Margo Price, the unapologetically authentic country singer-songwriter, is set to release her highly anticipated fourth album, Strays, on January 13th. Known for her raw, emotional storytelling and unflinching honesty, Price has continuously pushed the boundaries of country music, blending classic sounds with a modern sensibility. On this upcoming album, she promises to delve even deeper into her own soul, exploring themes of love, loss, and personal growth.
With a statement that reflects a more introspective approach to her craft, Price says, “I feel more mature in the way I write now, I’m digging deeper than just looking for big crowds and accolades. I’m trying to find what my soul needs.” Fans of Margo Price’s work know that her journey has always been one of self-discovery and transformation, and Strays seems poised to be an album that speaks to that evolution.
The lead single, “Change of Heart”, gives us a glimpse into the introspective tone of the album, showcasing Price’s signature blend of vulnerability and resilience. As anticipation builds, we now have the full Strays tracklist, giving us a glimpse of the sonic and lyrical landscapes Price will explore this time around.
Strays Tracklist Breakdown:
Been to the Mountain
The album opens with “Been to the Mountain”, a title that suggests reflection on personal trials and triumphs. This track is likely to set the tone for the entire album—a mix of hard-won wisdom and the scars of a tumultuous journey. Expect a song that evokes the weight of experience and the kind of raw storytelling Price is known for.Light Me Up (feat. Mike Campbell)
Mike Campbell, known for his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, brings his signature guitar-driven sound to this track. “Light Me Up” suggests an energetic collaboration, with a title that hints at rekindling passion and illumination in the face of darkness.Radio (feat. Sharon Van Etten)
This collaboration with indie rock darling Sharon Van Etten is one of the most intriguing tracks on Strays. With both women known for their emotive voices and introspective songwriting, this could be a perfect blend of Price’s country roots and Van Etten’s atmospheric, melancholy sound. The theme of Radio could explore how music becomes a refuge, a communication tool, or even a form of rebellion.Change of Heart
Already released as the album’s lead single, “Change of Heart” captures Price’s journey of personal transformation. With its catchy hook and reflective lyrics, the song touches on the moments in life where our hearts and minds shift, leading to new understandings and decisions.County Road
“County Road” suggests a return to roots—a nod to the backroads and smaller, intimate spaces where Price’s storytelling often begins. The song could explore themes of home, heritage, or the complex feelings that come with revisiting the past. We can expect a deeply nostalgic, emotionally charged piece that reflects Price's love for the Americana genre.Time Machine (feat. Dillon Napier, Christopher Houston Denny)
The title “Time Machine” evokes a sense of looking back or wishing for a glimpse of the past. The track could be about reflecting on moments in time that shaped who we are, or maybe even an imagined journey to rewrite certain aspects of life. With the talents of Dillon Napier and Christopher Houston Denny contributing, this track could have a timeless quality to it, blending modern and vintage sounds.- Hell in the Heartland
A powerful title like “Hell in the Heartland” suggests Price is exploring the darker, more troubled sides of America—the contradictions and the struggles that often go unnoticed in rural and working-class communities. The track could explore themes of societal issues, personal turmoil, or the sense of abandonment felt by many who live outside the urban centers. Anytime You Call (feat. Lucius)
Featuring the indie-pop duo Lucius, this track promises to be a haunting, beautiful exploration of longing and vulnerability. The title, “Anytime You Call,” suggests an open invitation for connection, no matter the time or circumstance. Expect lush harmonies and a mix of folk and pop influences as Price continues to experiment with her sound.Lydia
A personal and intimate song, “Lydia” could be a portrait of a woman in Price’s life—whether real or fictional—offering a deep dive into character study. The track could explore themes of friendship, love, or even the shadows of a relationship that shaped Price’s path.Landfill
The final track, “Landfill”, brings a sense of closure and resolution. A title like Landfill could be a metaphor for discarding the things that no longer serve us, whether it’s memories, relationships, or even parts of our own identities. This could be a somber yet cathartic ending to an album that deals heavily with transformation and moving on.
Themes of Soul Searching, Heartache, and Healing
Margo Price’s Strays seems poised to be a deeply personal album that navigates the complexities of modern life while honoring the past. The tracklist highlights her continued growth as an artist and storyteller, and the collaborations with artists like Sharon Van Etten, Mike Campbell, and Lucius offer exciting possibilities for genre-blending and new sonic territories.
With Price’s ability to capture the vulnerability of the human experience through both tender ballads and energetic anthems, Strays looks to be her most introspective and mature project to date. As she notes, the album is about “finding what my soul needs,” and from the sounds of the tracklist, this will be a journey that listeners can’t wait to take alongside her.
Be sure to catch “Change of Heart” and immerse yourself in Margo Price’s ever-evolving artistry.
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