Maren Morris’ Post-Divorce Journey and New Album Dreamsicle
A New Chapter in Life
Filtered through the lens of self-care, Maren Morris’ post-divorce life presents a picture that could easily fit into an Instagram carousel. Her new album, Dreamsicle, features the steely synth-pop track “cut,” where she reveals the complexities of her emotional landscape. Embracing wellness, she prioritizes sleep, therapy, yoga sessions four times a week, and cherishing moments with friends. However, the underlying emotions in her music tell a different story. “Honestly? Fuck!” she exclaims in the song, as the keyboards fizzle and explode into the atmosphere.
The Impact of Divorce
Morris and fellow singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd, with whom she shares a son, finalized their divorce in January 2024. Later that June, she publicly came out as bisexual. While her previous album, Humble Quest, explored her relationship with Hurd, Dreamsicle is not merely a divorce album filled with heartbreak. Instead, it more closely resembles Miranda Lambert’s introspective work following her split from Blake Shelton. Morris seems to navigate her new life while reflecting on her identity and experiences.
Exploring New Perspectives
As she ventures into her post-divorce life, Morris discovers new aspects of her sexuality. In the song “bed no breakfast,” she humorously warns against catching feelings in a no-strings-attached arrangement, presenting lyrics that read like an awkward Airbnb listing. The song showcases her breathy, swooning vocals. Another standout track, “push me over,” features Naomi McPherson from indie-pop band MUNA and highlights the exhilarating excitement of being with a woman, framed by ’80s-inspired instrumentation and R&B rhythms.
Musical Cohesion and Collaborations
Morris has always resisted being pigeonholed into a specific genre, and while her 2019 album Girl felt somewhat disjointed, Dreamsicle exhibits a greater sense of cohesion. This album showcases varied influences, drawing from a single creative closet. Collaborating again with pop powerhouse Jack Antonoff, she delivers tracks like the blues-tinged “people still show up” and the indie-rock closer “holy smoke.” However, the album’s complexity varies, and at times, she seems to lean into familiar pop tropes, occasionally losing her unique voice.
Addressing the Past with Humor and Emotion
Morris strikes a balance between self-reflection and levity in tracks like “lemonade,” where she addresses both her ex and her tendency to sugarcoat his negative traits. The playful metaphor culminates in the cheeky line, “Gotta pour you down the drain.” Conversely, “this is how a woman leaves” captures a more profound sense of loss, presenting Morris’ voice with the space to express a confident, swaggering snarl.
The Beauty of Friendship
In the aftermath of her marriage, Morris finds solace in the love and support of her friends. The track “grand bouquet,” produced by Antonoff, features reflective acoustic guitar and highlights her gratitude for her friends’ presence in her life. As she transitions from cherishing romantic love to appreciating the wildflowers of friendship, Morris embraces the beauty of her new reality.
Conclusion
Maren Morris’ Dreamsicle is a testament to her journey of self-discovery and resilience following her divorce. Through her music, she captures the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the importance of friendship. As she continues to explore her identity and navigate her new life, Morris invites listeners to join her on this transformative journey.
FAQs
What themes are explored in Maren Morris’ album Dreamsicle?
The album delves into themes of self-discovery, love, heartbreak, and the importance of friendships, particularly in the context of her post-divorce life.
How does Dreamsicle compare to Maren Morris’ previous albums?
While her previous album Humble Quest focused on her relationship with Ryan Hurd, Dreamsicle offers a more cohesive exploration of her identity and experiences following their divorce.
Who are some of the collaborators on the album?
Maren Morris collaborates with notable producers and artists, including Jack Antonoff and Naomi McPherson from the band MUNA, contributing to the album’s diverse sound.
What is the significance of the title track “cut”?
The track “cut” encapsulates the emotional turmoil and complexities of Morris’ post-divorce life, serving as a powerful anthem for her journey toward self-acceptance.
