NYCS First Impression: Maren Morris ‘GIRL’
Nearly three years since the release of her debut album HERO, Grammy award-winning artist Maren Morris has finally released her second full-length studio album today, entitled GIRL. Morris co-wrote each of the fourteen tracks with a variety of songwriters, including her husband Ryan Hurd, who also contributed harmonizing vocals on the mesmerizing track, “Great Ones.”
Morris also put on her producing hat for the lead single and title track, “GIRL” with Greg Kurstin, who essentially produced the entire record. The Texas native has incorporated a beautiful blend of unique sounds, powerful lyrics, and badass girl power into this album. Opening up with the title-track and lead single, “GIRL” sets the tone for the stories being told throughout the remaining thirteen tracks. The female empowerment anthem dignifies the concept that there is no need for competition between women, and we should learn to truly love ourselves.
Morris debuted the second track, “Feels” while on tour with Niall Horan last summer. She expresses her preconceived feelings in this upbeat, gushy tune. “You don’t gotta light a candle / You don’t have to set the mood / What you’ve got to understand though / I’m already into you / It’s chemistry, meant to be / Incomprehensibly / Tangled up in it / Yeah boy you’re giving me the feels”
“All My Favorite People” is one of two collaborations on the record, this one featuring her platinum-selling pals, Brothers Osborne. Morris, TJ and John have some fun with the track, explaining why they are each other’s, favorite people. And of course, no Brothers Osborne song is complete without an impressive guitar solo. This country-rock song is truly a jam. “A Song for Everything” follows in the style of “My Church,” a nostalgic tribute to music itself. The singer-songwriter discusses life’s highs and the lows, adamant that there is a song connected to every situation we all experience.
Morris has never felt the need or want to fit into a “box”, creatively or personally and the rebellious track “Flavor” is a true representation of that. She sings in the chorus, “I’m cooking up my own flavor / Even if it ain’t your style / You’re only seeing one layer / Original can take a while / Making a mess, straight outta scratch / Think what you think about that / Oh I’m just trying to make good a little bit greater”. The song’s bridge contains some of the most powerful lyrics in all of the singer-songwriter’s discography, “I speak my peace / don’t do what I’m told / ‘Shut up and sing’ / Well, hell no I won’t”
“Make Out With Me” and “RSVP” are the two seductive tracks on this record, the sultry lyrics show a mature side of Morris, while the most vulnerable track on this record is “To Hell & Back.” The mid-tempo ballad tells the story of her partner’s willingness to love her fully, no matter what the circumstances. “The Bones,” tells the story of a long-lasting relationship that can make it through anything, as long as the foundation it’s built on is strong and honest.
Closing out the record is “Shade” a love song, in which she finds her perfect match. “Baby, you’re my color / Custom made / Think I finally discovered you’re my perfect shade” Morris displays no signs of holding back in terms of musical style or lyrics on this record. It candidly encapsulates the songstress’ authentic artistry and passion for music. GIRL is an intimate and cultivated level up from HERO.
Morris will head out to promote this project on her headlining ‘GIRL: The World Tour.’ The forty-two date run will stop in New York City on Friday, May 3rd at Brooklyn Steel and Saturday, May 4th at Terminal 5. Tickets are available now. Visit marenmorris.com for a full list of dates.
GIRL is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
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