Maren Morris is the debut extended play (EP) by American singer Maren Morris. It was self-released in August 2015, and later released through Columbia Nashville on November 6. The EP marked Morris's major-label debut, incorporating influences from country, pop, rock, and hip-hop. Following Maren Morriss initial self-release, it attracted significant attention on Spotify, leading Morris to sign with Columbia Nashville and helping launch her mainstream breakthrough with the single "My Church".
Background Before releasing her major-label debut EP, Morris had begun performing professionally at age 14, independently released three studio albums, and established herself as a songwriter for artists including Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson. She was also writing alongside musicians including Kacey Musgraves and Brothers Osborne.
Composition Discussing the project, Morris said she "never really set out to make a country record or a pop record", explaining instead that she simply "wanted to make it [hers]". The EP combines elements of rock, pop, hip-hop, and country.
Release In August 2015, Morris self-released five songs as a self-titled EP on Spotify. The EP garnered 2.5 million streams on the platform in a month, and its three songs appeared on the Spotify's US and Global "Viral 50" chart. It led Morris sign to Columbia Nashville in September that year, and they re-released the EP on November 6. The track "My Church" gained more than one million streams on Spotify.
Critical reception
Mark Deming of AllMusic felt that Morris adopted various genres in Maren Morris such as pop, country, hip-hop, and rock, which "reflects her bold and confident personality".
Track listing All tracks were produced by Morris and Busbee, except where noted.
Charts + Chart performance Chart (2015) Peakposition
References