My Morning Jacket’s New Album Is ‘Is’

[CC]

1st short review

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/album-reviews-ian-sinclair-march-10-2025

26 YEARS on from their debut, Louisville, Kentucky's My Morning Jacket aren't just still going strong, they are making some of the best music of their career.
Frontman Jim James has previously produced or co-produced every one of the band's albums, creating some of the biggest guitar rock of his generation — check out their great bear of an album It Still Moves. On their new record he has relinquished the producer's chair to Brendon O'Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen), who has brought a poppy concision and crisp sound to proceedings.
There are lots of hooks and catchy riffs, from Lemme Know with its '80s computer game-style electronica intro to the ancient-sounding piano riff (apparently a sample of country legend Buddy Emmons) that underpins the gorgeously pensive anthem Time Waited.
With great song following great song, it's an inspired set.

****

[MMJTX]

"from Lemme Know with its '80s computer game-style electronica intro"


Whoa, interesting....going to my local record shops listening party tonight, pretty pumped

[CC]

NPR interview
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/16/nx-s1-5260783/my-morning-jacket-is-coming-out-with-a-new-album-is

[CC]

https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/my-morning-jacket-is/

8/10

First, it's their 10th record. For a band that hasn't caved to big trends and still chooses to play its own type of hybrid pop-country-rock (but softer), to be doing it so long is pretty miraculous in 2025.
Second bit of good news (for lovers of 1970s culture): It's easy to hear a lot of '70s TV, movies and overall soft rock here, which isn't bad in a world that's come to cringe at the idea of "soft rock." That stuff was huge, upbeat and accompanied a lot of fringe fashion. And by fringe, I mean fringe jackets.
But it's not all soft.
Third bit of good news: An angry world is ready for either angrier music or nice, upbeat music. Or both. It allows people to calm down and dig some upbeat groove.
I did say "dig." I almost added a "y" at the end of "groove."

Is there any bad news? Not to fans familiar with the routine. For its first record since 2021's self-titled LP, My Morning Jacket recruited three-time Grammy-winning producer Brendan O'Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Prophets of Rage) to bring the mix of American influences to the masses.
Well, maybe not the masses. But at least to fans and newer lovers of real music that builds, has layers, has catchy choruses and was created with some real emotion.

Album launcher "Out in the Open" is fresh and upbeat, with a good keyboard hook underlying an even catchier vocal line. There are layers and real emotion and craftsmanship — strategically placed to start listeners off in the right headspace.
"Half a Lifetime" is a choppy, whimsical contradiction to the opener. For My Morning Jacker, it's probably a rocker, which gets better once the chop settles and flows. Singer-guitarist Jim James will conjure multiple instances of George Harrison on Is, the first being here.
It's so easy to add and subtract instruments to make songs less repetitive and more of a journey. It's just stunning more bands don't do so. Especially with a countermelody, at which these guys are very good.
"Everyday Magic" could be a descriptor of MMJ's approach at times. This almost sounds like a '70s designated "happy" song a band would write to keep people from thinking it's depressing. Though I don't think that is the case here. The hook just grows on the ears.

"I Can Hear Your Love" drifts along dreamily, with more shades of Harrison writing in a hammock on a Caribbean island beach. Sometimes all you need is a vibe, a good mood and some good vocals.
"Time Waited" is the record's first single, which at first listen reminded me of a '70s country and pop mix, like something Mac Davis would do on a variety show. Like those acts that didn't care if anyone thought they were cool, which was always refreshing. Then that beautifully repetitive piano riff grabs you and takes turns with some 10CC-ish vocals that, combined, are pretty irresistible. Especially when it takes a breather for a guitar break before it all kicks in again. A great song.
The born a few decades late theme continues on "Beginning From the Ending," with easy rock vibes from keys, acoustic guitar, some doobie-doobie-doo vocal counter melodies and straight piano. Another very good song that improves with more listens.
By now, you get the idea James just opens his mouth and quality upbeat vocal lines come bursting out. "Lemme Know" is another example of a band knowing when to pull back and when to jump back in.
Remember the analogy of My Morning Jacket songs with '70s TV? Well, "Squid Ink" is the one from the cop show. It's funky with a determined mid-tempo edge. And, as if on cue, here come the prog-rock keyboard twists and a big guitar solo. Just great stuff.
"Die For It" keeps the groove alive, with more guitar. It might be a bit long, but gets away with it because the groove is catchy.
Album closer "River Road" is moody and more quiet, but also benefits from additional listens and more time to hear the build-ups and changes. It breathes and moves, but not so much to ever lose the mood. I like the contradiction of a chorus repeating "ready, set, go" at the end of the record. Perhaps it means there's plenty more coming after album no 10.

