In 2014 Natalie returned to her core band of musicians (Erik Della Penna, Gabriel Gordon, Uri Sharlin and Jesse Murphy) with the addition of Sean Pelton on drums, to record and produce a self-titled album, Natalie Merchant. It was the first album of fully original material she had released in 13 years. The album makes liberal use of strings throughout (many arrangements by Stephen Barber) and features guest vocals by soul singer Simi Stone and gospel singer Corliss Stafford, trombonist Clark Gayton, and saxophonist Steve Elson.

'“Were she more prolific, Natalie Merchant would probably be regarded in the first tier of American singer-songwriters, alongside such poetic mavericks as Tom Waits and Randy Newman. This is her first album of original material in 13 years and it resonates with class. There is something quietly magnificent about her vocal presence, always perfectly set in unshowy arrangements that blend organic instrumentation with sombre yet luxurious orchestral shading. She evokes a more soulful Joan Baez, balancing sensuous languor with austere seriousness. It could almost be coffee-table smooth were it not for the spiky intelligence of her writing, drawing you into piercing character studies that thicken with each musical brushstroke.' – Daily Telegraph

Natalie Merchant was predominantly recorded by Eli Walker and George Cowan at The Clubhouse in Rhinebeck, NY.