Be The Cowboy

Released via Dead Oceans on 17 August 2018, Be the Cowboy marks the fifth studio album from the enigmatic Mitski. Produced by her long-time collaborator Patrick Hyland, the album is a captivating blend of sounds, returning to the piano that graced her earlier works while incorporating synthesizers, horns, and her signature guitar.

Upon its release, Be the Cowboy garnered widespread acclaim, quickly being hailed as one of the best albums of 2018. The album was introduced by the singles “Geyser,” “Nobody,” and “Two Slow Dancers,” which showcased Mitski’s ability to blend pop, art rock, and disco influences into a cohesive and compelling narrative. This was also Mitski’s first album to chart on the Billboard 200, earning spots on charts in Canada, Ireland, and the UK.

Mitski describes her creative process for this album as an exploration of narrative and fiction, inspired by the solitary image of an artist performing under a single spotlight. This vision translated into a raw, stripped-back production style—many tracks feature her vocals without layers or harmonies, enhancing the sense of intimacy and vulnerability. In a candid reflection, Mitski shared that much of the album’s emotional weight stems from her experiences of isolation while on the road and the struggle to reconnect with her feelings.

Musically, Be the Cowboy defies easy classification, incorporating elements of pop, punk, indie rock, art pop, and even disco. Critics have described it as a “genre-defying” record, and indeed, its eclectic sound palette—from chamber pop to techno-surf—reflects Mitski’s fearless artistic vision.

The lead single, “Geyser,” was released alongside a striking music video, followed by the dance-infused “Nobody” and the poignant “Two Slow Dancers.” The album was made available for pre-order without prior announcement, a bold move that underscored Mitski’s approach to her artistry.

Critically, Be the Cowboy achieved remarkable scores, with Metacritic assigning it an average of 87 based on 30 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.” Critics lauded Mitski’s evolution from the deeply personal lyrics of her previous work to more conceptual themes. AllMusic praised the album for its brilliant twist on her earlier sound, while Pitchfork lauded it as her finest work yet, noting that Mitski has never sounded as expansive as she does here, even in the quietest moments.

Rolling Stone highlighted the implicit political undertones in the album, recognising how it validates voices that are often shaky and vulnerable, yet deserving of love. The A.V. Club noted the lush production while still capturing her post-Pixies guitar-rock essence, demonstrating her growth as an artist without losing the rawness that defines her music.

In Be the Cowboy, Mitski crafts a richly layered exploration of identity and isolation, proving herself to be one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music. The album not only pushes boundaries in terms of sound but also offers an emotionally resonant listening experience that lingers long after the final notes have faded.