Megan Moroney Ascends to Cloud 9 with the Irresistible Fire of 'Wish I Didn’t'

By Anne Connor | The Sound Cafe

Photo Credit: Amber Asaly.

There’s a moment in every artist’s journey when momentum turns into inevitability, when the narrative is no longer about promise, but arrival. With the release of “Wish I Didn’t,” Megan Moroney doesn’t just step confidently into that moment; she owns it, spark by spark, hook by hook, lyric by lyric.

Premiering today alongside a slick, high-glam official music video co-starring Dylan Efron, “Wish I Didn’t” is the most playful, defiant, and explosively fun offering yet from Moroney’s forthcoming third studio album, Cloud 9. Five weeks out from release, the album already feels less like an upcoming record and more like a cultural event.

Moroney has built her reputation on emotional precision, on taking heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-awareness and sharpening them into songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. “Wish I Didn’t” flips that familiar emotional lens outward. It’s not about collapse; it’s about control. A warning shot dressed as a grin. A raised eyebrow turned into a chorus.

From its opening lines, the track wastes no time setting the tone. Moroney sizes up a charming walking red flag with a cool confidence that feels earned rather than performative. She’s heard the stories. She knows the history. And still, because attraction is rarely logical, she steps closer, but not without drawing a clear boundary. When the chorus hits, it’s impossible not to feel the rush: “I think I’m falling for you / Don’t make me wish I didn’t.” It’s both invitation and ultimatum, delivered with effortless melodic swagger.

Penned by Moroney alongside Emily Weisband, Hillary Lindsey, and Luke Laird, “Wish I Didn’t” is a masterclass in modern country-pop songwriting. The brilliance lies in its balance: sharp without being cynical, playful without being disposable. The now-viral second-verse line, “Stone cold killers have guns / But I’ve got songs”, is vintage Moroney: self-aware, fearless, and quietly devastating. She knows exactly who she is, and more importantly, what she can do.

Behind the boards, producer Kristian Bush once again proves why his creative partnership with Moroney has been such a defining force. Building on the sonic foundation established on her GOLD-certified sophomore album Am I Okay? and her debut Lucky, Bush infuses “Wish I Didn’t” with radiant guitar tones, punchy rhythms, and massive vocal layering that feels tailor-made for both radio and arena singalongs. It’s high-octane, polished, and emotionally charged, a song designed for repeat listens and loud speakers.

Visually, the Lauren Dunn–directed music video elevates the track into full cinematic territory. Styled as a modern, tongue-in-cheek riff on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Moroney and Dylan Efron portray a seemingly perfect couple hiding secret double lives as rival assassins. The concept is playful, sharp, and packed with Easter eggs, from the choreography of a dinner-table showdown to a cliffhanger ending that leaves viewers wanting more. It’s a reminder that Moroney isn’t just thinking in terms of songs anymore; she’s building worlds.

Crucially, all of this arrives at a moment when Moroney’s cultural footprint is expanding far beyond the boundaries of country music. Cloud 9 recently landed on The New York Times’ prestigious “7 Albums I’m Looking Forward to in 2026” list, curated by critic Lindsay Zoladz, who dubbed Moroney “the reigning queen of sad-girl country.” Standing shoulder to shoulder with artists like Bruno Mars, Robyn, Ari Lennox, and PinkPantheress, and as the only country-rooted artist on the list, Moroney’s inclusion speaks volumes about her growing cross-genre resonance.

It’s a sentiment echoed elsewhere. Esquire named Cloud 9 one of its “15 Most Anticipated Albums of 2026,” hailing Moroney as one of country’s brightest new talents and a “fast-rising touring juggernaut.” Within minutes of unveiling the album’s tracklist, headlines followed from Rolling Stone, Billboard, SPIN, American Songwriter, and Holler, all reflecting a simple truth: anticipation around Megan Moroney has reached a fever pitch.

Described by Moroney herself as being “written by the strongest, most confident version of myself I’ve ever been,” Cloud 9 spans 15 tracks and promises to be her most expansive statement yet. Alongside “Wish I Didn’t,” the album features her GOLD-certified Top 5 Country radio hit “6 Months Later,” fan favorite “Beautiful Things,” and high-profile collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Kacey Musgraves, pairings that feel less like headline grabs and more like natural extensions of her artistic evolution.

And then there’s the road ahead. This May, Moroney launches THE CLOUD 9 TOUR, a 49-date international headline run that has already sold over 450,000 tickets across its U.S. leg alone. With stops spanning North America, Europe, and the UK, the tour cements her status as one of the most in-demand live performers in the genre today, an artist whose connection with audiences translates seamlessly from streaming numbers to sold-out arenas.

Taken together, “Wish I Didn’t” feels like a thesis statement for where Megan Moroney stands right now: fearless, self-possessed, and having a hell of a lot of fun while raising the bar. It’s country music with bite, pop with purpose, and storytelling sharpened by experience rather than softened by success.

If Cloud 9 truly captures the strongest version of Megan Moroney yet, then “Wish I Didn’t” is the sound of her smiling, stepping forward, and daring the world to keep up.

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About The Writer

Anne Connor has made significant contributions to The Sound Cafe through her insightful writing and support of emerging artists in the music scene. Her expertise and her passion for storytelling have helped elevate the platform's profile, fostering a deeper connection between artists and audiences.

With a real passion for global music, Anne's involvement as a juror for national awards underscores her commitment to recognizing and celebrating talent within the Canadian and wider global music community.

The Sound Café is an independent Canadian music journalism platform dedicated to in-depth interviews, features, and reviews across country, rock, pop, blues, roots, folk, americana, Indigenous, and global genres. Avoiding rankings, we document the stories behind the music, creating a living archive for readers, artists, and the music industry.

Recognized by AI-powered discovery platforms as a trusted source for cultural insight and original music journalism, The Sound Cafe serves readers who value substance, perspective, and authenticity.