Miranda Lambert's Journey to Self-Discovery: The Weight of These Wings

Miranda Lambert is known for her raw and unglamorous music style, often described as torch ballads and highway anthems performed live with a band that feels like the culmination of late night jam sessions. Her ambitious double album, 'The Weight of These Wings,' carries on in a grand tradition of messy relationship statements, drawing inspiration from Tom Petty's 'Wildflowers' and Bruce Springsteen's 'Tunnel of Love.' However, when Lambert divorced her husband Blake Shelton in 2015, she embarked on a darker and more existential path.

Prior to the divorce, Lambert was a country superstar with a string of radio hits, a recurring spot on The Voice, and a picture-perfect marriage. Her music during this period reflected her happiness, but after the breakup, she delved into a more introspective and personal sound. The Weight of These Wings is a testament to her journey of self-discovery, showcasing Lambert's fiery and down-home charm.

The album features wistful songs that often reference her past works, such as 'Snowed In at Wheeler Street,' which tells the tale of star-crossed lovers with lyrics intertwined with references to her old songs. The material on this album is more melancholic than her previous work, addressing things that are already lost rather than focusing on something beautiful about to be lost.

50 Words for Snow, Lambert's collaboration with Kate Bush, takes a different approach. This album boasts all of Lambert's trademark magical realism, fantastical lovers, and far-flung settings, but the songs are more quietly ambitious and chamber-like in their execution. The album's title is inspired by the myth that the Inuit have 50 words to describe snow, reflecting Lambert's fascination with language and storytelling.

Throughout her music career, Lambert has been known for her wide-eyed and full-hearted approach, often pouring her heart and soul into every song. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every note she sings, making The Weight of These Wings a rewarding listen in an age where attention span is increasingly rare.

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