Evil Urges
by My Morning Jacket
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 73 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 73
  3. Negative: 6 out of 73

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  1. JohanW
    Jun 12, 2008
    9
    Beautiful album; exciting, emotional, diverse, and breathtaking.
  2. KurtC
    Jun 12, 2008
    9
    "Evil Urges" has blown me away. Hands-down the strangest, coolest, and best collection of songs I've heard in a long time, certainly this year. Simply incredible songwriting and performance. MMJ keep pushing the envelope. There's a lot of different influences going on such as their standard southern 60s/70s rock thing, but they've mixed in a little more funk (think Tone "Evil Urges" has blown me away. Hands-down the strangest, coolest, and best collection of songs I've heard in a long time, certainly this year. Simply incredible songwriting and performance. MMJ keep pushing the envelope. There's a lot of different influences going on such as their standard southern 60s/70s rock thing, but they've mixed in a little more funk (think Tone Loc/Prince on one track especially) and 70s/80s pop. Highly recommended.… Expand
  3. EdW
    Jun 12, 2008
    9
    MMJ are rocking out like only they can. This album grows on you and gets better with each play.
  4. WarrenX
    Jun 13, 2008
    4
    It's tough to rate a new release of a band when the overarching sound and feel of it is akin to a full-musical makeover or reinvention. Given, I've only intentionally listened to the album once, but if I were to unintentionally listen to any of the songs on the radio, I'd be hard-pressed to recognize the band as My Morning Jacket. Jim James sounds like he's been 50% It's tough to rate a new release of a band when the overarching sound and feel of it is akin to a full-musical makeover or reinvention. Given, I've only intentionally listened to the album once, but if I were to unintentionally listen to any of the songs on the radio, I'd be hard-pressed to recognize the band as My Morning Jacket. Jim James sounds like he's been 50% emasculated - his voice is simply not as powerful and his vocals don't come off with the gravel 'n' syrup sound from previous albums. Likewise, the guitars and percussion sound like they're trying to emulate age-old songs by T. Rex or glam-era Bowie at times. In short, if I had never heard My Morning Jacket before, I might think this album is "neat" or even teetering on good. However, I've admired the band for quite a few years, and although I don't expect MMJ to continually pump out the same music, I'm not ready for a complete raze and rebuild process either. An analogy here of pre/post U2 "Achtung Baby" might be apt - U2 lost a ton of fans with that album and thereafter, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that U2 can still produce decent songs from time to time. If MMJ doesn't return to form on the album following "Evil Urges", then I suppose that's the best I can hope for them as well.… Expand
  5. weirdfish7
    Jun 19, 2008
    9
    "Z" this is not...nor does it even come close. Pesonally, I consider this album as an attempt at a new MMJ sound that fails. The 9 rating I have given it is due to the fact that MMJ are one of the best bands making music today. The songs are solid, and better than 99% of music being created today, but again "Z", this is NOT.
  6. NickD
    Jun 23, 2008
    9
    After the first couple listens, I probably would've given it a 5 or 6. After a few more listens I would've bumped it up to a 7. Now, after listening to it probably 7-8 times it has finally settled into a solid 9. Each song is highly memorable with a variety of styles covered throughout the album. There's nothing as good as "Mahgeetah" or "One Big Holiday", but the trio of After the first couple listens, I probably would've given it a 5 or 6. After a few more listens I would've bumped it up to a 7. Now, after listening to it probably 7-8 times it has finally settled into a solid 9. Each song is highly memorable with a variety of styles covered throughout the album. There's nothing as good as "Mahgeetah" or "One Big Holiday", but the trio of "Touch Me...Pt. 2", "Librarian", and "Sec Walkin" are all top-notch with "Highly Suspicious" being the only clunker (even if it's kinda fun in a dorky way).… Expand