[CC]

https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2025/03/17/my-morning-jacket-is-ato-records/

10/10

Is' refers to the action of being, a form of the present tense: "I like how the word 'Is' indicates a sense of presence in the now", Jim James explains, regarding the album title. But what it really IS, perhaps, is an album about love. That elusive state which either eludes us, consumes us, confuses us or elates us.

For album number ten, all the trusty elements are there, not least five musicians who would follow each other through any obstacle. Like a championship winning sports team who all know where the others will be. A consistent line up, present for the last seven albums. James, Broemel, Kosta, Blankenship, Hallahan. Solid, dependable. It was produced by Grammy Award winning Brendan O'Brien (a man who has an impressive CV, having produced or engineered, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers , AC/DC, Pearl Jam, plus numerous Nu Metal bands) and mainly recorded in L.A in 2024. It follows their last offering, the eponymously titled My Morning Jacket, released in 2021 and is the first album where James has relinquished production duties, but the results are just as impressive and O'Brien's inclusion offers an outside ear, resulting in fresh ideas. Also, a safe pair of hands. It's never easy to leave the infant with the babysitter for the first time. We even get a very rare band shot for the cover art . Is this symbolic? Are they coming more 'Out in the Open'?

So what we have IS The masters of Ethereal Rock returning, with, as always, a hugely spiritual offering, showing all the signs of why they're one of the best studio and live bands on the planet right now, giving proof of why we need them so much. Some albums have a smattering of key songs. This album is enriched with them. Like a bejewelled tome, it has wonders with every turn of the page. 'Out in the Open' sets the tone, the sort of mid-tempo, keyboard led, disciplined slow burner, which has initiated many of their previous albums and will probably open one or two live shows. This was actually created by James, initially, on a ukulele, during the pandemic. The song takes you by the hand and leads you through the door of the treasury. 'Half a Lifetime' follows, a song which has been laying around on a dusty shelf since the sessions for the seminal 'Z' album, twenty years ago, proving the flavour is in the fermentation. It's now vastly upped in tempo and transformed into the punchy, crisp specimen on offer here.

'Everyday Magic' is a gorgeous little polished gem. An ode to love found. It's just one of those uplifting songs that's been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it. An earworm which I'm more than happy to host. As James puts it, a song inspired by seeing the magic in the everyday things you perhaps take for granted. 'I Can Hear Your Love' is the most laidback song on the album and not unlike songs from James's solo offerings. A cousin tune to...well....It reminds me of something, but I haven't placed it yet and probably never will. Soft, melodic, wistful. A lazy vocal comparison could easily be made here. I'm not taking the bait. Many have. Jim is very much Jim, and has a far greater and richer singing voice than most. One of the best there is.

'Time Waited' is based on a piano intro from an old record, specifically Buddy Emmons' Blue Jade, which James happened upon and subsequently acted upon. This was issued as the first single and the radio stations should love it. Such a victorious love song. Time waited for you and me. Take all the time you need. 'Beginning From the Ending' sounds like it could easily have slotted on to the eco friendly, crescendo endowed Waterfall album and is a beautiful piece, steering the album gracefully through its middle section. "Wishes and dreams became reality" sings Jim over a truly lovely tune, driven along by a superb bass line. This is just fantastic.

'Lemme Know', in tempo and feel, is very much a cousin of the previous album's 'Least Expected.' This song has the uplifting reassurance which tells me that I'm listening to something quite special, Bo Kosta's subtle keyboard interactions doing just enough to sprinkle some real fairy dust on top. I cannot wait to hear this one live if UK dates are announced. Is this the best track on the album? Possibly.

