Some people were surprised when Kacey Musgraves won a Grammy for her “Golden Hour” album. It shouldn’t have surprised anyone who has actually taken the time to listen to the album in its entirety. It’s unfortunate that female artists don’t get more radio airplay, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of women putting out great music.
Maren Morris is another one of those artists. She released her album, Girl, last month. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it is at least nominated for a Grammy next year. Whether it is or not, this is an important album. It is not only important for women, but it is important for country music. It’s been said for years that a majority of country music fans are female. I have to wonder how long that will continue to be the case if women rarely hear other women on the radio. I think artists like Morris and Musgraves are very good for country music. If I had a daughter, I would hope that she would admire these strong women.
“Girl,” the title track of the album and the first single, is also first song on the album. It sets the tone for the entire album. Morris is showing herself as a strong woman and she is encouraging others to be strong, independent women, too. It is clear that this is a woman who can make it in the world on her own.
When it comes to relationship, Morris is showing herself as someone who doesn’t settle. The love songs on the album seem authentic. One of them is “Gold Love,” a song about being confident that she has found the right person. Morris sings, “I guess I always knew/ There was something more to you/ If my stars burn out of light/ If my diamond loses shine/ Your gold love gets me through.”
“All My Favorite People” is a duet with Brothers Osborne. It’s great song about friendship. Morris sings, “Not everybody gets what we’re going through/ All my favorite people do.” Friends are people who stick together and understand each other.
“A Song For Everything” is another one of my favorite songs on the albums. I can really relate to this song. I can hear a song and it can suddenly transport me to another time and place. A song has the power to completely change my mood. Like most people, I do have a song for everything, every situation and every mood.
When Maren Morris came onto the scene with “My Church,” I was impressed. I am even more impressed with the release of the Girl album. I believe Girl is even stronger than her debut album.
Rick Amburgey is an experienced journalist and country music fan. He can be contacted on Twitter at @ViewsCountry.