After the release of her last album Maren Morris has faced some tumultuous times in her career and personal life. Idiots on the internet trolled her in numerous, cruel ways simply for speaking her mind and not being their idea of a cardboard cutout country music star. She split from the father of her child and came out as bisexual. You could forgive her for needing some time away from the limelight. Instead what she’s done is taken a little ‘Intermission’ by releasing this short but epic E.P., signalling a switch in directions in more ways than one.
The reason Maren succeeded in the country music genre is the same reason she got pushed out: she’s confident, beautiful, talented, and doesn’t give a shit what other people think. So if your idea of a perfect female country pop star is a blonde automaton who sings about trucks and how much they love their boyfriend, well Maren was never the singer for you anyway. Times have shifted to a more traditional country sound in the Nashville mainstream anyway so it’s definitely the right time for Maren to move over towards pop music, even if part of me wishes she’d stayed to prove the haters wrong.
“Intermission’ sounds confident and free in a way that has all to do with moving away from expectations. That doesn’t mean everything is okay, though. ‘cut!’ takes us to where Maren’s headspace is. On the outside she’s coping, doing everything right, yoga, meditation, all that good stuff that’s supposed to help you function. Behind closed doors is another matter. The beauty of ‘cut!’ is how it describes the reality of what most women go through in life – they need a moment to scream and shout and cry and thank god Maren has given us this song so we can do just that. Julia Michaels supports her on this one, because every good show needs their friends to back them up.
‘i hope i never fall in love’ takes us into the reality of post-divorce dating. She’s out doing her best to make a connection with someone but sounds so tired of all the bullshit that comes with relationships. Musically her voice has never sounded so perfectly disinterested. The bones have collapsed in on themselves and there’s something really human in the way she delivers this one.
‘push me over’ is where this EP gets interesting. Co-written with the sapphic queens MUNA, here we have Girl Crush on steroids. Maren sings about exploring her sexuality, yearning for connection with a woman and feeling vulnerable in a good way. There’s a euphoric early 90s vibe to the sound as well which works beautifully. She should send this one to country radio for fun and add a note that says ‘LGBT rights’.
‘because, of course’ is a great big thumping pop song – something she can sing in her sleep. It was written for her son which elevates it beyond just a basic love song.
The last song on the album is the real standout. ‘this is how a woman leaves’ is an epic ballad of strength and determination. It could be about her relationship but it could equally be about moving on from anything that holds you back or anyone who doesn’t understand you. Her voice is stunning on this one, which was co-written with Madi Diaz and Sarah Buxton.
Honestly it feels like this is just the beginning of a brilliant, grown-up pop album. I would have loved to hear more about exactly all the shit she’s gone through – a ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’ for the digital age or a few more soulful searching songs in the style of ‘My Church’ but maybe she intended to leave us wanting more?
Despite it only being an EP ‘Intermission’ is the right kind of forward motion – no more humble quests into a country music industry that doesn’t appreciate you. Here’s exactly who Maren Morris is and she won’t apologise for it. Bravo, girl you’ve done yourself proud on this one.
Highway Queens 
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