Maya Hawke delivered a streamlined acoustic collection of vulnerability, tenderness and nostalgia with her sophomore album “Moss.” 

Departing from her 2020 debut album “Blush,” which was a hodgepodge of genres and styles, Hawke offers listeners a stronger, more consistent collection of indie-folk songs with her second record. The 24-year-old “Stranger Things” star sounds infinitely wiser, more eloquent and more vulnerable on each track compared to her earlier music.

With its streamlined dreamy, nostalgic tone, minimal instrumentation, and layers of soft vocals throughout the whole album, “Moss” is a whimsical and atmospheric soundscape. The collection of 13 songs feels reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s stripped-back indie music, which could be because Hawke collaborated with Jonathan Low, who helped mix Swift’s 2020 albums “folklore” and “evermore.”

Hawke showcases a distinct artistic voice in her music. Her detail-oriented lyrics full of imagery and personal details are what make each song so distinctive — and so appealing. Her whispery, raspy soprano voice is subtle yet enamoring as she sings about growth, transformation, relationships and self-worth.

Hawke opens the album with “Backup Plan,” a tender love song peppered with personal details about a romantic partner. With lyrics that sound like poems and diary entries at the same time, Hawke introduces listeners to her wistful, candid and artful voice.

Against a backdrop of stripped-back acoustic guitar, Hawke harmonizes with herself as she sings, “I wanna be anything you’ve lost that you might be looking for.” The opening track is a warm, vulnerable welcome into the world of “Moss,” and sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the album.

Another standout is the fourth track, “Sweet Tooth,” which is a plucky, upbeat song that starts by referencing Hawke’s mother, Uma Thurman, as Hawke sings, “Told my mother that I love her / And that I’d lie to the accountant if she wants.”

From there, Hawke goes on to tell the true story of a dental emergency she had, and her witty, candidly poetic lyrics are some of the best on the album. With a cheery, gentle melody, she sings, “ So my molar collapsed on me / Like a glacier melting in the heat / My mouth full up with lightning / I'm an outlet shock, a hole, a need.” Her humor, honesty and casual self-deprecation make this song a dynamic and charming addition to “Moss.”

“Luna Moth,” the sixth track, features some of the most hard-hitting lyrics juxtaposed with gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment. Hawke narrates feeling insufficient as a partner and as a woman as she sings, “ I don't need anyone to hurt me / I can do that myself / I don't see why you would want me / If I could, I would be anybody else.” Hawke’s tender, cracking voice paired with her heart-wrenching lyrics make this one of the rawest tracks on the album.

Some of the album’s most sparkling, enchanting imagery stands out in the closer, “Mermaid Bar,” a whimsical track about growth, transformation and acceptance. The song tells the story of a girl turning into a mermaid and then opening up her own bar and restaurant in the ocean. However, the tale could be interpreted as a metaphor for growing up, forgiving yourself or forging a new path in life.

The song features a rhythm that mirrors the ups and downs of ocean waves, as well as Hawke’s vocals layered on top of each other, creating a dreamy, oceanic feeling.

She welcomes listeners into her imaginary “mermaid bar,” as she sings, “Come for scallops, come to hear our song / Come if you're in awful, bad trouble / Come if you're certain you don't belong.” Reminiscent of a siren song, but much more cheery, “Mermaid Bar,” sets the perfect tone to end the album, leaving listeners with a sense of magic as well as nostalgia.

The charm of “Moss” manifests from its minimalism. Almost every track features the same acoustic instruments, stripped production, and Hawke’s raspy vocals at the forefront, keeping the focus on lyrics and mood.

The album floats from track to track seamlessly, and it shines as an understated collection of indie-folk songs that feel as tender and artful as an impressionist painting.

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