” (Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard), while “Actin’ Up” And “Wandering Spirit” remind listeners once more of Lambert’s own wild, outlaw heart.
Are either one of us riding a painted Palomino off into the sunset anytime soon? Nah. But, maybe a tour bus and a hatchback are close enough.
The show begins at 7 p.m. on May 22 at the Riverbend Music Center. More info: mirandalambert.com.
Stay connected with CityBeat. Subscribe to our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google News, Apple News and Reddit.
Send CityBeat a news or story tip or submit a calendar event.
