Maren Morris seems like a relatively recent arrival to the country pop scene, launched to popularity by her 2016 major label debut Hero and its even better follow-up, 2019’s Girl.

I was surprised to learn that Morris independently released three albums before those, starting back in 2005. That’s a 17-year recording career for a woman who only recently turned 30. Those first few albums, two released before she turned 18, don’t seem to be available anywhere.

I’m featuring Morris today because she recently dropped her third major label album, Humble Quest. After really digging Girl, and liking Morris generally for her politics and her collaborations (she’s a member of The Highwomen and has teamed up with John Mayer and Miranda Lambert), I had high hopes for this one.

Unfortunately, the album didn’t grab me after my initial listen. The songwriting is a step down from her last effort. I was hoping for an evolution in her sound but got something that feels like it could have come from any Nashville up-and-comer.

Today’s track, ‘Hummingbird,’ is a bit of an exception. Written for her recently-born son, it’s a lovely song that hints at other colors in Morris’ palette.