Morgan Wade | Obsessed Review

by Bea Willis

Morgan Wade’s third studio album, Obsessed, reflects her evolution as an artist and as a person from her early days in Floyd, Virginia, where the sounds of bluegrass filled the air, to her emergence as one of country music’s most compelling voices. Wade has always defied the conventions of the genre. Her raspy, soulful voice, which she once kept hidden, has become her defining feature, and on Obsessed, she fully embraces it, along with the raw vulnerability that has always been at the heart of her songwriting.

Wade’s journey has been anything but conventional. Growing up in a town where bluegrass was the soundtrack of life, she heard different melodies in her head—pop, punk, and rock influences that seemed at odds with her surroundings. Yet, these influences have helped shape her unique sound, a blend of country, rock, and alt-country that defies easy categorization. Her debut album, Reckless, was a revelation, earning her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Psychopath, her sophomore effort, saw her experimenting with new sounds, pushing the boundaries of her sound. But Obsessed feels like a homecoming, a return to the raw, unfiltered sound that first put her on the map.

The opening track, “Total Control,” makes it clear that Wade is not interested in playing it safe. The song’s rock guitar tones and driving drums set the setting for an album that is unapologetically bold. Her voice on this track has a richness that hasn’t been as prominent in her previous work, adding a new layer of depth to her distinctive sound.

The album’s title track, “Obsessed,” exemplifies Wade’s ability to blend genres to create a sound that is country for today’s fans. The song’s acoustic simplicity is punctuated by elements of power-pop, creating a dreamy atmosphere that contrasts with the rawness of her lyrics. It’s a song about yearning and the obsessive nature of love and desire, themes that run throughout the album.

Wade’s exploration of romantic themes is more pronounced in Obsessed than in her previous records. “Juliet,” with its sultry, sensual vibe, urges a secret lover to come out of the shadows. The song’s catchy guitar riff and Wade’s melody delivery create a captivating sense of intimacy. Similarly, “Moth To A Flame” is a tender acoustic number that sees Wade trading in her wild Friday nights for quiet moments with a loved one, reflecting a softer, more introspective side of her vocal style.

Wade delves into her psyche and confronts her past, which is one of her greatest strengths as a lyricist. On “2AM In London,” she captures the loneliness of being far from home, the struggle with addiction, and the longing for connection. The decision to request the minibar be removed from her hotel room is a powerful reminder of her ongoing battle with sobriety, a theme that recurs throughout the album.

The track “Walked On Water,” a duet with pop star Kesha, is a piano-driven ballad in which both artists build the storyline of the lyrics, which urge us not to fall back into old bad habits. Their voices blend beautifully, creating a hauntingly emotional setting.

Obsessed showcases Wade’s versatility as a musician. “Time To Love, Time To Kill” is built on a more traditional country-sounding framework, with its full baking vocal harmonies and growing organ pad. It’s a song that focuses on Wade’s country-tinged vocal style.

“Hansel and Gretel” offers a moody exploration of lost love, with strumming acoustic and slide guitar tones that evoke the eerie atmosphere of the fairy tale. Meanwhile, “Halloween” is a folk-inspired track that uses strings to create a lonesome Western tone and reflective mood as Wade looks back on missed opportunities in her relationships.

Wade leaves us with “Deconstruction,” a song that harks back to the 90s rock influences that have always been a part of her sound. The lyrics, “I finally feel seen,” speak to a newfound sense of security in her relationships and in herself. It’s a fitting end to an album that is as much about self-discovery as it is about love and loss.

Obsessed feels like another chapter in Morgan Wade’s musical storybook. She continues to build on the rocky, raw elements that fans loved in her previous two albums while embracing a softer, more romantic side. Wade’s willingness to be vulnerable, confront her past, and explore new sounds has resulted in an album that is personal and very relatable to the listener.

5 Finger Review Rating!

Obsessed

Release Date: August 16, 2024

Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.