Photo: Patrick McCormack

Isabel Pless sings responsibly on “Shirley Temples”

Nashville artist Isabel Pless describes herself as a “word girl”, so it’s not surprising that her songs remind me of Alanis Morissette and Maggie Rogers. Her debut album Workhorse arrives on February 21, and one of the highlights is the new single “Shirley Temples”. The song contains these memorable lines that are closer to Emily Dickinson than to the hard-drinking Anne Sexton: “My life is ruled by common sense and low alcohol tolerance.”

“I wrote ‘Shirley Temples’ about my last summer in Vermont before moving to Nashville,” says Pless. “For the first time in my life I felt so much gratitude for where I grew up and how it helped shape who I am. When I listen to it I feel a little happy, a little sad, and very hopeful— I hope everyone else feels similarly.”

While Pless was growing up in ultra-liberal Vermont, she was influenced by a trio known at the time as The Dixie Chicks (now simply The Chicks), who were unfairly banished from country radio after dissing George W. Bush. Isabel nonetheless found the courage to move to Nashville. Her debut album is produced by Ariza and includes the rhythmic and enchanting song “I Joined A Cult”.

I predict that Isabel Pless will be the worthy successor to ’90s star Mary Chapin Carpenter, an Ivy Leaguer who was likewise literary but scored numerous hits.

Listen to “Shirley Temples” below, or on streamers, and pre-order Isabel’s debut album Workhorse here.

Follow Isabel Pless on Instagram and TikTok.