Long before she played aspiring singer and (and mom) Rebecca Pearson on the NBC hit “This Is Us,” Mandy Moore was herself a pop star on the rise during the baby-diva boom of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson.
But during her seven-year marriage to Ryan Adams that ended in 2016, Moore 35, says she was psychologically abused by the singer-songwriter, putting a halt to her music career. But now she’s back on the pop scene with “Silver Landings,” her first new studio album since 2009’s “Amanda Leigh.”
There’s a cathartic, therapeutic release in the breezy folk-pop of “Silver Landings,” as if Moore, letting out all of those pent-up emotions in low-key fashion, is finally at peace. Here are are some healing highlights of her new album.
Mandy MooreAP“I’d Rather Lose”
“I’d rather lose/If the only way to win is by breaking all the rules,” Moore sings on the light-handedly philosophical opener that sets the tone for the rest of the album’s quiet reflection.
“Save a Little for Yourself”
On this self-love anthem, Moore reminds you not to completely lose yourself in someone else. “When someone gets the best of you/Don’t let them take the rest of you,” she sings, as if from hard-earned experience.
“Forgiveness”
The “Silver Landings” track most directly aimed at Adams is a ballad that pierces like a bullet to the heart when a deceptively sweet Moore sings, “Will I forgive you?/You don’t get to know.” Ouch.
“Stories Reminding Myself of Me”
You can hear Moore coming back to herself with a midtempo rush of rejuvenation and recognition, as she frees herself from “the demons of the past.” When she sings, “It feels so good to sing/It’s been too damn long,” you can feel her exhale.
