Margo Price returns with Hard Headed Woman, an album that feels both like a reclamation of her roots and a celebration of the country tradition she’s long inhabited. Reuniting with producer Matt Ross-Spang, Price leans into classic country sounds, blending honky-tonk, outlaw flair, and her signature storytelling to create a record that is immediate, engaging, and emotionally resonant. From the opening fragment of secular gospel on the title track, she establishes a defiant, self-assured tone: she’s unapologetic, witty, and grounded in her own experience.
The album balances tenderness and toughness, with songs that explore heartbreak, resilience, and small triumphs. Tracks like “Close to You” and “Keep a Picture” capture Price’s knack for blending intimate storytelling with memorable melodies, while “Nowhere is Where” channels Midwest melancholy, enriched by fiddle and subtle instrumental textures. Even when the subject matter is heavy, Price’s performances feel alive and vibrant, turning despair into something both relatable and cathartic.
Price also continues her tradition of duets, with Tyler Childers joining on “Love Me Like You Used to Do.” Their interplay feels playful yet poignant, highlighting Price’s ability to mix pathos with humor and keeping the album from veering too far into solemnity. Other standout moments, like the rollicking “Red Eye Flight” and the reflective “Kissing You Goodbye,” display her range, moving effortlessly between high-energy country rock and tender balladry. The inclusion of a reworked Kris Kristofferson track, “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down,” nods to her respect for the outlaw lineage while making it distinctly her own.
Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album thrives on warmth and immediacy, with instrumental arrangements that feel both polished and organic. Price’s voice, equally capable of wry humor and aching vulnerability, remains the centerpiece, guiding listeners through a set of songs that are consistently engaging without ever feeling forced. The record demonstrates that she can lean into country tropes without losing her individuality or authenticity.
Hard Headed Woman marks a high point in Margo Price’s discography, showcasing her confidence, craft, and ability to balance introspection with infectious energy. It’s an album that honors the traditions of classic country while feeling fully contemporary, proving that Price is still one of the genre’s most compelling and versatile voices. – Jason Felton
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