ToC Critic’s Pick: Mickey Guyton, ‘Nice Things’ [Listen]

Mickey Guyton shows gospel and bluegrass sensibilities during "Nice Things," a softer heartbreak song that is no less powerful than her debut.

"Nice Things" is as much a vocal showcase as "Better Than You Left Me," but her style is far right of the mainstream target she aimed for previously. The Texas-raised singer and storyteller borrows from Appalachia to deliver a strong, organic and vulnerable message to an ex-lover. Ultimately, Guyton finds redemption and her path there is three-plus minutes of inspiration.

Credit Liz Rose and Stephanie Chapman for helping Guyton pen a beautifully simple lyric that paints an emotional image without spilling an extra word. If nothing else, "Nice Things" will open her up to new audiences.

Did You Know?: Mickey Guyton was once rejected by American Idol, but she's not alone. See a list of four more country stars who were not given a golden ticket below.

Listen to Mickey Guyton, "Nice Things"

See 5 Country Stars Rejected by American Idol

Mickey Guyton, "Nice Things" Lyrics:

I am priceless, don't you know / But you broke me even so / Shiny gold and diamond rings / Your mama always said you can't have nice things.

Held me tightly as you dared / And when I cried out you did not care / You stole my heart and then my wings / Your mama always said you can't have nice things. 

Oh little boy without your toys out in the yard / I gave you the moon but you had to have the stars / Took them from the sky and you left them in the dark / Until they rusted right through. 

Precious memories gone like that / You can't ever buy them back / I know you can not afford these dreams / Like mama always said you can't have nice things.

You can't keep me lock and key / Just to satisfy your needs / Lord knows you know why the caged bird says / Like mama always said you can't have nice things / Your mama always said you can't have nice things.