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Music Review: Miranda Lambert's 'Postcards from Texas' is joyful road trip across her home state

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Music Review: Miranda Lambert's 'Postcards from Texas' is joyful road trip across her home state
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Music Review: Miranda Lambert's 'Postcards from Texas' is joyful road trip across her home state

2024-09-13 01:53 Last Updated At:02:01

NEW YORK (AP) — Miranda Lambert's 10th studio album begins with a plucky honky-tonk stomper, full of folksy imagery and a jaunty vibraslap sound:

“Well I met an armadillo / Out in Amarillo / And he asked me for a light,” Lambert's voice swings, “I said a where ya goin’ / He said ‘I don’t really know’ / And I said, ‘Brother I’ve been there twice.’”

It might be an outlier, for listeners expecting a collection more in line with the album's lead single, the classic rock-channeling “Wranglers,” but it's also the perfect tone-setter. Across the 14-track release, Lambert aims to deliver sometimes-traditional country with a lot of heart.

Throughout, “Postcards From Texas” is a sonic road trip across Lambert's home state — from the steel guitar-led ballad “Looking Back on Luckenbach" to the funny, trash-talking divorce anthem “Alimony,” with its not-so-thinly veiled lyrical geography.

“I called that lawyer up in Dallas,” she sings in the chorus. “If you’re gonna leave me in San Antone / Remember the alimony,” the last word teased out to turn “Alamo” into “alimony.” It's such a rewarding lyric reversal, it feels almost prototypical — as if plucked from some great country music songbook instead of written into it.

Lambert's voice is where “Postcards From Texas” finds its cohesion, from dreamy ballads, like “Way Too Good At Breaking My Heart" and country-rock swagger, like on “B—— On the Sauce (Just Drunk)” to classic covers, like in the case of “Living on the Run,” from David Allan Coe's 1976 album, “Longhaired Redneck.”

Lambert co-produced the album with Jon Randall, and recorded the entirety of it at Austin, Texas' Arlyn Studios, the first time since she was 18 that she's recorded a full album in her home state. In those days, long before becoming a stalwart of Nashville's Music Row, it's easy to imagine she wasn't thinking about a homecoming — especially in a state where those considered Texas country greats are overwhelmingly male.

At this stage in her career, Lambert doesn't have anything to prove — and that's one of many reasons why “Postcards from Texas" is a ride that works.

Miranda Lambert, left, and Brendan McLoughlin arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Miranda Lambert, left, and Brendan McLoughlin arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

This image released by Republic Records shows "Postcards From Texas" by Miranda Lambert. (Republic Records via AP)

This image released by Republic Records shows "Postcards From Texas" by Miranda Lambert. (Republic Records via AP)

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PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day, Thursday, April 10, 2025

2025-04-11 09:49 Last Updated At:09:51

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

Export vehicles are parked at Daikoku Pier in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Export vehicles are parked at Daikoku Pier in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

A cart with a Target logo sits in the parking lot of a Target store in the early morning hours in La Habra, Calif., Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A cart with a Target logo sits in the parking lot of a Target store in the early morning hours in La Habra, Calif., Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A laborer loads belongings of Afghan refugees onto the roof of a bus as the refugees prepare to return to Afghanistan, at a terminal in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

A laborer loads belongings of Afghan refugees onto the roof of a bus as the refugees prepare to return to Afghanistan, at a terminal in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Endy Rodríguez (5) drops the ball as he collides with catcher Joey Bart as they attempt to field an infield pop-up by St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Endy Rodríguez (5) drops the ball as he collides with catcher Joey Bart as they attempt to field an infield pop-up by St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus acknowledges the patrons, as fellow Honorary Starter Tom Watson applauds, on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus acknowledges the patrons, as fellow Honorary Starter Tom Watson applauds, on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Rescue workers search for bodies at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Rescue workers search for bodies at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clean their new cooking utensils in a water tank, as preparation for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Passover, in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood Mea Shearim, in Jerusalem, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clean their new cooking utensils in a water tank, as preparation for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Passover, in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood Mea Shearim, in Jerusalem, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Debris floats in the water at the scene where a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

Debris floats in the water at the scene where a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

A crane vessel lifts the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

A crane vessel lifts the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Mary Lopez cries holding an image of her brother, journalist Luis Lopez, during a vigil calling for the freedom of political prisoners near the National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Mary Lopez cries holding an image of her brother, journalist Luis Lopez, during a vigil calling for the freedom of political prisoners near the National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and center Micah Handlogten celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and center Micah Handlogten celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Britain's Prince Harry smiles towards the media as he leaves the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Britain's Prince Harry smiles towards the media as he leaves the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

