Mirah: Dedication

Pitchfork

by Zach Schonfeld

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mirah’s *Dedication*, her first album in seven years, is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant work that reflects the significant life changes she experienced between its recording and release. During this period, Mirah faced profound challenges, including the loss of her father shortly before the release of her sixth album, *Understanding*, followed by the birth of her son four months later. The pandemic further disrupted her plans to resume touring, intensifying feelings of postpartum anxiety. Despite these struggles, *Dedication* emerges as a tender and reflective album that grapples with themes of grief, motherhood, marital strain, and gratitude. Its earnestness and vulnerability make it a poignant listen for anyone navigating the complexities of adulthood. The album showcases Mirah’s evolution as an artist, shifting from her earlier lo-fi, bedroom-pop style to a more mature, earthy folk-rock sound. Tracks like “Catch My Breath” explore the struggles of maintaining a relationship during difficult times, with lyrics that emphasize cherishing what is already present. Another standout, “The Ballad of the Bride of Frankenstein,” uses horror iconography as a metaphor for marital discord, blending darkness with hope in its narrative. These songs highlight Mirah’s ability to channel personal pain into universal themes, creating music that feels both intimate and relatable. Mirah’s writing process for *Dedication* took place during a self-imposed residency in California, where she重新connected with her creative voice after years of pause. This period of reflection allowed her to explore the duality of distance and closeness, as heard in tracks like “After the Rain,” which celebrates family and gratitude despite loss. Accompanied by collaborators such as Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak) and Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), Mirah delivers a warm, campfire-style sound that

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Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/20/2026