  7. JakeD.
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    This is a great album and deserving of a higher average. Very diverse and shows the band trying new things, which is always good for any artist. Although Highly Suspicious is the worst song they have ever made, Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Parts 1 and 2, Smokin From Shootin, Evil Urges and I'm Amazed are some of the best songs in their catalogue. These guys are great and I hope This is a great album and deserving of a higher average. Very diverse and shows the band trying new things, which is always good for any artist. Although Highly Suspicious is the worst song they have ever made, Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Parts 1 and 2, Smokin From Shootin, Evil Urges and I'm Amazed are some of the best songs in their catalogue. These guys are great and I hope they continue to make fresh, innovative music like this for years to come.… Expand
  8. Carla
    Jul 7, 2008
    9
    If you had any interest in the band before now, hopefully you can appreciate how they are trying to expand their sound. It's not as consistent as their other records but if you give it a third, fourth, fifth listen; you'll find more than enough to keep your ears occupied for a long time. I admit that it took the Bonnaroo 08 show for me to finally like "Highly Suspicious." Now, If you had any interest in the band before now, hopefully you can appreciate how they are trying to expand their sound. It's not as consistent as their other records but if you give it a third, fourth, fifth listen; you'll find more than enough to keep your ears occupied for a long time. I admit that it took the Bonnaroo 08 show for me to finally like "Highly Suspicious." Now, it's one of my favorites!!… Expand
  9. Felix
    Jun 11, 2008
    8
    It doesn't touch the masterful Z, but it is a good album overall. Some songs bog the album down, especially in the middle section (Thank you too, Sec Walkin') but the ending and most of the beginning make up for the missteps. Best tracks are: Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Part 1 &2, Aluminum Park, Smokin' from Shootin'.
  10. TomH
    Jun 11, 2008
    5
    Doesn't concentrate on MMJ's (former) high points. Oddly enough reminds me of contemporary late 70's early 80's - which I guess if you're into is a positive, but I personally long for the MMJ I first fell in love with on the previous 4 albums. And the album leaves little mystery to want to relive later. A turn in a different direction, but in this reader's Doesn't concentrate on MMJ's (former) high points. Oddly enough reminds me of contemporary late 70's early 80's - which I guess if you're into is a positive, but I personally long for the MMJ I first fell in love with on the previous 4 albums. And the album leaves little mystery to want to relive later. A turn in a different direction, but in this reader's opinion, the wrong one.… Expand
  11. PatrickS
    Jun 12, 2008
    9
    I think it's killer, unique in this day of so much sound alike ho-humness. These guys know how to explore and jam onstage where the real magic happens for them and the audience.
  12. Jim
    Jun 13, 2008
    4
    Subpar work compared to earlier works.
  13. JamesR
    Jun 14, 2008
    10
    Jim and the boys prove that R&B, Soul, Funk and Country are all part of the mix we call Rock-n-Roll !ala Gram Parsons with his Cosmic American Music!
  14. AhmadH
    Jun 14, 2008
    10
    Confusing at first; the funk, the distancing from what they did in Z, and a little bit of a return to "It Still Moves" and "At Dawn." It's a grower though, and once it grabs you you'll realize the brilliance. You have to appreciate a band that can take giant leaps like this and be successful with it. Re-affirms why I'm a fan of this band.
  15. JackC.
    Jun 21, 2008
    6
    As a big MMJ fan, I think this is a decent album. Still, I think it's a really frustrating one. It's a bit of head-scratcher, but not necessarily in the way the band intended. Yes, the first three songs are different and kind of weird, but after that, it's pretty much the most straightforward stuff they've ever done- it's not some big risky album like people keep As a big MMJ fan, I think this is a decent album. Still, I think it's a really frustrating one. It's a bit of head-scratcher, but not necessarily in the way the band intended. Yes, the first three songs are different and kind of weird, but after that, it's pretty much the most straightforward stuff they've ever done- it's not some big risky album like people keep saying. It's all totally listenable, but surprisingly boring. "Two Halves" sounds like the work of a band that has been washed up for years now. "Thank You, Too," is really a pretty good song, but talk about some cheese. "Look At You" is just boring, don't know how or why it made the cut. The two main rockers- "Aluminum Park" and "Remnants" are all right I guess, but don't even come close to their previous great rockers like "One Big Holiday," "Lay Low," and several others. They're a great live band, but it's hard to imagine them truly feeling this stuff measures up to their previous material when they play a show- go from a timeless tune like "The Way That He Sings" to a forgettable, pretty lameone like "Two Halves"? But, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say this is awful. It's not. The title track is good, as is "I'm Amazed," the last two tracks are also pretty great. "Highly Suspicious" is a horrible song, but it doesn't bother me, because they've always had a bizarre sense of humor that lurks underneath their music. The rest of the album is okay, but frustrating, not because it's so "challenging" or "brave," but because it's pretty boring and faceless.… Expand
  16. FrankG
    Jun 30, 2008
    10
    Takes the sound the band reached for on Z and turns that sound into some beautiful pop songs.
