Miranda Lambert Embraces Disco on New Album 'Crisco'

Miranda Lambert is stepping into a new musical era with her 11th studio album, "Crisco," which embraces a country-disco sound. The album, out Friday, is characterized by what Lambert describes as "a lot of joy" and a departure from her career often defined by fiery songs and heartbreak.

The title track, "Crisco," sets the tone with lyrics like "Baby, we’ve been cookin’ with Crisco/Ain’t we mixin’ country and disco/Stir it around, give it a spin/And it’s a rhinestone world we’re livin’ in." Lambert, traditionally known for her Merle Haggard-inspired, "three chords and the truth" style, stated she felt she had earned the creative freedom to explore something different and fun.

This album release follows a successful period for Lambert, including seven Country Music Association Awards nominations and a disco-themed performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards. She also co-wrote the crossover hit "Choosin' Texas," performed by Ella Langley, which has achieved significant chart success, including becoming the longest-running No. 1 hit in the U.S. Lambert expressed her happiness that "Choosin' Texas" is a country song resonating with a wide audience.

Lambert also discussed her collaboration with Langley on "Snakeskin Boots," the opening track of "Crisco." She noted seeing a reflection of her younger self in Langley, describing her as a "pistol," "fiery," and a "true artist and songwriter."

In other collaborations, Lambert reunited with Kacey Musgraves on the song "Horses and Divorces" for Musgraves' new album. Lambert attributed past professional strains to the "crazy grind of this business" and the challenges faced by female artists establishing their careers, describing their current relationship as amicable.

The inspiration for "Crisco" was partly influenced by Lambert's collaboration with Chris Stapleton on "A Song To Sing," a rendition of "Islands in the Stream." This earlier project, which earned two Grammy nominations, opened Lambert's mind to exploring new sounds and parts of country music she hadn't previously ventured into.

The music video for "A Song To Sing" featured Lambert and Stapleton at a roller rink, with Lambert wearing earrings lent by Dolly Parton and Stapleton sporting a necklace belonging to Kenny Rogers. Lambert acknowledged Parton's inspiration for the "Crisco" project.

Songwriter Natalie Hemby, a longtime collaborator with Lambert, contributed to and played on five tracks for "Crisco." Hemby described this project as the most enjoyable writing experience for a Lambert album, highlighting her "star shining so bright."

Lambert believes country music is currently in a healthy state, reminiscent of the 1990s with its diverse offerings and a strong presence of female artists. She noted that the current music landscape allows for a wider array of voices within the genre to find an audience.