Z
by My Morning Jacket
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Oct 4, 2005
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 211 out of 249
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 249
  3. Negative: 17 out of 249

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  1. jc
    Dec 5, 2005
    9
    DAMMMN good. Best of the year. Oh boy. Slightly ahead of Wolf Parade... That's all I've got to give. Mike F: that has a negative impact? As a Lips fan: weak.
  2. Mack
    Dec 9, 2005
    10
    Absolutely amazing album from start to finish. MMJ draws upon a varied palette of influences yet still remains an undeniably unique force. Yes, I was also suprised to read all the professional reviews and never come across a Flaming Lips comparison - I guess the reviewers thought that was too easy so they'd have to go for something a little less immediate, like a few seconds that Absolutely amazing album from start to finish. MMJ draws upon a varied palette of influences yet still remains an undeniably unique force. Yes, I was also suprised to read all the professional reviews and never come across a Flaming Lips comparison - I guess the reviewers thought that was too easy so they'd have to go for something a little less immediate, like a few seconds that resemble Radiohead. I wouldn't mind if more bands tried to sound a little like the Flaming Lips - they're amazing too. "Knot Comes Loose" is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in a while, and "Wordless Chorus" is brilliant. Z deserves to be on every year-end list.… Expand
  3. BradE
    Oct 29, 2005
    10
    Truly epic. I see and hear a lot of comparisons to Neil Young, the Band, etc. -- classic Americana. But, the songs soar into melodic, fuzzy guitar heaven, reminiscent of great British acts such as James, Coldplay, Radiohead, and Doves.
  4. RichardC
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    I just found out about this band, and I have to say that this album is AMAZING! An instant classic.
  5. GingerMoon
    Nov 30, 2006
    9
    Z is definitely one of the best albums of 2005, and that says a lot because 2005 was a great year for alternativ music. Each track is so diverse and unique, beautifully composed, with fantastic lyrics. Lay Low is by far my favorite track, an epic tune that desrves praise!
  6. Lou
    Dec 18, 2006
    9
    9.5 really. Fantastic album. Nothing left to say!
  7. Rufus
    Dec 7, 2006
    8
    I like this release so much that I intend to spend millions of dollars buying up all available copies of it so that no one else can have one.
  8. porkenVonPumpaloaf
    Feb 16, 2006
    7
    Its good, but in the top three of 2005? i dunno.
  9. StephenS
    May 12, 2006
    10
    One of 2005's very best discs. Allow it to grow on you with entire listenings.
  10. lisal
    Jun 13, 2006
    10
    This is by far one of the best albums ever! Every song is so unique and wonderful to listen to! It proves that music is an art.
  11. ArturoR.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    This is their best work!
  12. AlexP.
    Dec 30, 2007
    9
    A great album. Soaring proggy yet rootsy rock, with Jim James' Neil Young-esque falsetto and twirling jamming guitars creating a unique sound. Very good, and their best album to date.
  13. JohnS.
    Aug 22, 2007
    10
    Awesome. Literally inspires awe in your ears, your heart and most importantly your soul. Each song reaches an orgasmic guitar solo crescendo.
  14. Thecrystalcat
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    would be pretty sweet if they could make the background music of my life.
  15. skybar
    Sep 27, 2008
    10
    Perfect album for night drives. Note to half of the commenters: Stop comparing everything to Radiohead. Learn how to appreciate something without namedropping. Learn to do that and you'll be better than half of the so-called music critics out there. Can't you sit and listen to something and appreciate it for what it is? You fools would listen to Berlioz and say, "Oh my. This Perfect album for night drives. Note to half of the commenters: Stop comparing everything to Radiohead. Learn how to appreciate something without namedropping. Learn to do that and you'll be better than half of the so-called music critics out there. Can't you sit and listen to something and appreciate it for what it is? You fools would listen to Berlioz and say, "Oh my. This sounds an awful lot like Beethoven. What a poseur!"… Expand
  16. Souldiver
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    In short, "Z" is a masterpiece that will certainly stand the test of time to these ears. I have listened to this record quite a lot since the day it came out and continue to discover little pieces of ear candy each time I put it on. For the record, I too believe the Flaming Lips comparison an apt one, but that is not intended to imply "Z" is derivative. Like many great works of art "Z" is In short, "Z" is a masterpiece that will certainly stand the test of time to these ears. I have listened to this record quite a lot since the day it came out and continue to discover little pieces of ear candy each time I put it on. For the record, I too believe the Flaming Lips comparison an apt one, but that is not intended to imply "Z" is derivative. Like many great works of art "Z" is willing to show its influences, and there are many strewn about in this sprawling, beautiful sonic landscape, but it is in the blending of its influences where "Z" and MMJ find their voice. And, it is a heavenly voice indeed and one that rewards repeated listening. Like my favorite records of all-time, I expect "Z" to be revealing little nuggets of sonic pleasure and lyrical revelation to me for some time to come.… Expand
  17. JyotirmayaD
    Dec 27, 2005
    8
    I wish they would play this kind of shit on MTV instead of freakin' Ashlee Simpson or whateer her name is... j.t.
  18. j30
    Dec 7, 2011
    9
    Z is an impressive, near great album from My Morning Jacket. Don't make a judgement the first time you listen to it. It's very different from anything you've ever heard before from the band. (Early) Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Wilco all come to mind when I listen to the record.
  19. Messiahman
    Jul 28, 2012
    7
    I barely discovered this band today, and I instantly fell in love...until I heard this album. First three tracks? Great.

    Everything else was garbage until I heard "Lay Low," then the rest went back to being garbage.
  20. shprea
    Jul 10, 2013
    9
    All around great album. Awesome tunes with a mellow/laid back feel. It's just great. The real jewels of this album are "Dondante", "Wordless Chorus", and "Lay Low". Highly recommended.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2005
20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2005
26
#26 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Dot Music
    90
    A modern day classic.
    Read full review
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    What you can expect is what makes My Morning Jacket tried and true: bigger-than-life lyrics, classic rock swagger, and the need to move forward.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    100
    With Z, My Morning Jacket have left their comfort zone, assumed the mantle of firebrands, and delivered a truly momentous work. [Oct 2005, p.96]
See all critic reviews »