3 Must-Hear Tracks by Megan Moroney

Last year, Megan Moroney won the Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year.

Videos by American Songwriter

It follows the release of her second studio album Am I Okay? that reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Top Country Albums chart.

The 27-year-old singer is a rising country star. If you’re not familiar with Moroney, here’s a three-track introduction to her music.

“Tennessee Orange” from Lucky (2023)

Kristian Bush from Sugarland produced Moroney’s breakthrough single. The Georgia native calls her mom back home to tell her she’s met a man. But she’s nervous about how her father might react. And the biggest news isn’t the new relationship—it’s Moroney admitting she’s wearing the colors of the Tennessee Volunteers. If you follow college sports, and you’re from Georgia, this is enough information to convince your family you’ve lost the plot.

I met somebody and he’s got blue eyes
He opens the door and he don’t make me cry
He ain’t from where we’re from
But he feels like home, yeah
He’s got me doing things I’ve never done
In Georgia, they call it a sin
I’m wearing Tennessee orange for him

“I’m Not Pretty” from Lucky (2023)

Released as the second single from Moroney’s debut album, “I’m Not Pretty” describes an ex’s new girlfriend “liking” a photo on Moroney’s Instagram. She feels judged by her ex’s partner and becomes curious about the new girl’s intentions. Then Moroney offers a Southern expression that sounds pleasant enough but essentially means, “F–k you.” Bless your heart.

Girl, let me guess, you don’t like how I dress
And you’re hating on the way I talk (bless your heart)
Give me a break, learn to sew, bake a cake
Take a walk, and while you’re at it, get lost

“Am I Okay?” from Am I Okay? (2024)

Moroney gives herself a wellness check on the title track of her second album. She’s accustomed to tumultuous relationships and doesn’t quite know what to do in a healthy romance. In the opening verse, she says she’s playing “less Black Keys.” If capitalized, perhaps referencing the dark blues of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. But if lowercase, it may instead mean the black keys—sharp or flat notes—on the piano. For example, you need a black key for a C major (happy) chord to become a C minor (sad) chord. Also, former Better Than Ezra and current Sugarland drummer Travis McNabb plays on the track, showcasing why he remains an elite sideman.

I check my pulse and my heart’s still beating
Exhale I think I’m still breathing
Both feet on the ground, but something’s changed
I’ve been playing less Black Keys, baby
And my friends swear I’ve gone crazy
I don’t know how to act, I don’t know what to say

Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images