Musgraves, Carpenter release new albums

Musgraves is out with "Slow Burn," which takes a different turn from previous efforts where Musgraves cut her teeth on being pretty much a traditional country singer. She adds a bit of disc and electronica on a few tracks and generally steers clear of anything overtly traditional. Musgraves proves to be more expressive on the 13-track album.

Carpenter's "Sometimes Just The Sky" takes a look back and forward. The disc contains reworked songs from throughout Carpenter's career with the title track being the lone new track of the 13. "Heroes and Heroines," which first appeared on 1987's "Hometown Girl," is the first single. Vince Mendoza produced the disc.

Newcomer Ashley McBryde releases "Girl Going Nowhere," her debut at the age of 34. The first single is "A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega." McBryde bears a strong resemblance to Brandy Clark and Mary Chapin Carpenter vocally.

Kim Richey returns with her first album in five years, "Edgeland," on Yep Roc. Richey has enjoyed a long career, spanning 23 years and has put out 8 albums in that time. Recorded in Nashville, "Edgeland" is Richey's eighth studio album was produced by Brad Jones (Over the Rhine, Hayes Carll, Josh Rouse).