VIA PRESS RELEASE | Interscope-Capitol Records’ Definitive Sound Series (DSS) announces Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour as the latest release in its acclaimed premium audiophile vinyl series. Available September 18 via Lost Highway Records, the limited-edition 2LP 45 RPM One Step edition is now available for pre-order.
Mastered by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering, the Definitive Sound Series edition of Golden Hour was sourced from 24-bit/96kHz high resolution flat master files and pressed on Neotech VR900 D2 180g high-definition vinyl at Record Technology, Inc. Utilizing the state-of-the-art One Step process, which eliminates multiple plating stages, the DSS edition reveals the album’s lush production, intricate arrangements, and expansive soundstage with exceptional clarity, warmth, and depth.
This DSS edition is limited to 3,000 numbered copies, featuring the original album artwork in a premium-weight tip-on double-pocket gatefold jacket with a two-sided insert, housed in a custom-designed slipcase. Each copy includes a certificate of authenticity detailing the mastering, plating, and pressing chain.
Originally released in 2018, Golden Hour marked a defining moment in Kacey Musgraves’ career. Rooted in a rich storytelling tradition while transcending genre boundaries, the album reaffirmed her place among music’s most compelling songwriters and went on to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Produced by Musgraves alongside Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, Golden Hour seamlessly blended country, folk, pop, R&B, disco, and psychedelic influences into a deeply personal and remarkably cohesive listening experience.
Featuring beloved songs including “Slow Burn,” “Butterflies,” “Rainbow,” and “High Horse,” Golden Hour resonated far beyond Nashville, earning widespread acclaim for its adventurous songwriting and dreamy, cinematic production. In addition to Album of the Year, the album won the GRAMMY for Best Country Album, while “Space Cowboy” earned Best Country Song, and “Butterflies” received Best Country Solo Performance. Golden Hour also earned Album of the Year honors from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
Upon its release, critics hailed Golden Hour as a modern classic. Rolling Stone called it “a gorgeous album that pushes country music into the future without abandoning its roots,” while Pitchfork praised its “radiant songwriting and fearless genre fluidity.” NPR Music described it as “a luminous mediation on love and change,” and The New York Times named it one of the year’s best albums. Debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and reaching No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, Golden Hour cemented itself as one of the defining albums of its generation.