  17. RomanM.
    Jul 14, 2008
    3
    This band hit on a really cool sound with "It Still Moves" and has abandoned it. There is nothing wrong with trying to test your artistic boundaries. However, the latest efforts (including "Z" which was better but still a step downward) are self-indulgent. The lyrics are brutal, the music seems empty, i.e. songs sound like they are missing beats and notes and James has effectively This band hit on a really cool sound with "It Still Moves" and has abandoned it. There is nothing wrong with trying to test your artistic boundaries. However, the latest efforts (including "Z" which was better but still a step downward) are self-indulgent. The lyrics are brutal, the music seems empty, i.e. songs sound like they are missing beats and notes and James has effectively neutered all the soul that was in his voice for some showmanship. Sorry, but this band can do better. The lyrics are really upsetting. Hackneyed attempts at political relevance.… Expand
  18. ErikH
    Jun 11, 2008
    6
    It's easily the worst My Morning Jacket studio album to date, although "Evil Urges" and "I'm Amazed" are both great songs.
  19. EffEll
    Jun 11, 2008
    5
    Two things bother me about this album : 1. It somehow sounds empty. The production just isn't right on most songs. I would like to hear the guitars and very often, there aren't any or they are hidden behind the synth; 2. I like the way that he sang. On this album, Jim James doesn't use his voice, which is (was?) by far MMJ's best instrument. I understand he wanted to Two things bother me about this album : 1. It somehow sounds empty. The production just isn't right on most songs. I would like to hear the guitars and very often, there aren't any or they are hidden behind the synth; 2. I like the way that he sang. On this album, Jim James doesn't use his voice, which is (was?) by far MMJ's best instrument. I understand he wanted to leave that whole reverb thing aside, but he needed not stop singing the way he used to. The melodies are nice most of the time, though (Smokin from Shootin is a standout, so is Touch me pt. 2.).… Expand
  20. Eric
    Jun 11, 2008
    9
    This album will age very well... MMJ purists will certainly bash it, much like "Z". I say, go buy some Band of Horses albums, or just put "Amazed" on repeat... The beauty of this record is that it doesn't sound like "It Still Moves", and it doesn't sound like "Z". Sticking with these sounds would undoubtedly have garnered mild success... but would have been an empty endeavor for This album will age very well... MMJ purists will certainly bash it, much like "Z". I say, go buy some Band of Horses albums, or just put "Amazed" on repeat... The beauty of this record is that it doesn't sound like "It Still Moves", and it doesn't sound like "Z". Sticking with these sounds would undoubtedly have garnered mild success... but would have been an empty endeavor for a band that knows that they are capable of much more. This album is the next logical step in the progression of MMJ. At first it seems as though it shifts through multiple genres, but after multiple listens you begin to appreciate that the musical themes are constant, individual tracks just bring different aspects to the forefront. This album sounds like nothing else out there now, and like nothing that has been done before. At first listen it seems pretentious and unfocused, but it's a grower for sure. Eventually you realize the record is not unfocused... you are. It's genius reveals itself when you allow yourself to stop attempting to label what you are hearing. (9.5/10) Note: All these songs were performed live at an instore appearance on the release date. They are all smokin' live.… Expand
  21. MarkS
    Jun 11, 2008
    9
