Concert Review: Maren Morris Closes ‘Hero’ Tour With Swagger
The undeniable highlight of Maren Morris' Nashville tour stop was "Rich," and the singer barely opened her mouth. Her sold-out audience at the Cannery Ballroom did it for her.
Morris is not yet headlining large theaters, arenas or amphitheaters, but there's no denying the power of her fanbase. For over a year they've shouted the words of songs from her Hero album back at her, culminating with the wordy, not especially easy to memorize, chorus of "Rich" on Wednesday night (April 5). Morris crouched down and smiled as they brought her home.
The 75-minute-long set closed with "My Church" before she returned with boyfriend Ryan Hurd to sing "Last Turn Home," a song they wrote for Tim McGraw several years ago. Brothers Osborne then joined them on stage to sing "Greener Pastures" from the duo's own Pawn Shop album. The pot-friendly jam closed a show that fluctuated between highs and lows — moments of heavy emotion and easy calm.
The best songs found Morris owning the stage like a true country diva. She nearly grew a foot in front of her fans singing "Sugar," "Drunk Girls Don't Cry" and "80s Mercedes." At times that intensity would wane — arms wouldn't be thrust as high into the air, or she'd peek when closing her eyes through an emotional ballad. These aren't criticisms as much as reminders that there's a high ceiling still, despite the Grammys, CMAs and No. 1 hits.
Opening act Devin Dawson returned to the stage to join her for "Company You Keep," happily deferring to her after a month spent on the road. Morris' new single "I Could Use a Love Song" and "Once" (especially "Once") were the most emotional songs. These ballads break from the familiar crescendo and rise she relies on for chorus, and they're also the most vocally impressive. Morris nearly disappeared into herself during the performance of the final song from Hero. It was a highlight.
With her first headlining tour over with, Morris said she'll begin dreaming and writing songs for the follow-up to Hero. This summer she'll hit the road with Sam Hunt.
See Photos of Maren Morris and From the 2017 ACM Awards
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