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. Jules
    Nov 1, 2005
    5
    Tedious leaden retread of seventies space rock - still - I prefer my space rock a little scarier and grandiose - many obviously enjoy this more gentle and humble fare. To me, the Guardian gets it right: pedestrian.
  2. madsl
    Nov 13, 2005
    8
    The first three tracks are as brilliant as anything on OK Computer or The Soft Bulletin. Had they made a whole album like that I would have hailed it a masterpiece. The rest is often good stuff but as an album it lacks consistency and coherence...and some of the guitar parts are rather dullas well. But boy can jim james sing!!
  3. daxr
    Oct 12, 2005
    7
    a curve ball. maybe the new direction of this band. songs like 'i will sing you songs' had a lot of people thinking these guys were the american rock version of sigur ros. they're not. this album is really very good. probably should be an 8. but i just can't help being disappointed by it every time i listen to it, and am baffled by the 100s it's receiving from so a curve ball. maybe the new direction of this band. songs like 'i will sing you songs' had a lot of people thinking these guys were the american rock version of sigur ros. they're not. this album is really very good. probably should be an 8. but i just can't help being disappointed by it every time i listen to it, and am baffled by the 100s it's receiving from so many critics. i guess it's just the de rigueur thing to do. it's got some good songs but no great ones. they don't work as well together as i want them to. and then there's 'into the woods.' i declare 2005 the year of whimsy. everyone's getting a little carried away with their muses. devendra banhart just floated away with it on cripple crow, and mmj does the same on this album. there's little weight here. there's less depth. there's no hook as grand as just because i do or mahgeetah. the reverb (which some people are still complaining about) has been toned down too much. it's too heavy on the slick and too light on the atmosphere.… Expand
  4. widespreadfred
    Oct 12, 2005
    7
    Z was the CD I most anticipated this year. Unfortunately, it fails to move me like It Still Moves and At Dawn both of which I still listen to repeatedly. Good CD? yes, but I haven't listened to it for a few days.
  5. aaronb
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    Best album since Pearl Jam VS.(1993).
  6. JeffS.
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    One of, if not, the best album of the year!!
  7. MuradA
    Nov 4, 2005
    8
    It's always a joy to stumble across an album and a band that you have no idea about and end up loving it all. It's a slow burner, that initially interests and then grabs you.
  8. DocD
    Oct 15, 2005
    9
    There aren't any bad songs on this disc, and a few ("Off the Record" and "Knot Comes Loose" leap to mind) are simply gorgeous. There are only a couple real rock songs, and they work pretty well, but the slower tracks are the album's real strength. Great album overall, behind only The National for my favorite of the year so far. I'd have voted it 10 if I hadn't had to There aren't any bad songs on this disc, and a few ("Off the Record" and "Knot Comes Loose" leap to mind) are simply gorgeous. There are only a couple real rock songs, and they work pretty well, but the slower tracks are the album's real strength. Great album overall, behind only The National for my favorite of the year so far. I'd have voted it 10 if I hadn't had to spend a a half-hour trying to bypass the copy protection so it could even play properly on my computer (a weird side-effect of Sony/BMG's war with Apple).… Expand
  9. lawrenced
    Nov 5, 2005
    6
    I was pleasantly surprised upon first listen but after several spins Z feels pretty bloated and smacks a little too heavily of Radiohead or an overproduced Flaming Lips. Even the artwork screams Kid A. Let's just hope this leads somewhere good and not just to another arena rock cliche.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. Tyler
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    great.
  13. 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
  14. KevinG
    Dec 21, 2005
    9
    An Allman Brothers for the 21st century. A terrific pop record and how often can you say that?
  15. Martini
    Dec 20, 2005
    10
    An amazing work from a band who continues to reinvent itself with every ablum they release.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. Craig
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    Excellent album. One of the top 5 for 2005.
  20. SteveO
    Oct 24, 2005
    5
    Everyone- Please never compare this to Ok Computer again. Thanks, Your pal, People of taste
  21. RaulJulia
    Oct 24, 2005
    8
    Good but not 9 or 10 good. MMJ moved me stirringly in the past but not so much here.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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!
  27. Lou
    Dec 18, 2006
    9
    9.5 really. Fantastic album. Nothing left to say!
  28. 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.
  29. porkenVonPumpaloaf
    Feb 16, 2006
    7
    Its good, but in the top three of 2005? i dunno.
  30. 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.
  31. StephenS
    May 12, 2006
    10
    One of 2005's very best discs. Allow it to grow on you with entire listenings.
  32. 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.
  33. ArturoR.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    This is their best work!
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. Thecrystalcat
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    would be pretty sweet if they could make the background music of my life.
  37. unico
    Aug 13, 2008
    6
    This seems to me pretty much overrated. it doesn't take a lot of plays til it starts to bore you somehow.
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. camdenl
    Dec 23, 2005
    5
    wow so overrated
  41. 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.
  42. 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.
  43. 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.
  44. 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.
  45. bhsmall
    Jul 27, 2020
    5
    Z is a great album in its own right, but feels almost too over rated. There are a few standout songs, but not enough for this to be critically accclaimed.
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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 »