    Smooth comes in varieties that range from absolute to "ZebraEsque." These guys reallize that it's all about jonesing for the picture perfect, alternative mixture of old and new rhythms and blues with a healthy dose of modern sounding angst thrown in for the perfect reality check, and this all creates the perfect soundtrack for the next time your roadtrip includes Louisville, Cincy, Smooth comes in varieties that range from absolute to "ZebraEsque." These guys reallize that it's all about jonesing for the picture perfect, alternative mixture of old and new rhythms and blues with a healthy dose of modern sounding angst thrown in for the perfect reality check, and this all creates the perfect soundtrack for the next time your roadtrip includes Louisville, Cincy, and all the pillars and posts that may or may not rest on the horizon as your steering clearly down that highway of life.… Expand
  22. DanCoon
    Jun 12, 2008
    10
    Easily the most diverse album from MMJ. It is like a rollercoaster starting out at the top, but starts out strong and finishes with a pow. Touch Me I Am Going to Scream (both parts) are some the of the best music this year. Coming from MMJ, you knew it would be good, but this was a Peanut Butter Pudding Suprise. Truly Awesome album
  23. Scott
    Jun 12, 2008
    4
    A hugely disappointing release. MMJ's previous albums are superlative while this one falls flat on its face, although there are a few great tracks. However, they do not atone for the dreadfully awful "Highly Suspicious." One listen to the lyric, "Peanut butter pudding surprise," in the context of its throwback to the 80s (in a bad way) context made me consider taking the charmingly A hugely disappointing release. MMJ's previous albums are superlative while this one falls flat on its face, although there are a few great tracks. However, they do not atone for the dreadfully awful "Highly Suspicious." One listen to the lyric, "Peanut butter pudding surprise," in the context of its throwback to the 80s (in a bad way) context made me consider taking the charmingly packaged CD back for a refund.… Expand
  24. BarryJorden
    Jun 12, 2008
    2
    Very disappointing. Hoping for better with the next album.
  25. deeznuts
    Jun 12, 2008
    4
    After their masterpiece Z, this is a huge disappointment. I listened to it a few times, and have no desire to listen to it again.
  26. samh
    Jun 17, 2008
    1
    This is the far and away the worst thing I've heard in years. Aping Prince, Peaches & Herb and Christopher Cross does not make this their most comprehensive album yet, but rather their most reprehensible. I still can't wrap my head around how absolutely atrocious "Highly Suspicious" is, though it's the only track that stands out in a bleary sea of muddled soft pop. Jim This is the far and away the worst thing I've heard in years. Aping Prince, Peaches & Herb and Christopher Cross does not make this their most comprehensive album yet, but rather their most reprehensible. I still can't wrap my head around how absolutely atrocious "Highly Suspicious" is, though it's the only track that stands out in a bleary sea of muddled soft pop. Jim James' incomparable voice has long been the most appealing aspect of this band and it's been flushed in favor of half-hearted falsetto for much of the album. Do not listen to this disc without a jug of ear bleach nearby.… Expand
  27. JonathanM.
    Jun 19, 2008
    8
    Not as good as Z, but still a great album.
  28. MattB
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    This album will not immediately grab you the way "Z" or "It Still Moves" managed to. However, with repeated listens (and by seeing them play the new material live at Bonnaroo & Radio City) I am convinced that Evil Urges is their best outing yet. They've chucked much of the soloing for tighter lyrics, and better arrangements (Exhibit A: Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt. 2). I This album will not immediately grab you the way "Z" or "It Still Moves" managed to. However, with repeated listens (and by seeing them play the new material live at Bonnaroo & Radio City) I am convinced that Evil Urges is their best outing yet. They've chucked much of the soloing for tighter lyrics, and better arrangements (Exhibit A: Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt. 2). I welcome the new R&B side of Jim James and look forward to where this sound takes the band next.… Expand
  29. RobbieC
    Jul 16, 2008
    6
    Ehhh, I don't know what happened. It's not BAD. It's just not as good as it should be. The past few albums were so solid. This is spotty.
