Maren Morris, ‘Dear Hate’ | Track Review

Maren Morris responds to the Las Vegas mass shooting thoughtfully on her new single, “Dear Hate.”  She’s assisted by Vince Gill. 

A song for times such as these.  Sigh, that’s what Maren Morris offers up with her new single, “Dear Hate,” released on October 3, 2017.  “Dear Hate” is a response to the Las Vegas mass shooting, which took the lives of 58 innocent people.  Morris enlist a country music juggernaut, the one and only, Vince Gill.

There’s plenty to love about “Dear Hate.” Maren Morris kicks things off exceptionally, showcasing the utmost vocal prowess and musicianship on the first two verses. Lyrically, the text is incredibly thoughtful – pitch-perfect in times like these.  On the chorus, she combines forces with Vince Gill, and the vocal chemistry is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  As lovely as the verses are, the chorus is the crowning achievement:

“You were there in the garden, like a snake in the grass / I see you in the morning staring through the looking glass / You whisper down through history and echo through these halls /But I hate to tell you, love’s gonna conquer all.”

Gill arguably get the best verse with verse three:

“Dear Hate / You were smiling from that Selma bridge / In Dallas, when that bullet hit and Jackie cried / You pulled those towers from the sky / But even on our darkest nights / The world keeps spinning ‘round.”

Beyond the third verse, there’s another masterful chorus, a bridge comprised of oohs, and a coda of sorts, combining elements of the verse and the majority of the chorus.  The form of “Dear Hate” is structurally sound.

Final Thoughts 

“Dear Hate” is absolutely radiant and devoid of rubs. Both Maren Morris and Vince Gill deliver superb, authentic vocal performances.  Bigger than these two fantastic musicians is the message: “Love’s gonna conquer all.”

Maren Morris • Dear Hate (Ft. Vince Gill) – Single • Columbia • Release: 10.3.17

Photo Credit: Columbia