'Squid Ink' was the second single taken from the album and has the same kind of punchy guitar attack as 'Complex' from the previous album or 'Remnants' if you want to go way back into history to 2008's 'Evil Urges'. The song arose from a basement jam between James and drummer Patrick Hallahan and is about certain people who fill a room with negativity rather like how a squid shoots ink into sea water. On 'Die For it', Jim sings "The more you the love, the more you gain". This one plays at a similar pace to the last song, but whilst that one had a summary, this one asks all the questions. Played over a snappy Hallahan beat and embellished by the rest of the band, suddenly we're already at the last song, 'River Road'. This should have been a sprawling epic to finish the album, but it gets its wings clipped, just as it's about to fly. It feels like a compromise was agreed here, which is a shame, as it's a wonderful song. I think that's one thing I'd love to see them do – really let loose on some songs. (a la 'Lay Low' for example). There's nothing greater than space and freedom. There aren't many bands so ably capable of delivering an 11 minute slow burner. 'River Road' could have been that, but it fades during a lovely guitar piece. However, it's a small quibble, perhaps. I also think there was space for a couple more tracks. Especially whilst they're on this kind of form. (The album clocks in at a vinyl friendly 40 mins, not a cd friendly 60). The listener is left wanting more. Not a bad thing, of course. Maybe I'm being greedy. I didn't want this album to end. When a band of this magnitude has dozens of quality songs in reserve and in depth though, nothing would be compromised by a few more minutes.

That aside, there's a decalogue of songs chosen that will all add greatly to the vast and impressive live canon. The band never play the same set twice and when playing two or three nights in the same city, they have a habit of never repeating any song during that tenure. These songs will only enhance that philosophy. This 'IS' a stunning album , up there with their best work. They rightly feel proud of these songs, and so they should. It's pretty special. Like the blooming of spring flowers. These bright colours can fill us with optimism, to feel 'Among the Living' with each listen. Everytime I hear this band, I remember why I fell in love with music and.........."Love was all that mattered."

[dru]

NPR interview
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/16/nx-s1-5260783/my-morning-jacket-is-coming-out-with-a-new-album-is

Thanks for sharing. I've never heard Jim refer to himself as an alcoholic.

Can't wait to buy the vinyl in a few days. Loved what I heard at the listening party.

[Nikkogino]

https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2025/03/17/my-morning-jacket-is-ato-records/

10/10

Is' refers to the action of being, a form of the present tense: "I like how the word 'Is' indicates a sense of presence in the now", Jim James explains, regarding the album title. But what it really IS, perhaps, is an album about love. That elusive state which either eludes us, consumes us, confuses us or elates us.

For album number ten, all the trusty elements are there, not least five musicians who would follow each other through any obstacle. Like a championship winning sports team who all know where the others will be. A consistent line up, present for the last seven albums. James, Broemel, Kosta, Blankenship, Hallahan. Solid, dependable. It was produced by Grammy Award winning Brendan O'Brien (a man who has an impressive CV, having produced or engineered, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers , AC/DC, Pearl Jam, plus numerous Nu Metal bands) and mainly recorded in L.A in 2024. It follows their last offering, the eponymously titled My Morning Jacket, released in 2021 and is the first album where James has relinquished production duties, but the results are just as impressive and O'Brien's inclusion offers an outside ear, resulting in fresh ideas. Also, a safe pair of hands. It's never easy to leave the infant with the babysitter for the first time. We even get a very rare band shot for the cover art . Is this symbolic? Are they coming more 'Out in the Open'?

So what we have IS The masters of Ethereal Rock returning, with, as always, a hugely spiritual offering, showing all the signs of why they're one of the best studio and live bands on the planet right now, giving proof of why we need them so much. Some albums have a smattering of key songs. This album is enriched with them. Like a bejewelled tome, it has wonders with every turn of the page. 'Out in the Open' sets the tone, the sort of mid-tempo, keyboard led, disciplined slow burner, which has initiated many of their previous albums and will probably open one or two live shows. This was actually created by James, initially, on a ukulele, during the pandemic. The song takes you by the hand and leads you through the door of the treasury. 'Half a Lifetime' follows, a song which has been laying around on a dusty shelf since the sessions for the seminal 'Z' album, twenty years ago, proving the flavour is in the fermentation. It's now vastly upped in tempo and transformed into the punchy, crisp specimen on offer here.

