With the success of Maren Morris‘s first single “My Church” (which is currently sitting at #8 at Country Radio), her debut album Hero is finally out! One of Country Music’s most talked about up-and-coming artists, Hero is a breath of fresh air. The lyrics are strong and the whole album is filled with memorable melodies and hooks.

A lot of these songs will definitely become summer and fall anthems. Hero is a mix of pop, blues and country. Morris’s voice is unique and her lyrics are open and honest. She may be young, but she is a powerhouse songwriter, much like the Texan ladies that came before her, Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves.

OVERALL FEELING OF MAREN MORRIS’S DEBUT ALBUM HERO
“80s Mercedes,” “Sugar” and “Rich” are all influenced by the pop music of the 90’s. The lyrics are not only catchy but ones that will make you want to dance. Lyrics like: I’m a 90’s baby in a 80’s Mercedes, will get stuck in your head!

“Drunk Girls Don’t Cry” is a tongue in cheek song that is sure to be a fan favorite. There are the inevitable heartbreaking songs like “How It’s Done” and “I Wish I Was.”

TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW OF HERO

“Sugar” has a strong hook that will draw you in and undoubtedly get stuck in your head as you dance around to the lyrics. Baby would you be my sugar, sugar? / Make my heart race, even on a good day / You make the world taste better, better.

“Rich” is upbeat with a pop feel. It visually depicts the lyrics and takes the ‘If I had a dollar for every time…” quote to the next level.

“My Church” is the lead single off Hero and truly embodies Country Music. Morris’s voice really carries the song and when she sings “Can I get a Hallelujah / can I get an amen / Feels like the Holy Ghost running through ya / When I play the highway FM / I find my soul revival / Singing every single verse / Yeah I guess that’s my church,  you really do feel like you are in the middle of a church service.

“I Could Use A Love Song” has a slower pace but a steady beat that keeps it more uptempo than your typical “slow song.” I could use a love song / That takes me back, just like that / When it comes on / To a time when I wouldn’t roll my eyes / At a guy and a girl who make it work in a world / That for me so far just seems to go so wrong.

“80s Mercedes” will be your summer jam as you drive along with the windows rolled down. It is upbeat and instantly catchy with lyrics like: Got them Ray-Ban shades / pretty in pink / Call me old school but hey / I’m a 90’s baby /In my 80s Mercedes.

“Drunk Girls Don’t Cry” is filled with analogies for that one friend who doesn’t want to admit their relationship is no good for them. It’s a tune you will almost feel empowered singing along to as you picture yourself saying the words to your friend. You say he saw the light / the slate is clean / He swears up and down that it’s gonna be / Different this time / That’s like saying drunk girls don’t cry.

“How It’s Done” is an easy song to really feel the groove and mood of the album. The lyrics fit together smoothly and the song is a refreshing take at wanting to be with someone, but watching them choose the wrong person over and over. Finally, you get the nerve to say ‘Hey, look at me. We can do this.'”

“Just Another Thing” has a bluesy feel to it. The song is a tale that’s been told time and time again, but wonderfully retold in Morris’s words. It’s about a girl getting hooked on a guy and he becomes an addiction she just can’t kick. You’re just another mess / another late night call I shouldn’t be making / Just another high / another one night shot / I shouldn’t be chasing.

“I Wish I Was” has a slower almost jazzy feel to it as we feel the pain of a relationship of a guy caring more for the girl than she cares for him. It’s an interesting twist, as normally we are used to hearing about the guy breaking the girl’s heart or finding someone new. It’s one of the songs that sets Morris’s apart from other artists. I’m not the hero in the story / I’m not the girl that gets the glory / Cause you’re looking for true love / And I’m not the one / But I wish, but I wish I was.

“Second Wind” may sound familiar as it was also cut by Kelly Clarkson, but written by Morris. It’s a song everybody needs to listen to as it leaves you feeling empowered and able to face life’s battles with a little more courage. You can hate me / underestimate me / Do what you do / cause what you do don’t phase me / Just when you think I’m at the end / Any second I’mma catch my second wind

“Once” also has a bluesy feel to it, which is fitting since it’s about a relationship that has ended. It’s the story of regret, knowing you can’t change what happened but not wanting the other person to forget about you and the love you once shared.

LISTEN TO MAREN MORRIS’S DEBUT ALBUM HERO