Review
"Hero," Maren Morris's first swing at a major-label album, really struck a chord when it debuted back in June 2016. Fans and critics alike were drawn to its unique blend of down-home country and catchy pop elements. The album includes "My Church," a single that pretty much became everyone's hymnal for a while, and it wasn't just a fan-favorite; "Hero" went gold and hit the top five on the Billboard 200 chart. It's one of those records where you can really get a sense of the artist in the details – Maren wrote every song and co-produced the album with busbee, which lets her effortlessly mix and nod to different genres and eras in her music.
Critically speaking, "Hero" was something of a beacon for modern country music, seen as the face of the genre's current evolution. Critics were quick to appreciate Maren's mix of sharp lyrics and addictive melodies. Even The New York Times chimed in, highlighting the album as an extraordinary country debut. Although some felt it was a bit of a departure from classic country sounds, Maren's ability to infuse pop, and even a dash of hip-hop, into her music had her standing out in a crowd. This fresh take didn't go unnoticed; the album was up for Best Country Album at the Grammys, signaling Maren Morris as a trailblazer in the realm of country music. - Courtney
