More Rain

Released in 2016, More Rain marks M. Ward's eighth studio outing and a return to his solo career after a prolific stint with Zooey Deschanel in She & Him. The album's genesis is particularly notable; Ward initially intended to record an a cappella doo-wop album, experimenting heavily with layering his own vocals. While the project eventually expanded to include a full band and high-profile guests like Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Neko Case, and k.d. lang, those early vocal experiments remain the album's sonic backbone. This results in a 'chamber folk' sound that is denser and more arranged than his lo-fi beginnings. Critics generally praised the album's craftsmanship and 'dreamy' quality, though some noted it felt less urgent than his landmark mid-2000s releases. It stands as a mature, weather-focused entry in his catalog that prioritizes atmosphere and melodic warmth over experimental friction.