Z

I didn’t discover MMJ or this LP until the middle of last year, and have been kicking myself ever since for not seeking it out earlier. ‘Z’ is an immediate, enveloping world tucked inside 46 minutes of incredibly-executed music at the intersection of indie, psych, and country of all things. The homey, trebley twang of the guitars against the lurking, ethereal synths and backing tracks is a hypnotic combination – couple that in with pristine production where every instrument shines (and no sonic corner is left in the dark), and you have an incredibly beautiful LP to begin with. It’s not just the technical prowess that makes this album, though. Every track is a world unto itself, wholly unique and willing to twist inwards on its established logic on a dime. Yet, in spite of their idiosyncrasies, each song contributes to the overall universe and feels like the logical next stop on the tour ‘Z’ is leading you on. Rarely do I listen to just one track from this LP and call it good, the flow and execution of this album demand full listens and I’m usually more than happy to oblige. I’m rambling now but this is what the ur-text of what an album is to me – not some loose collection of tracks by the same artist, but an incredibly intentional series of songs that build something well beyond the sum of their parts. It’s what so many of Dimery’s picks and user additions here lack, where one or two standout tracks dominate over the rest. Good songs come from good albums, but it takes so much more than good songs to make a good album if that makes any sense. The LP is an art form all itself and one that is incredibly difficult to pull off! Okay, rant over. It’s rare nowadays to encounter an LP so thoroughly thought out front to back, and it’s uplifting to see one so deserving make it on to the list. Even more incredible when it was clear that frontman Jim James had said this was meant to be the band (and his) last album as he dealt with the suicides of two band members and his own depression. To channel all that pain and choose such a beautiful, exuberant statement on life rather than despair is a pretty metal choice, and one that seems to have put the band and its members in a much better headspace. Thankful we still have MMJ creating excellent music two decades on, and that there are bands out there with a clear idea of what an album can truly be.

I have always loved MMJ, Z Gets a lot of love but I’ve always been more of an Evil Urges man. Either way killer album

Enjoyed the album. Some very good songs. The last song, 'Dondante' was by far my favorite

Every time I listen to My Morning Jacket, I think to myself, "I need to listen to more My Morning Jacket." They're really, really good. And this is an excellent album. 4 stars.

Alternative country, indie pop, indie rock, soul, space rock. Ni fu ni fa.

My Morning Jacket is always a pleasure but I nonetheless find there music to lack stickiness. I couldn’t hum you a single one of their tunes, or even list any of their song titles. Even this, WHICH I JUST LISTENED TO, I strain to think of what it sounded like.

Fine 3

Not badddd

It's a toughie. Some of this is incredible, experimental, emotional. At other times it's the blandest thing this side of Coldplay. It's half a perfect album?