Maren Morris is known for her ability to move between genres, making her stand out even beyond the country-radio crowd. The Texas native has written songs for artists like Tim McGraw, Jessie James Decker, Brothers Osborne, and even Kelly Clarkson. Her talent extends beyond songwriting—Morris made a big splash with her debut single “My Church,” which won her a Grammy in 2017. She then found crossover success with Zedd on “Middle” and later formed the country supergroup The Highwomen alongside Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Amanda Shires.
Her latest album, Humble Quest, shows off the full range of her artistry. It’s far more ambitious than the title suggests, drawing from her personal life and experiences. In “Circles Around This Town,” Morris reflects on her Nashville journey, while the emotional ballad “What Would This World Do?” honors her friend and longtime producer Michael Busbee, who passed away in 2019. She also sings about her long-distance marriage in both “The Furthest Thing” and the playful “I Can’t Love You Anymore.”
The album spans a variety of sounds, from the haunting bluegrass vibes of “Hummingbird,” which reflects on her journey into motherhood, to upbeat tracks like “Tall Guys” and “Good Friends,” with a touch of pop and rock influences. While the mix of styles may not create a completely cohesive sound, in today’s streaming era, that’s less of an issue. Morris’ strong storytelling ties everything together, especially on songs like “Circles,” where she sings about finding meaning in her music. Overall, she succeeds in delivering an album that’s rich and relatable.
