REVIEW: Jim James - Wowed Out

 

Jim James of My Morning Jacket recently released Wowed Out, his fifth solo album and first in over eight years.  Out now on ATO Records, James reshapes leftover fragments from film scores he worked on over a decade ago into an atmospheric and psychedelic new solo set, completely written, performed and produced by himself.  

The album opens with the longingly tender track, “Baby Dear” with its wide-stretching synths and finger-picked acoustic guitars; and is led by the single, “Come Again” which is driven by a piano-led groove and a big beat from drummer Brian Reitzel.  Throughout, James is soulful and deliberate in his delivery, allowing the vocals and the emotional impact of his thoughtful lyrics to rise above the strange synths and headphones-worthy atmosphere he creates with the music.    

The lively folk-rock of “Hands On” with its simple yet soaring chorus stands out as a track that most resembles his work with MMJ.  Other standouts include slow-building “We Love Our Life” with its reverb-rich guitars and sweet sentiment, and the title track, “Wowed Out” with its mellow organ, pulsing electronic rhythm and twinkling synths that evoke the neon lights of the album cover.  

With Wowed Out, Jim James continues to prove his meddle in the rock world, not that he has anything left to prove.  Check out the new album and be wowed.    

Stream Wowed Out here: