In case you hadn’t heard, Miranda Lambert is back—and she’s brought a gun-toting armadillo along for the ride. Postcards from Texas, Lambert’s tenth solo album, dropped last week, and it feels like both a wild road trip across Texas and a wistful look back at old haunts. If Lambert’s career could be summed up in a postcard, it would probably read something like, “Wish you were here, but thank God you’re not.”
Lambert’s diehard fans will find a lot to love here—heartfelt ballads, cheeky revenge anthems, and plenty of Texan swagger—but for those expecting a groundbreaking departure from her usual style, Postcards from Texas might feel a little like flipping through the same postcard rack you’ve seen a hundred times before.
A Scenic Journey or Just Another Day in Texas?
Let’s set the scene: sweeping fields of bluebonnets, dusty plains stretching to the horizon, longhorns grazing lazily under the Texas sun. If that sounds like the cover of a country album you’ve seen before, well, you wouldn’t be wrong. Lambert’s homage to her home state is filled with just the right amount of cowboy boots, steel guitars, and wide-open spaces to make any country music fan swoon. But as picturesque as this sonic road trip is, you might find yourself wishing for a little more excitement—maybe a scenic detour or two.
The album kicks off with the delightfully bizarre “Armadillo,” where Lambert spins a whimsical tale about a gun-toting armadillo who hijacks her car and demands she take him to Amarillo. It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek opener that feels more like a Saturday morning cartoon than a country song, and it sets the tone for an album that doesn’t take itself too seriously—at least, not at first.
But after the armadillo drives off into the sunset, Postcards from Texas settles into a more familiar rhythm. Tracks like “Looking Back on Luckenbach” and “Santa Fe” are nostalgic nods to the past, with Lambert crooning about old memories and missed opportunities. They’re solid songs, no doubt, but they don’t quite pack the punch you might expect from an artist known for her fiery attitude and sharp wit.
Highlights and Hitchhikers: The Tracks That Stand Out
If there’s one thing Lambert excels at, it’s crafting a good ol’ country breakup song. Postcards from Texas offers a few gems in this department, with the standout track being “Wranglers.” This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill scorned lover anthem. It’s packed with Lambert’s trademark sass as she compares her ex’s stubbornness to a pair of jeans that “take forever to burn.” The driving beat and sharp lyrics make it clear: hell hath no fury like a woman who’s been wronged while wearing Wranglers.
Another highlight is “Dammit Randy,” which, despite its snarky title, is a surprisingly tender ballad. Co-written with her husband Brendan McLoughlin, the song reflects on a toxic relationship without bitterness. Instead of anger, Lambert’s voice carries a hint of pity for the subject, making it a refreshingly mature take on heartbreak.
And let’s not forget “Bitch on the Sauce.” With a title like that, you might expect an all-out party anthem, but Lambert flips the script. The slow, almost haunting melody contrasts sharply with the cheeky lyrics, making it one of the more introspective (and intoxicating) moments on the album.
But for every “Wranglers” and “Bitch on the Sauce,” there’s a “Run” or “I Hate Love Songs”—tracks that, while perfectly fine, don’t quite hit the same high notes. These songs feel more like filler than killer, which is a shame, considering the potential Lambert has to knock it out of the park.
A Road Less Traveled or a Well-Worn Path?
While Postcards from Texas offers plenty of moments that showcase Lambert’s talent and wit, there’s no denying that some of the album feels like retreading old ground. Tracks like “No Man’s Land” and “Way Too Good at Breaking My Heart” are solid additions to her catalog, but they don’t bring anything particularly new to the table. Lambert has been here before, and so have we.
That being said, Lambert has always been one to wear her influences on her sleeve, and that’s especially true on this album. There’s a raw, almost gritty edge to some of the tracks that harken back to her earlier days—think Kerosene with a little more dust in the engine. But where her previous albums felt like bold, defiant statements, Postcards from Texas is more like a love letter written in pencil. It’s sincere, but maybe not meant to last.
The Verdict: Is Postcards from Texas Worth the Trip?
So, is Postcards from Texas worth the ride? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a Miranda Lambert fan, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The album is packed with the kind of clever lyrics and catchy hooks that have made her one of country music’s biggest stars. But if you’re hoping for Lambert to take a few more risks, you might find yourself wishing she’d veer off the beaten path a little more often.
There’s no denying that Lambert is a master of her craft, and when she’s at her best, few can touch her. But Postcards from Texas feels like it’s holding something back. It’s a solid album, sure, but it doesn’t quite have the same spark that made albums like Revolution or The Weight of These Wings so unforgettable.
Still, if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, slightly surreal trip through the Lone Star State, Postcards from Texas is worth a spin. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself skipping a track or two along the way.
Final Thoughts
Miranda Lambert’s Postcards from Texas is a scenic, if somewhat predictable, journey through the singer’s home state. With standout tracks like “Wranglers” and “Bitch on the Sauce,” Lambert proves that she still has plenty of fire left in her. But for every high point, there are a few lows that drag the album down. It’s a fine addition to her catalog, but it’s unlikely to be the one that fans will be talking about for years to come.
