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. NatM
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    Rarely is there an album this full of majesty and grace. From the beginning of "Wordless Chorus," we know we're in for a ride. "We are the innovators, they are the imitators" indeed--these guys will have plenty of followers. The album snakes through beauties like "It Beats 4 U" and "Gideon", rockers like "What A Wonderful Man" and "Off the Record". Then there's "Dondante"--as Rarely is there an album this full of majesty and grace. From the beginning of "Wordless Chorus," we know we're in for a ride. "We are the innovators, they are the imitators" indeed--these guys will have plenty of followers. The album snakes through beauties like "It Beats 4 U" and "Gideon", rockers like "What A Wonderful Man" and "Off the Record". Then there's "Dondante"--as dark as Pink Floyd, as ethereal and haunting as Neil Young, this is one of the best songs released on album since...well, since MMJ's own "One Big Holiday" in 2003. This is a band at the top of their game, but we should be seeing the game rise even higher. Having seen them live right after this was released, i can attest to the fact that they are as good of a band as there is out there. These guys are the real deal.… Expand
  2. Smaz
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    MMJ has made stellar albums in years past, particularly It Still Moves, but never before have they crafted together sonic elegance and downright southern grittiness so beautifully. Falsettos galore make this truely an awe-inspiring listening experience.
  3. Tyler
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    great.
  4. naja
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    i agree with what jim said below a few comments. this album is like a more excessible, rockier soft bulletin. flaming lips come to mind a lot, but not too much to the point where they sound like a knock off band. z is a good album, one of the best of the year, but no necessarily earth shattering, and though soft bulletin is comparable to ok computer, it's not soft bulletin, just i agree with what jim said below a few comments. this album is like a more excessible, rockier soft bulletin. flaming lips come to mind a lot, but not too much to the point where they sound like a knock off band. z is a good album, one of the best of the year, but no necessarily earth shattering, and though soft bulletin is comparable to ok computer, it's not soft bulletin, just closer to soft bulletin than to ok computer in sound and style.… Expand
  5. KevinG
    Dec 21, 2005
    9
    An Allman Brothers for the 21st century. A terrific pop record and how often can you say that?
  6. Martini
    Dec 20, 2005
    10
    An amazing work from a band who continues to reinvent itself with every ablum they release.
  7. EffE
    Dec 23, 2005
    9
    Best album of the year with Broken Social Scene's BSS. I just can't take it out of my cd player.
  8. romanm
    Dec 27, 2005
    4
    How is this such a leap forward from 'It Still Moves'? That album is infinitely better. #2 on 2005 Metacritic must mean that the crits all got together, listened to this misfire, and overrated it because of the formula. MMJ plays sensitive Americana rooted in the past (however the playing is nowhere near as good or inventive as Allman, Neil Young, etc), with a b.s. nod toward How is this such a leap forward from 'It Still Moves'? That album is infinitely better. #2 on 2005 Metacritic must mean that the crits all got together, listened to this misfire, and overrated it because of the formula. MMJ plays sensitive Americana rooted in the past (however the playing is nowhere near as good or inventive as Allman, Neil Young, etc), with a b.s. nod toward progress (do you really think the electronics are 'groundbreaking' here?), they are one of the most well known underground acts in the country (they are on a major label, in beer commercials and bad Cameron Crowe movies, but have no chance of radio, MTV, or even the O.C.), and they have the right politics (opening for John Kerry last year). This makes crusty, old, 50-something tastemakers wet their pants in the boardrooms of Rolling Stone, Spin and Billboard. Don't believe the hype.… Expand
  9. whitneyd
    Dec 27, 2005
    5
    the first 3 songs are awsome. they have an icy cool sound that reminds me of some radiohead. but very original. but then the album suddenly takes a nose dive into pretty dull boaring 90's rock that reminds me of Bush. which is not a good thing.
  10. Craig
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    Excellent album. One of the top 5 for 2005.
  11. SteveO
    Oct 24, 2005
    5
    Everyone- Please never compare this to Ok Computer again. Thanks, Your pal, People of taste
  12. RaulJulia
    Oct 24, 2005
    8
    Good but not 9 or 10 good. MMJ moved me stirringly in the past but not so much here.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. porkenVonPumpaloaf
    Feb 16, 2006
    7
    Its good, but in the top three of 2005? i dunno.
  17. kentrips
    Feb 16, 2006
    6
    This is NOT Kid A or OK Computer. This is Pablo Honey at the bottom of a pond, all surface like the bubble that transports a final frantic yawn. Distant as though a dream of a dream; finally inanimate, sealed and self-present.
  18. StephenS
    May 12, 2006
    10
    One of 2005's very best discs. Allow it to grow on you with entire listenings.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. camdenl
    Dec 23, 2005
    5
    wow so overrated
  22. 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.
  23. HannaW
    Sep 27, 2006
    9
    This is the album that they were meant to create. The album's leading up to this were training wheels for what is to come from this band after Z. They capture the very essence of Z in their live shows. I would recommend everyone that is a MMJ fan to please see them live. They get it and you will too.
  24. MatthewG
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    Simply one of the best albums made in the last 10 years.
  25. ScottS.
    Jan 2, 2008
    10
    Easily the best album of the year, if not the decade.
  26. RobV.
    May 6, 2008
    10
    Best album of 2005. 4th best of all time. Perfect mix between Pink Floyd, Led Zep and Neil Young, but in a modern jacket.
  27. Jake
    Jun 23, 2008
    10
    This is simply an incredible album. Every song sounds different but they all come together in a strangely cohesive way. Lay Low, Wordless Chorus, It Beats 4 U and Dondante are genius and you owe it to yourself as a fan of quality music to pick this stellar album up. I'm sure glad I did.
  28. Cat
    Dec 28, 2006
    8
    Great album. Definite grower...may sound a bit strange at first but once you listen to it more you appreciate its nuances and little oddities. Not to mention that these guys are AMAZING live. That made me appreciate this album all that much more.
  29. RichardE
    Jan 13, 2007
    2
    simply boring
  30. TomR
    Feb 3, 2007
    9
    I would like to vote 10 on this release from my recent favorite rock band MMJ, just to offset the 0-2 votes here. Z is obviously not a 0-2, and those who rate it that simply can't appreciate the talent that Jim James and MMJ display. Either that or they grew up in the 70's and are stuck there and anything after that has been a "copy cat". It is true that MMJ borrows alot from I would like to vote 10 on this release from my recent favorite rock band MMJ, just to offset the 0-2 votes here. Z is obviously not a 0-2, and those who rate it that simply can't appreciate the talent that Jim James and MMJ display. Either that or they grew up in the 70's and are stuck there and anything after that has been a "copy cat". It is true that MMJ borrows alot from 70's rock. In fact many groups borrow from 70's and 80's music nowadays, but few can take the music they love, add their own flair and pull it off. MMJ is one of the few. This CD is an instant classic and will be one of the revered recordings of this decade. The reverb is still persent, but not as glaring in previous efforts, and the newly revamped band rocks out, especially on Anytime and What a Wonderful Man. There are a couple of weaker tracks on the CD, but are overshadowed by the highlights like Gideon and Anytime. MMJ uses keyboards more often and effectively than peviously and the result is a more well rounded sound on two of my personal favorite tracks It Beats 4 U and Wordless Chorus. The CD closes with the epic Dondante. As a sidenote, I caught MMJ at the Avalon in Boston, and they were just as good as on Okonokos. I recommend seing them soon before they headline Amphiteaters. MMJ truly is a great American rock Band.… Expand
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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

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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 »