  30. NathanR
    Mar 10, 2011
    8
    As the band's follow-up to the mega-hit "Z," "Urges" has some pretty big shoes to fill. When I first played this album years ago, I was aghast. I thought it was a complete failure on every level. I don't think I even made it through the whole thing. Now, years later, this album has grown on me a great deal. Lyrically, this album is full of deep and varied meaning. I find myself uncoveringAs the band's follow-up to the mega-hit "Z," "Urges" has some pretty big shoes to fill. When I first played this album years ago, I was aghast. I thought it was a complete failure on every level. I don't think I even made it through the whole thing. Now, years later, this album has grown on me a great deal. Lyrically, this album is full of deep and varied meaning. I find myself uncovering some kind of new meaning each time. Everything that makes MMJ great is still right here. The epic guitar riffs, the funky bass lines, the solid beats. You just have to wait for them. This is an album that really built up my patience for music in general. An album that you "get" instantly will come to bore you just as quickly. Albums like this will grow on you, and continue to reveal themselves to you each time.… Expand
  31. Vampire25
    Jan 3, 2011
    8
    Evil Urges takes on a different sound from My Morning Jacket. "Highly Suspicious" is like a funk rock track that really shows that My Morning Jacket is looking to sound different. Z is one of my favorite albums. Evil Urges might not be Z, but there are some great tracks on here. Jim's voice sounds really mature and it just sounds a lot better. Arena rock fits well these Kentucky rockers.Evil Urges takes on a different sound from My Morning Jacket. "Highly Suspicious" is like a funk rock track that really shows that My Morning Jacket is looking to sound different. Z is one of my favorite albums. Evil Urges might not be Z, but there are some great tracks on here. Jim's voice sounds really mature and it just sounds a lot better. Arena rock fits well these Kentucky rockers. All In All, Evil Urges starts off great with "Evil Urges" as its opening track and "Highly Suspicious", "Thank You Too!", and "Sec Walkin", in the middle of the album, and a great end track with "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt. 2". A great album. B+… Expand
  32. j30
    Dec 7, 2011
    5
    A very strange, uneven album from the boys down South (Louisville, Kentucky). When it works, it's some of the best stuff they've written up to this point. The album doesn't work when they try too hard to incorporate too many different genres (some of them sounding like garbage).
  33. 7dogguy
    Apr 26, 2012
    8
    This album is one of my favorite by them i dont get why everyone hates it come on smoking from shooting touch me im going to scream part 1 and 2 evil urges !? those songs and alot of the other ones are really good on this album
  34. riaan_radiohead
    May 7, 2015
    5
    Evil Urges is a major misfire and a hugely disappointing follow-up to the universally adored 'Z'. MMJ have taken some artistic risks with this album and unfortunately none of the experimentation works. "Highly Suspicious" sounds completely out of character and is poor homage to Prince. Overall the album is a patchy collection of their weakest songs shifting uneasily between differentEvil Urges is a major misfire and a hugely disappointing follow-up to the universally adored 'Z'. MMJ have taken some artistic risks with this album and unfortunately none of the experimentation works. "Highly Suspicious" sounds completely out of character and is poor homage to Prince. Overall the album is a patchy collection of their weakest songs shifting uneasily between different influences. Such a shame though, as a "Z' was clearly one of the finest albums of the 00's… Expand
  35. shprea
    Jul 10, 2013
    9
    Probably the band's best album to date. Every song is unique and has an awesome mellow vibe to it. Songs like "Touch me I'm going to scream" parts 1 and 2 just show how excellent this album is. Others like "Highly Suspicious" show My Morning Jacket at its most creative. All around great album.
  36. hikeminds
    Jul 3, 2015
    10
    The album that got me into My Morning Jacket. While some have criticized the sound of Evil Urges as being too diverse and lacking in focus, I find it actually does a perfect job of capturing the magic of MMJ: namely, the band's ability to shape-shift on the fly, offering disparate sounds that are nonetheless compelling and always anchored by Jim James' incomparable voice.
  37. bhsmall
    Jul 27, 2020
    8
    What an album. You got some cool psychedelic, ballads, and hard rockers for all to enjoy.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
  1. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Where the separate parts of the first half didn't gel – the chopping and changing of different styles too much to take in, perhaps, in too short a period--the second part is much easier to handle, and whilst the strong finish isn't enough to stop it falling short of "Z," Evil Urges does find its own place given time.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    The cumulative result is an exhilarating, bone-deep experience--a true album, built for sustained listening.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    Evil Urges explodes the band's sound with the same kind of creative leap that Wilco took on "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" and Radiohead took on "Kid A."
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