Description
Margo Price – Strays – Compact Disc
Strays finds Margo Price pushing her sound beyond the traditional country and Americana framework that first brought her widespread attention. Released in 2023, the album captures an artist willing to stretch into new territory while still holding onto the storytelling instincts that made her earlier records resonate so strongly. The result is a record that feels expansive and adventurous, built on the foundation of roots music but colored by psychedelic rock, soul, and vintage country influences.
The production, handled by Jonathan Wilson, gives the album a wide, atmospheric feel. Guitars shimmer and drift, keyboards glow in the background, and the rhythm section often leans into loose, hypnotic grooves rather than tight country structures. Some songs carry echoes of 1970s rock and outlaw country, while others move toward hazier, almost cosmic territory. This shift gives Strays a sense of movement, as if Price is exploring the edges of her musical identity rather than staying comfortably within familiar boundaries.
Price’s voice remains the anchor throughout the album. Her delivery is confident and expressive, able to shift from intimate vulnerability to bold declaration within the same song. The lyrics continue her tradition of honest, autobiographical storytelling, touching on themes of independence, personal struggle, resilience, and self-discovery. There is a sense of freedom running through the record, as if the songs were written during a period of personal and creative transformation.
Several tracks stand out for their blend of emotional honesty and sonic experimentation. The music often builds gradually, allowing space for instruments to breathe and textures to develop. Rather than focusing solely on traditional country arrangements, Price and her band allow the songs to wander through rock, folk, and psychedelic influences, creating a sound that feels both grounded and exploratory.
With Strays, Margo Price demonstrates a willingness to evolve without abandoning the heart of her songwriting. The album captures an artist moving forward with confidence, embracing new sounds while continuing to tell stories that feel deeply personal and unmistakably her own.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Been To The Mountain
Light Me Up
Radio
Change Of Heart
County Road
Time Machine
Hell In The Heartland
Anytime You Call
Lydia
Landfill
