Waterfall II
by My Morning Jacket
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Jul 10, 2020
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. Whiskeyclone
    Jul 11, 2020
    9
    That any band would sit on work this strong for five years (while also periodically teasing its existence for their rabid fanbase) feels borderline absurd. The first Waterfall album in 2015 was a strong return to form for the band after mixed-bag releases in 2008 & 2011; it restored my faith that my favorite band could still make great albums rather than just handfuls at a time of greatThat any band would sit on work this strong for five years (while also periodically teasing its existence for their rabid fanbase) feels borderline absurd. The first Waterfall album in 2015 was a strong return to form for the band after mixed-bag releases in 2008 & 2011; it restored my faith that my favorite band could still make great albums rather than just handfuls at a time of great songs (and of course scorcher concerts). Well the jury is still out, but The Waterfall II might top even its predecessor.

    The band really locks into a sound here - a sun-kissed form of psychedelic country soul that they've played with before but never dived fully into. At the same time, they manage to find a lot of range within that admittedly broad description - the album's many highlights include their most Beatles-esque track ever, a succinct excursion in country-disco, airy folk, and a couple of down and dirty - but very different - rockers. Jim James' singing is soulful and on point throughout, Bo Koster turns in maybe his best studio work on the keys yet, and warm, vibrant guitar tones abound - steel, acoustic, and electric.

    It's possible the first Waterfall had slightly higher highlights, but this is almost certainly the more consistent collection. Either way, it's an incredible summer listen and proof once again that while James' and guitarist Carl Broemel's solo releases may be well and good on their own, the full band is capable of vastly higher levels of texture, nuance, and dynamism.    … Expand
  2. dispencer187
    Jul 31, 2020
    8
    It's great to have some new material from these guys. I think this album is kind of like a mixture of everything they have ever made. And as always with MMJ albums it gets better with every listen. Can't wait to hear these tunes live.
  3. RageNate
    Aug 30, 2020
    7
    Worthies (7/10):
    - Still Thinkin
    - Climbing The Ladder
    - Feel You
    - Magic Bullet
    - Wasted
    - Welcome Home
    - The First Time
  4. alxmsn
    Jul 20, 2020
    7
    It's not a bad album, and it's probably a grower, but after a couple of listens it sounds like it neither has the kick-ass tunes of Z nor the beautiful ballads of Evil Urges. Nevertheless, it is pleasant to the ears and admittedly a nice addition to their discography.
  5. bhsmall
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Absolute rush of an album with over 60 styles, effortlessly combined to make for one heck of a trip.
  6. KJInox
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    This album slaps, from beginning to end. My Morning Jacket knows how to put a record together.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Rolling Stone
    Sep 24, 2020
    70
    With the exception of “Wasted,” with its hard-rock guitar and raging solo, there’s a gentleness and a sweetness to The Waterfall II that is easy to get lost in.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 15, 2020
    70
    In case the meditative ruminations were missed elsewhere on The Waterfall II, the closer reaffirms the band's emotional shift in spite of the struggle.
    Read full review
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Aug 21, 2020
    70
    While the album still has the overall feel of being in a flotation tank while listening to Gerry Rafferty, James experiments beyond his tendency to jaw off occasionally into psych jazz interludes, tackling dark future fink on Magic Bullet and Godspell gospel blues on Wasted. [Sep 2020, p.89]
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