Miranda Lambert Embraces Disco Sound with “Crisco” (Review)
Miranda Lambert seems to have transitioned into a disco era, leading some to wonder if the country music genre is following suit. Other artists like Johnny Blue Skies (Sturgill Simpson) and Emily Nenni are also incorporating disco elements into their music, hinting at a retro moment in country music. Lambert’s latest track “Crisco” is a continuation of this style shift, building on the foundation laid by her 2015 collaboration with Chris Stapleton, “A Song To Sing.”
Despite the potential in fusing country and disco sounds, “Crisco” falls short of expectations. The song boasts five songwriters, including Lambert, Jesse Frasure, Kris Wilkinson, Chill Fellacheck, and Aaron Raitiere. However, the abundance of contributors may have muddled the final product. Sonically, the blend of country and disco elements is intriguing, with strings reminiscent of countrypolitan influences and a captivating piano and steel guitar break. “Crisco” aims to be a fun, energetic dance track rather than a serious singer-songwriter Americana piece, emphasizing the importance of not taking it too seriously.
The song’s attempt to reference other tracks and genres feels forced and uninspired. Additionally, the heavy processing of Lambert’s vocals, including auto-tune and other enhancements, strips away the raw human emotion needed to make the song feel authentic. While the intention behind “Crisco” is clear – to make listeners groove and move – the lack of meaningful lyrics and the excessive polish on the production leave the song feeling flat and lacking substance.
In contrast, Anthony Fantano’s critique of Ella Langley’s hit “Choosin’ Texas” as generic seems unfounded. The song’s incorporation of twang and emotive storytelling sets it apart as a compelling pop track. In comparison, “Crisco” struggles to make a lasting impact, relying on surface-level references and superficial elements rather than authentic storytelling and emotion.
Looking ahead, it appears that “Crisco” and “Song To Sing” are just the beginning of Lambert’s foray into a disco country era. While the lead singles may not have gained significant traction on the charts, future releases from Lambert’s upcoming album are anticipated to feature quality songs reminiscent of the Urban Cowboy era of country music. “Crisco” may not be the standout track it aspires to be, but it sets the stage for an intriguing exploration of blending country and disco influences in Lambert’s music.
As the music industry embraces this retro moment and emphasizes the importance of meaningful songs, Lambert’s transition into a disco era poses an exciting opportunity for artistic exploration and genre-bending creativity. While “Crisco” may not hit the mark in terms of substance, its release signals a new chapter in Lambert’s musical evolution and sets the stage for further experimentation and growth in the intersection of country and disco music.