The Monastery of Holy Trinity is pictured on a rock high above the city of Meteora, Greece, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

The Monastery of Holy Trinity is pictured on a rock high above the city of Meteora, Greece, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Eddy Vittini)

Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Eddy Vittini)

An Indian worker checks thread reels on a carpet weaving machine at a factory on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

An Indian worker checks thread reels on a carpet weaving machine at a factory on the outskirts of Jammu, India, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Cranes move containers aboard the ship Polar Mexico at the Port of Philadelphia, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Cranes move containers aboard the ship Polar Mexico at the Port of Philadelphia, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused by teammates after a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused by teammates after a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order during an event in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order during an event in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A museum employee looks at a tiarra on display at Cartier – the first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, at the V&A Museum in London, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

A museum employee looks at a tiarra on display at Cartier – the first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, at the V&A Museum in London, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Vehicles for export sit parked at a port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Vehicles for export sit parked at a port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People walk by a shopping mall along the Las Vegas Strip, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

People walk by a shopping mall along the Las Vegas Strip, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

A woman is dancing under cherry blossoms when thousands of people gather on the streets for the start of the famous cherry blossom season in the old town of Bonn, Germany, Sunday, April, 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

A woman is dancing under cherry blossoms when thousands of people gather on the streets for the start of the famous cherry blossom season in the old town of Bonn, Germany, Sunday, April, 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, right, is greeted by Wayne Gretzky during a ceremony after he scored his 895th career goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, right, is greeted by Wayne Gretzky during a ceremony after he scored his 895th career goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

UConn players celebrate during the second half of the national championship game against South Carolina at the Final Four of the women's NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

UConn players celebrate during the second half of the national championship game against South Carolina at the Final Four of the women's NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Ira, a dog with the Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, attends a training in Col Gallina in the Italian Alps near Cortina D'Ampezzo, northern Italy, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Ira, a dog with the Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, attends a training in Col Gallina in the Italian Alps near Cortina D'Ampezzo, northern Italy, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Indigenous crafts girls hang from a clothesline at the Free Earth camp, demanding the government pay more attention to Indigenous issues, in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Indigenous crafts girls hang from a clothesline at the Free Earth camp, demanding the government pay more attention to Indigenous issues, in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

The rising Ohio River partially submerges the bronze statue of James Bradley along Riverside Drive, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Covington, Ky. Cincinnati and the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge are seen across the Ohio River. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The rising Ohio River partially submerges the bronze statue of James Bradley along Riverside Drive, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Covington, Ky. Cincinnati and the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge are seen across the Ohio River. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A Pataxso Indigenous youth smokes a traditional pipe during the Free Earth camp held annually to demand more government attention to Indigenous issues in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

A Pataxso Indigenous youth smokes a traditional pipe during the Free Earth camp held annually to demand more government attention to Indigenous issues in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Mothers cry at the coffins of their children Danylo Nikittskyi, 15, left, and Alina Kutsenko, 15, right, killed by a Russian missile, during a funeral ceremony in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Mothers cry at the coffins of their children Danylo Nikittskyi, 15, left, and Alina Kutsenko, 15, right, killed by a Russian missile, during a funeral ceremony in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

The rising Ohio River floods along Lower River Road, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Rabbit Hash, Ky. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The rising Ohio River floods along Lower River Road, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Rabbit Hash, Ky. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Currency traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), top left, and the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollar and South Korean won, top center, at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Currency traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), top left, and the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollar and South Korean won, top center, at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Jonathan Mueller works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Jonathan Mueller works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

People visit "Making the Invisible Visible", a Google Design Studio installation, as part of the Design Fair exhibition, in Milan, Italy, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

People visit "Making the Invisible Visible", a Google Design Studio installation, as part of the Design Fair exhibition, in Milan, Italy, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani during a ceremony to honor the Major League Baseball 2024 World Series Champion team in the East Room of the White House, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani during a ceremony to honor the Major League Baseball 2024 World Series Champion team in the East Room of the White House, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A person carrying an umbrella walks past the National Debt Clock, Monday, April 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

A person carrying an umbrella walks past the National Debt Clock, Monday, April 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

A rain droplet falls on a Masters logo cut out during a practice round at the Masters golf tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

A rain droplet falls on a Masters logo cut out during a practice round at the Masters golf tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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