Evil Urges (2008) - My Morning Jacket
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Genres: Indie Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Experimental Rock, Alt-Country, Soul
Album Lineup:
Jim James – Vocals, Guitar
Carl Broemel – Guitar, Saxophone
Bo Koster – Keyboards
Tom Blankenship – Bass
Patrick Hallahan – Drums
Evil Urges, released in 2008, feels like My Morning Jacket testing the boundaries of their sound and pushing into new territory. What’s wild about this album is how it veers from classic rock and alt-country roots into funk, soul, even some psychedelic weirdness, all while staying grounded in that unmistakable MMJ atmosphere. It’s eclectic, unpredictable, and a bit polarizing, but it’s also an album that dares to explore what My Morning Jacket can be when they’re willing to throw out the rulebook. At first, Evil Urges felt like a fever dream of different genres colliding, but with every listen, I found myself appreciating the risks this band was taking. Jim James’ vocals are as haunting and otherworldly as ever, but here they’re paired with some seriously surprising arrangements. There’s a lot of beauty in the experimentation, but also a few moments that had me raising an eyebrow in the best way. This album is adventurous in a way that only MMJ could pull off, and honestly, I’m here for it.
Evil Urges - The title track kicks things off with an almost Prince-like vibe-something I never expected from MMJ. The falsetto vocals and funky groove are a far cry from the band’s usual southern rock sound, but it works. It’s seductive and strange, with this lush, groovy texture that keeps you hooked. The song feels like a statement of intent: We’re doing things differently this time, so buckle up. And honestly, I love it. That unexpected blend of funky and weird sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Touch Me I’m Going to Scream, Pt. 1 - Here’s where the album starts to shift into more familiar MMJ territory, but with a trippy twist. The atmospheric synths and slow-burning groove give this track an almost hypnotic feel. There’s something dreamlike about the whole thing, like you’re being pulled into a different dimension. The repetitive chorus has this strange, calming effect, and by the end, you feel like you’ve been gently lulled into a state of blissful confusion. It’s a little eerie, a little beautiful, and quintessential MMJ.
Highly Suspicious - Okay, I have to admit-Highly Suspicious is a weird one. It’s probably the most polarizing track on the album, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it at first. The aggressive, almost robotic vocals and that bizarre, marching beat make it feel like something out of left field. It’s funky, but in this surreal, twisted way. It almost feels like MMJ is having fun, maybe even trolling a bit, and while it’s not my favorite, I can’t help but admire the boldness here. They’re not afraid to get weird, and that’s part of what makes this album so fascinating.
I’m Amazed - This is the track that feels the most classic MMJ-soaring vocals, jangly guitars, and an anthemic chorus that makes you want to throw your arms up and sing along. I’m Amazed is like a breath of fresh air after the strangeness of the first few tracks. It’s uplifting, optimistic, and just plain satisfying. Jim James’ voice here is particularly powerful, hitting those emotional highs with ease. It’s no wonder this became one of their biggest hits—there’s a universality to it that just clicks.
Thank You Too! - Slowing things down again, Thank You Too! is a tender, heartfelt ballad that feels like a love letter. There’s a warmth in the strings and soft rhythm, and Jim’s vocals are more intimate here, like he’s singing directly to someone. The lyrics are simple but effective, and the whole track has this lush, soulful vibe. It’s a moment of pure sincerity in an otherwise wild ride of an album, and it’s beautifully done.
Sec Walkin - Sec Walkin brings back that country twang MMJ is known for, but with a smooth, almost doo-wop vibe. The laid-back groove and breezy melody make this track feel like a summer afternoon. It’s easygoing, with just enough of that nostalgic, classic sound to remind you of their roots. It’s one of those tracks that makes you smile without trying too hard.
Two Halves - This track brings a quirky, almost playful vibe. The lyrics are a bit goofy, but in a way that feels genuine. There’s something nostalgic about it, almost like a throwback to ‘60s pop. It’s short and sweet, and while it’s not the most complex track on the album, it’s got a certain charm that makes it memorable.
Librarian - Librarian is one of the quieter, more contemplative moments on the album. It’s soft, almost like a lullaby, with delicate acoustic guitar and Jim’s gentle, falsetto vocals. The lyrics are strangely specific, talking about a librarian, and there’s this sense of longing that permeates the whole track. It feels personal and intimate, like a secret moment captured in song.
Look at You - Look at You is another tender ballad, but with a bit more complexity in the instrumentation. The soft keys and atmospheric guitars create a dreamy soundscape that’s almost meditative. It’s a slow, reflective track, and it feels like the calm in the middle of the album’s more experimental storm.
Aluminum Park - This track picks up the pace again, with a driving beat and energetic guitar riffs. It’s straightforward and punchy, a good ol’ rock tune that gets your foot tapping. The energy here is infectious, and it feels like a throwback to their earlier, more rock-oriented sound. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
Remnants - This one hits hard. Remnants is aggressive and raw, with distorted guitars and pounding drums. It’s one of the heaviest tracks on the album, and it feels like a release of all the tension that’s been building up. There’s a sense of urgency here, and Jim’s vocals are more biting, more intense. It’s a reminder that MMJ can still rock out when they want to.
Smokin' from Shootin' - This track starts slow and moody, with a steady build-up that leads into a more explosive second half. There’s a sense of anticipation in the way the guitars and drums gradually escalate, and by the time the song reaches its climax, it’s pure catharsis. It’s a slow burn, but the payoff is worth it.
Touch Me I’m Going to Scream, Pt. 2 - Here we go-the epic finale. Touch Me I’m Going to Scream, Pt. 2 takes the dreamy vibe of part one and stretches it out into a sprawling, eight-minute journey. The synth-heavy production gives it this spacey, almost hypnotic feel, and the repetitive lyrics add to that trance-like atmosphere. It’s one of those tracks you can just get lost in, like floating through some cosmic dreamscape. The ending is particularly powerful, with this gradual build-up that feels like the whole album is coming together in one final, glorious moment.
Good Intentions - This short hidden track feels like a final whisper as the album fades out. It’s soft, acoustic, and raw-just Jim and a guitar. It’s a simple, quiet way to close an album that’s been anything but predictable.
Evil Urges is an album that dares to be different. My Morning Jacket could’ve played it safe, but instead, they went all in on experimentation, mixing genres, sounds, and ideas in ways that don’t always make sense on the surface-but that’s what makes it so compelling. It’s an album that challenges you to listen without expectations, to let go of what you think MMJ should be, and just enjoy the ride. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Evil Urges. Some of the tracks threw me for a loop, but the more I listened, the more I appreciated how bold and adventurous this album is. It’s a bit chaotic, sure, but that’s part of its charm. It’s an album that grows on you, revealing its layers with every spin. And while it might not be for everyone, it’s a testament to MMJ’s willingness to push the envelope and try something new. If you're up for a wild, genre-bending journey, Evil Urges is a must listen.
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