Why pop stars go back to the basics.
One of the biggest surprises in the music world was Justin Timberlake's appearance. In a short teaser video announcing his fifth solo album, Man of the Woods, he strolled through forests, fields, mountains and streams and sought answers to what we call life. Beard and rough, that's what he looked like. Back to basics. In 2016 Lady Gaga returned with relatively earthly Joanne. Last year Miley Cyrus swapped her twerking pants and Kylie promises a new album, Golden, inspired by Dolly Parton. Even Beyoncé turned to the homeland at Daddy Lessons 2016. In different ways, pop has never been so curious about the country.
Chris Willman, music critic and author of Rednecks & Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music:
“I think when pop stars get rich, there's an instinctive move to buy a farm. And once you get there, you might be wondering why you're not making records that are as fun as your new lifestyle. I might call it farm hypnosis. But I find it reassuring that the country is still authenticity to some extent, long after some of us have given up, other than southern ex-urban lifestyle music.”
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