Jim James: Reinvention Beyond My Morning Jacket!
Jim James: Reinvention Beyond My Morning Jacket!
My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James drops his fifth solo album, Wowed Out, evolving film compositions into 'soulful psychedelia.' Dive into his artistic journey!
Jim James: The Art of Reinvention Beyond the Band
Ever wonder what drives an artist to step outside the comfort of a successful band and forge a distinct solo path? It’s a compelling journey of reinvention, and Jim James, the visionary behind My Morning Jacket, is offering a masterclass with his latest announcement: Wowed Out, his first solo album in eight years, arriving August 28th on ATO Records.
This isn’t just another record; it’s a testament to an artist’s evolving identity. Wowed Out springs from a truly unique source: an archive of music James originally composed for two films back in the early 2010s. Collaborating with award-winning composer Brian Reitzell, known for his work with Sofia Coppola, James has taken these cinematic fragments and transformed them into “an audacious, immersive new work of soulful psychedelia.” Talk about a glow-up for some shelved compositions!
Producing the record himself and then bringing in Grammy-winning engineer Emily Lazar—who’s worked with legends like David Bowie and Beck—speaks volumes about the personal investment in this project. This isn't just a side gig; it’s a deeply personal artistic statement, representing James’ fifth solo release, adding to a rich tapestry that includes 2018’s Uniform Distortion and its companion Uniform Clarity, plus the 2019 collaborative The Order of Nature with Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra.
The lead single, “Come Again,” perfectly illustrates this transformative process. Originally penned for a scene set in a teddy bear factory, it has blossomed into a “vocally rich piano-and-drums meditation on resilience in the face of chaotic instability.” You can hear those quickly-sequenced notes and big chords in the intro, reminiscent of The Who’s “Baba O’Reily.” It’s an uplifting arrangement, with James singing, “Start from nothing/ And you build it up/ Just to watch it burn/ But I knew you’d come again.” It’s a powerful message, universal in its appeal, yet deeply rooted in his personal creative evolution.
What’s fascinating is how these solo endeavors allow artists like James to explore new sonic landscapes and thematic depths that might not fit perfectly within their band’s established sound. While My Morning Jacket recently put out the anti-ICE benefit album Peacelands, filled with acoustic editions and protest songs, James’ solo work delves into different facets of his artistry. It’s not about leaving the band behind; it’s about expanding the creative universe. His upcoming appearance at the Music from the Films of Wes Anderson concert on July 11th further highlights his diverse interests and willingness to explore music in myriad forms. This kind of artistic exploration isn't just good for the artist; it enriches the entire musical landscape.
