Lauren Watkins | In a Perfect World Review

by Bea Willis

Lauren Watkins is back with her sophomore album, In a Perfect World. The ten tracks have a sonic palette that mirrors the maturity of a songwriter who’s learning that imperfection can be its own kind of truth. Produced by her husband and collaborator Will Bundy, with additional co-production by Joey Moi, the album has an enjoyable flow of country styles and settings.

Her phrasing is deliberate and conversational, often landing slightly on the contemporary country side, but always with a country overtone. The sonic aesthetic sits somewhere between the glowing modern polish of Kacey Musgraves or Megan Moroney and the classic candor of Lee Ann Womack, with a pinch of Sheryl Crow’s breezy confidence.

“Love Is Tough,” Watkins raises the temperature after the mellow title track that opens the album. Modern rock-country underpinnings, with crisp snare and electric-guitar embers, frame her voice squarely at the center. She delivers with relaxed intimacy, pushing with the grain of the groove. The arrangement grows gradually, each layer adding grit to the sentiment. Note how the pedal steel enters as a countermelody rather than atmosphere, and the distorted guitar’s bite adds dynamics.

“I’ll Get Through It” offers a new feel and texture for Watkins, who shows a new side of her vocal tone. “Marlboro Man” moves to a country ballad feel. Watkins’ singing is confident and matches the lyrics’ mood and story. “Slippery Slope” (feat. John Morgan) brings another angle to Watkins’ singing in this catchy duet.

“Average Joe and Plain Jane” is a bright mid-tempo tune with a touch of country gospel swing. The two-feel pulse (bass alternating on beats 1 and 3) lends buoyancy; it’s catty but affectionate. Watkins sounds relaxed, her vowels open and generous. Lyrically, she celebrates the mundane as miraculous, a natural extension of the album’s premise. The moral lies in how rhyme and rhythm mirror content with plain language for plain people, perfectly placed.

“Britches” is equal parts sass and tradition; this track injects humor and old-time country inflection. The rhythm section plays it light, snare on two and four, almost a shuffle. Watkins’s delivery recalls classic honky-tonk storytellers; you can hear her smile through the lines. She toys with dynamics, dropping volume on the verses to punch the chorus. It’s sequencing, coming after the reflective “Plain Jane,” loosens the record’s collar and invites laughter.

Thematically, the album threads grit and grace, sorrow and contentment. The sequencing shows thoughtful architecture: an emotional rise through tracks 2–4, playful relief mid-album, then a reflective descent toward ambiguity. For album craft, that arc is worth diagramming.

Concrete imagery grounds each song: whiskey, boots, F-350, pedal steel, smoke, denim. She writes to place, not abstraction. Her control of repetition in songs like “Lose My Cool” and “Slippery Slope” shows how iteration can reinforce character rather than monotony.

In a Perfect World demonstrates that technical command and emotional candor are not opposites but allies. Watkins’s phrasing, Bundy’s production, and the band’s sensitive playing collectively remind us that engaging music lies in the truthfulness of the heart.

Artist: Lauren Watkins
Album: In a Perfect World
Label: Big Loud Records

Buy and Stream Links
Release Date: October 10, 2025

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.