In his first solo effort, Jim James, the front man of the much louder and bombastic My Morning Jacket, takes a more mellow and reflective tone. His distinct vocals, which always sound like they are recorded in a great hall, take up more introspective and spiritual questions, similar to his participation in the band Monsters of Folk. On the Middle-Eastern influenced “All Is Forgiven” he sings, “Son of man, was born in Bethlehem, called God/All us plan same old hallway to man/With words from God/Who said that all is forgiven.”
Remaining firmly planted in the roots rock tradition, James uses all of his imagination, including parts for choirs, horns, keys, and a dynamic rhythm section. He creates a diversity of sound that makes repeat listening a pleasure. (ATO Records)
