For anyone not immersed in music news, Miranda Lambert recently released a 24 track super-album that is nothing short of stellar. Track after track, Miranda delivers tracks that made me laugh, cry, dance, and absolutely hit repeat. The New Yorker, which rarely writes on mainstream books or music, called this album one of this year’s best. Even if country isn’t usually your style, The Weight of These Wings has something for everyone. Here are my six favorites:
1. “Tin Man”
This song garners a spot on my list of favorites almost solely because I am a sucker for a heartbreak song. Fresh off a divorce, Miranda has filled this album with heartbreak. “Tin Man” is special in that it does not follow a completely normal song structure— there’s no true, powerful chorus. Unlike typical country ballads, this one doesn’t provide even a semblance of resolution. Basically, having a heart with feelings is the worst. Preach.
2. “Runnin’ Just in Case”
Miranda strings together words that comprise thoughts I didn’t even know I had, in general, and especially here. “Runnin’ Just in Case” has a paradoxical message about having a broken heart, running from your problems, but being ready for love anyway. This song was made for being turned all the way up in the car, windows down, driving down an open road.
3. “Pink Sunglasses”
If you like “Little Red Wagon,” you’ll love Miranda’s $10 rose-colored glasses. It’s a song that makes you feel cool, happy, and a little more positive. It’s the perfect break to the many ballads that comprise this record. Highly recommend listening to this one before a night out.
4. “Things That Break”
Miranda’s back at it with a little cynicism here—which I would argue is when she’s at her best. I’ve listened to this one about a million times and I find new ways to hear this song every time. Hearts tend to break, people tend to break and pain is inevitable. Sometimes facing the way those truths hurt can do a soul good.
5. “Use My Heart”
This song is written straight out of fear, but Miranda sings it confidently. We’ve all been in a place where if we try and force ourselves to believe something, we might start to. The conflict in this song is that Miranda repeats “I don’t have the nerve to use my heart" but the heartbreak that defines many of the other tracks is straight to the contrary. The irony is so sweet.This song means a lot less if it’s taken out of the context of this album, but there’s not reason it should be.
6. “Ugly Lights”
Miranda isn’t Miranda without a good drinking, smoking and making mistakes song. “Ugly Lights” is nothing short. Miranda reminds us that there is nothing wrong with going out, claiming real estate on a bar stool, and doing some things you might not have otherwise. There is, of course, the painful reality that eventually last call comes, the morning comes and the mistakes are all out in the open.
