Margo Price is back, and she’s not holding anything back! Her new album ‘Hard Headed Woman’ sees her embracing her country roots and recording in Nashville for the first time. But why did it take her over 20 years, and what raw truths does she reveal about the industry and her personal journey?
Margo Price’s significant return to country music roots, recording her fifth LP, “Hard Headed Woman,” in Nashville for the first time in her two-decade career, signals a profound shift for the acclaimed artist.
Despite living in Nashville for over two decades, Price had historically avoided recording a full album there, attributing her decision to feeling like an “outsider” and a desire to challenge conventional country sounds. This changed as she embraced a sense of control over her narrative, recognizing Nashville as an intrinsic part of her identity, for better or worse.
Her choice of venue, the iconic RCA Studio A, a national historic landmark, was deliberate. This hallowed space, which has hosted legendary artists, offered the perfect backdrop for Price to pivot back to her original country-forward sound, contrasting with the rock and psychedelia influences of her previous album, “Strays.”
“Hard Headed Woman” is a contemporary album deeply rooted in country music history. It features Price’s fresh interpretation of “I Just Don’t Give a Damn” and includes collaborations, notably “Kissing You Goodbye,” a cover suggested by her husband. The album also contains powerful messages like “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down,” inspired by Loretta Lynn’s advice to Kacey Musgraves.
Price remains a fiercely independent voice, unafraid to tackle political and social issues within a genre often characterized by silence on controversial topics. Her willingness to confront the “haters” and the often-ugly realities of the music industry, as evidenced in songs addressing past frustrations, underscores her commitment to authenticity and self-expression.
The album title, “Hard Headed Woman,” powerfully encapsulates Price’s journey and ethos. She identifies with the term, reflecting her “left turns” in genre and outspoken advocacy for social causes, particularly women’s rights. This stance, though potentially costly to her career, is a source of immense pride and a message she feels compelled to share in the current cultural climate.
Furthermore, Price has embraced transparency in her personal life, discussing both a rhinoplasty and septoplasty she underwent, which she initially kept private. Her decision to speak out, despite potential criticism in the country world where such openness is rare, has freed up significant mental space, allowing her to feel “lighter” and more present.
Her candor extends to her sobriety journey, openly discussing quitting alcohol while still using mushrooms. This personal transformation, a stark contrast to her earlier drinking anthems like “Hurtin’ (On the Bottle),” highlights her evolution while maintaining her right to sing about her lived experiences.
Margo Price’s “Hard Headed Woman” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to artistic resilience, personal growth, and unwavering commitment to truth, solidifying her status as a vital, unapologetically authentic voice in contemporary country music.
