“If you ain't too kind you ain't my type

I'm gonna run you out the door”

Since Travis and I brought Music for Nomes back to life, this has been the toughest review to type up. Not due to a lack of thoughts and excitement, but because of my deep connection to the band. It dawned on me why last night. In blog life, once you post about an album you typically move on to the next. That doesn’t mean I can’t go back, but I wasn’t ready to let go.

It’s not the first time I’ve had this issue with My Morning Jacket. In my old iteration of the blog, the very first music review I did was for their 2011 album Circuital. The second paragraph talks about the difficulties I had writing that review.

You see, My Morning Jacket has been my favorite band for almost 15 years. My fandom started shortly after the release of Z in 2005, and continued to escalate to 2008’s Evil Urges where their place was cemented at the top. It was during the latter’s tour that I finally got to see who I have since considered the best live act I’ve ever seen.

For my formal introduction, my buddy Pete and I drove up to Detroit (I live in Cleveland then) to see them play at The Filmore, which holds under 3,000 people. We had an amazing spot that was close to center slightly elevated above the pit. That evening, the light show, the shredding, and the unparalleled voice of Jim James changed my life.

I’ve seen them numerous times since, but the last was in 2015 at the late, great Austin Music Hall. They were in town for a two-night stint in support of the recently released album The Waterfall, and had I known how long it would take until the next album and tour through the area, I would have attended both nights.

When The Waterfall came out in 2015, I recall interviews where the band said they had enough music for another album and it should release soon. Unfortunately, outside of an occasional one-off song, the only new music we’ve gotten has been solo albums from frontman Jim James and side projects from the rest of the band. I’ve read rumors the last couple of years that the band might be done. While this news is terrifying to think about, an official announcement is as scarce as a new album.

This all changed Tuesday of last week when I woke up to a snippet of a new song teased through Twitter the night before. My excitement was piqued, but I had no idea what was in store. By mid-morning my phone and work slack blew up with friends sharing articles stating there was a “new” album dropping later that week.“Soon“ finally came to fruition and translated to THAT FRIDAY!

MMJ previewed The Waterfall II the night before release through their YouTube and Facebook pages. Travis and I had it in the background as we hung out (socially distanced) and tried some craft brews. Solid first impression, but I didn’t have the opportunity to fully digest it. When I woke up Friday, the first thing I did was immerse myself through headphones, my preferred way to listen.

The album opens with “Spinning My Wheels,“ and what an opening track it is! The first few notes share the grimy and crackling tone found in The Waterfall opener “Believe (Nobody Knows).“ Then, this soft and sweet piano melody introduces the angelic voice of Jim James. 20+ years later, this man’s voice continues to be among the most beautiful and underrated in the music industry.

As a whole, the album feels more like “classic MMJ.” From the twangy-but-poppy “Climbing The Ladder“ to the funky “Magic Bullet,“ The Waterfall II digs into the band’s roots and exposes all of their country, rock, and R&B influences. While the entire album is FANTASTIC, it took me forever to get to the point so I’m going to focus on my ABSOLUTE favorite tracks.

“Wasted“ is a classic MMJ banger that I cannot wait to see them play live. You may not guess it from the start, but guitars will be shredding and faces will be melting by the end of the song when that day finally comes!

“Run It“ grows on me each time I hear it. In discussing the album with Pete, who is still a huge fan, this is his favorite track and I’m understanding why. The danceable grooves are infectious, and it’s another that’ll be a blast when it’s finally played live.

Saving the best for last… “Feel You.“ Each and every time I listen to the album this song stands out and punches me in the gut like I’m hearing it for the first time. The emotional journey of the lyrics, THAT voice, the melody, and the phenomenal guitar-work blow me away with every listen. The fact that this song exists in the world gives me hope. Dramatic? Maybe, but it’s true.

I’ve debated whether it’s recency bias or how I truly feel, but The Waterfall II might be my favorite My Morning Jacket album, front to back, since Z. Nothing against the “recent” albums, but the idea that this collection of tunes were on the cutting floor and could have been lost to time, blows my mind.

All that truly matters is that there’s new music from this amazing band, and that brightened up this weird 2020 for me.

But wait, there’s more! In a recent Consequence of Sound Interview, Jim James stated they have an album of ENTIRELY NEW MUSIC that is done and ready to release, but they’re waiting to release it until they can tour behind it.

We’re waiting too, Jim. Trust us…

Tune In & Tune Out,

-Josh

My favorite track, “Feel You.“ Some of you might wanna get some kleenexes ready..

Scope the new rocker “Wasted“ below

Grab yourself some positive vibes and get those toes tapping with “Run It“

Bonus Track - 2 nights ago, MMJ performed “Spinning My Wheels“ live on Jimmy Fallon