Recommended tracks: “holy smoke,” “lemonade,” “too good”
Artists you may like: MUNA, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan
Three years after releasing Humble Quest, Maren Morris returns with her highly anticipated fourth studio album, D R E A M S I C L E, and dare I say, she’s never sounded better. Blending her signature country-pop style with bold new sonic textures, this album feels like both a fresh chapter and a confident culmination of her artistry.
Morris has never been one to stay in a single lane. Since breaking through with her GRAMMY-winning hit “My Church,” she’s carved out a space in country music that’s uniquely hers, fearlessly blending pop, rock, soul, and Americana while keeping one foot planted in her Nashville roots. Over the years, Morris has become known not only for her powerhouse vocals, but also for her bold songwriting and boundary-pushing artistry. With D R E A M S I C L E, she takes her biggest leap yet, embracing a glossier, more pop-forward sound that feels both intentional and entirely her own. It’s a record that signals evolution, not departure, and it just might be her most compelling work to date.
The record kicks off with “lemonade,” a breezy, early-2000s-inspired pop track about cutting out negative energy and reclaiming your peace. Sampling Ashlee Simpson’s “Pieces of Me,” it drips with nostalgia, like a song you might’ve heard blasting from the radio during a carefree summer afternoon. It’s the perfect opener, setting the tone for an album that leans into memory, reinvention, and pop-driven joy.
The next set of tracks — “people still show up,” “cry in the car,” and “cut!” (featuring Julia Michaels) — flows seamlessly, almost telling a story. Initially, I wondered how cohesive the album would feel, given that many of these songs were released last June as part of her Intermission EP. However, within the context of the full album, they feel more complete, with each track perfectly placed. Morris has mentioned carefully curating the sequence, and it’s clear that these songs connect effortlessly, creating a flawless listening experience.
One of the standout tracks for me is “too good,” a bar room-style anthem about an old fling. Morris has said this song features her favorite bridge she’s ever written and honestly, I can see why. It’s easily some of her sharpest writing: “I can see it now / How it’s gonna end / Sitting at a bar / Telling all your friends / That you had me once / I was heaven sent / But bitch you still owe me rent!” The line is bold, biting, and unforgettable, but still playful in all the right ways.
The three-track run of “because, of course,” “grand bouquet,” and “this is how a woman leaves” takes you on a powerful journey through love, hope, and loss. As I’ve mentioned throughout this review, the placement of these songs is no accident. It gives the album the feel of a concept record. This sequence in particular captures the emotional arc of the project and reflects the path Morris has walked over the past few years. It’s intimate, intentional, and deeply affecting.
The album’s closer and probably my favorite track is “holy smoke.” This string-heavy song captures the feeling of finally stepping into the light after a long period of darkness. It’s the perfect follow-up to “carry me through,” a track where Morris reflects on confronting her anxieties and leaning on others for support. Her careful sequencing of the songs is especially clear here, as she creates a narrative arc that feels intentional and emotionally resonant.
Lyrically and sonically, “holy smoke” is a standout. The production is lush, and the opening lines immediately draw you in: “There’s beauty in the questions / That I still can’t answer now / But the world got less depressing / When I finally left the house / Wasn’t locked out of heaven / I just had to look around / Doesn’t mean I still don’t have my doubts.” These lines reflect both vulnerability and hope, anchoring the song as a powerful end to the record.
With D R E A M S I C L E, Maren Morris delivers her most cohesive and emotionally resonant work yet. It’s an album that feels like both a reset and a revelation: unafraid to experiment, but grounded in the kind of honesty that’s always made her music hit hard. From the pop-forward production to the deeply personal lyrics, this record sounds like someone who knows exactly who she is and isn’t afraid to evolve. If this is the direction she’s heading in, then count me all the way in.
If you want to hear these songs live, Morris embarks on her D R E A M S I C L E Tour starting July 12 throughout North America and will be heading to Europe in November. Tickets are available here.
Keep up with Maren Morris: Instagram // Spotify // X // Facebook // Website