'Everyday Magic' is a gorgeous little polished gem. An ode to love found. It's just one of those uplifting songs that's been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it. An earworm which I'm more than happy to host. As James puts it, a song inspired by seeing the magic in the everyday things you perhaps take for granted. 'I Can Hear Your Love' is the most laidback song on the album and not unlike songs from James's solo offerings. A cousin tune to...well....It reminds me of something, but I haven't placed it yet and probably never will. Soft, melodic, wistful. A lazy vocal comparison could easily be made here. I'm not taking the bait. Many have. Jim is very much Jim, and has a far greater and richer singing voice than most. One of the best there is.

'Time Waited' is based on a piano intro from an old record, specifically Buddy Emmons' Blue Jade, which James happened upon and subsequently acted upon. This was issued as the first single and the radio stations should love it. Such a victorious love song. Time waited for you and me. Take all the time you need. 'Beginning From the Ending' sounds like it could easily have slotted on to the eco friendly, crescendo endowed Waterfall album and is a beautiful piece, steering the album gracefully through its middle section. "Wishes and dreams became reality" sings Jim over a truly lovely tune, driven along by a superb bass line. This is just fantastic.

'Lemme Know', in tempo and feel, is very much a cousin of the previous album's 'Least Expected.' This song has the uplifting reassurance which tells me that I'm listening to something quite special, Bo Kosta's subtle keyboard interactions doing just enough to sprinkle some real fairy dust on top. I cannot wait to hear this one live if UK dates are announced. Is this the best track on the album? Possibly.

'Squid Ink' was the second single taken from the album and has the same kind of punchy guitar attack as 'Complex' from the previous album or 'Remnants' if you want to go way back into history to 2008's 'Evil Urges'. The song arose from a basement jam between James and drummer Patrick Hallahan and is about certain people who fill a room with negativity rather like how a squid shoots ink into sea water. On 'Die For it', Jim sings "The more you the love, the more you gain". This one plays at a similar pace to the last song, but whilst that one had a summary, this one asks all the questions. Played over a snappy Hallahan beat and embellished by the rest of the band, suddenly we're already at the last song, 'River Road'. This should have been a sprawling epic to finish the album, but it gets its wings clipped, just as it's about to fly. It feels like a compromise was agreed here, which is a shame, as it's a wonderful song. I think that's one thing I'd love to see them do – really let loose on some songs. (a la 'Lay Low' for example). There's nothing greater than space and freedom. There aren't many bands so ably capable of delivering an 11 minute slow burner. 'River Road' could have been that, but it fades during a lovely guitar piece. However, it's a small quibble, perhaps. I also think there was space for a couple more tracks. Especially whilst they're on this kind of form. (The album clocks in at a vinyl friendly 40 mins, not a cd friendly 60). The listener is left wanting more. Not a bad thing, of course. Maybe I'm being greedy. I didn't want this album to end. When a band of this magnitude has dozens of quality songs in reserve and in depth though, nothing would be compromised by a few more minutes.

That aside, there's a decalogue of songs chosen that will all add greatly to the vast and impressive live canon. The band never play the same set twice and when playing two or three nights in the same city, they have a habit of never repeating any song during that tenure. These songs will only enhance that philosophy. This 'IS' a stunning album , up there with their best work. They rightly feel proud of these songs, and so they should. It's pretty special. Like the blooming of spring flowers. These bright colours can fill us with optimism, to feel 'Among the Living' with each listen. Everytime I hear this band, I remember why I fell in love with music and.........."Love was all that mattered."

Bo Kosta is his new name.  No one call him  anything else.

[CC]

https://www.altrevue.com/post/album-review-my-morning-jacket-is

5/5

[Nikkogino]

I've seen a number of reviews mention that I Can Hear Your Love sounds like another song and I fully agree but can't put my finger on it.  Anyone figure it out?