This collection of all-new recordings revisits Merchant's multi-platinum solo debut, "Tigerlily", originally released in 1995 following her departure from 10,000 Maniacs. "Paradise Is There" presents the songs as they have evolved over the past two decades of live performance. Joining Merchant on the album, which she produced herself, are her long-time band members Gabriel Gordon (guitar), Jesse Murphy (bass), Uri Sharlin (piano & accordion), and Allison Miller (drums), as well as a string quartet—Scot Moore (violin), Shawn Moore (violin), Marandi Hostetter (viola), and Stanley Moore (cello)—plus Sharel Cassity (saxophone) and guest vocals by Simi Stone, Gail Ann Dorsey, and Elizabeth Mitchell.

Natalie Merchant’s new self-titled is the multi-platinum singer’s sixth solo collection, and her first of entirely original songs in 13 years. This self-produced album is the work of a mature artist with a clear and distinctive voice. Long appreciated for the depth and substance of her writing, Merchant has never shied away from weighty themes or subjects for her lyrics. She describes the new release as informed "by experience and keen observation", dealing with issues of "love gained and lost, regret, denial, surrender, greed, destructiveness, defeat, and occasional triumph".

"Tigerlily" is Natalie Merchant's first solo album after splitting from the 10,000 Maniacs. Some reviews of the album praised Merchant's confessional writing style while others criticized the same for undue sentimentality. The album peaked at #13 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart.