Regions of Light and Sound of God
by Jim James
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Feb 5, 2013
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Filter
    Feb 25, 2013
    86
    Captivating to its core, it will undoubtedly soundtrack countless mushroom-fueled spirit quests and soul-searching walkabouts for light years to come.
  2. Paste Magazine
    Feb 5, 2013
    83
    It’s a bold direction that’s not always easy to pursue successfully in the world of music, but Jim James is sure off to a good start.
  3. No Ripcord
    Feb 19, 2013
    80
    Overall, this album was a just-in-time surprise: a musical excursion of folk, soul, rock, and soul-baring honesty--fun to listen to, no matter where or how it is heard.
  5. Mojo
    Feb 6, 2013
    80
    This is mature, tuneful and utterly approachable album. [Mar 2013, p.87]
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  6. American Songwriter
    Feb 5, 2013
    80
    Regions Of Light is about surrendering yourself to the wonder of the unknown: Often on this adventurous and deeply heartfelt album, it’s unclear whether James is singing to a lover or to God, and that seems to be the point.
  7. Consequence
    Feb 5, 2013
    80
    Ultimately, Regions wins by turning broad, universal questions into James’ own personal conquests. Over the course of nine songs, James crafts an album that’s equal parts weighed down by loneliness and lifted up with hope, sometimes distant and other times fully engaged.
  8. Uncut
    Feb 4, 2013
    80
    The result is a lovingly recorded scrap of splendour and beauty that takes some of the more interesting elements of MMJ and runs with them in a series of unexpected directions. [Mar 2013, p.71]
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  9. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 4, 2013
    80
    Light but deep, it [Of The Mother Again] helps this shimmering solo effort knock the last three MMJ albums into a cocked hat.
  10. The Independent (UK)
    Feb 1, 2013
    80
    The album features slow-burning grooves that build steadily from modestly minimal to euphorically exultant.
  11. Alternative Press
    Jan 28, 2013
    80
    Thrillingly adventurous and tuneful, if occasionally indulgent. [Mar 2013, p.90]
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  12. BBC Music
    Jan 28, 2013
    80
    It's a soulful, self-contained delight.
  13. Pitchfork
    Feb 4, 2013
    78
    While addressing the same themes he's been tweaking for more than a decade now, James adds a new trick to his ever-expanding repertoire: transforming the boundless possibilities of solo creativity into a cohesive one-man show.
  14. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 11, 2013
    75
    Regions of Light and Sound of God is as succinct as he’s ever been on record, and while it doesn’t exactly live up to its grandiose title, it’s a fascinating musical backroad to find yourself stranded in.
  15. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 25, 2013
    70
    James seems to be in a good place, and thankfully for us, he’s managed to capture and translate it quite well into his music.
  16. Spin
    Feb 13, 2013
    70
    the monster of folk's slow-jamming, white-suited funk would seem fresher and riskier (at least in this godless era) if Matthew E. White, another Southerner with that old-time religion/romance on his mind, hadn't carved out similar turf on last year's equally ambitious and somewhat superior Big Inner.
  17. Rolling Stone
    Feb 5, 2013
    70
    Regions of Light and Sound of God is all heated feelings and extravagant gestures. It is also what solo albums are for: the leader of a great band out on a limb, in rapt self-examination, getting weird and interesting.
  18. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 4, 2013
    70
    Fans alienated by My Morning Jacket’s more recent material will find plenty of comfort here.
  19. AllMusic
    Feb 4, 2013
    70
    Regions of Light and Sound of God is intriguing and quirky; its songs often pose big questions inside informal, loosely developed pop song structures that are instantly accessible yet whose lyrics are often metaphysically elusive.
  20. Slant Magazine
    Feb 1, 2013
    70
    There's a certain variety to the approach here, but it coheres for the most part on James's insistently tuneful interrogation of himself. He remains a smart commentator on the voyeuristic elements of attraction.
  21. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 31, 2013
    70
    Overall, Regions Of Light And Sound Of God is a good rather than great album, lacking some of the spine-tingling dynamics of My Morning Jacket but delivering a consistent vision than many of their efforts.
  22. Under The Radar
    Jan 28, 2013
    70
    Regions of Light and Sound of God is a laid-back affair, hardly the max-effort of some Jacket jams, and one can feel James really enjoying himself. [Jan-Feb 2013, p.87]
  23. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 13, 2013
    67
    The underlying want and yearning pulls the songs most effectively.
  24. Entertainment Weekly
    Feb 8, 2013
    67
    As easy listening goes, it's dreamy--so dreamy you might have trouble staying awake. [15 Feb 2013, p.66]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. jyo_tirmaya
    Feb 10, 2013
    8
    The minimalism of this album mostly works than it doesn't. Jim James is truly inspired to write songs about his spiritual state of being asThe minimalism of this album mostly works than it doesn't. Jim James is truly inspired to write songs about his spiritual state of being as he grows as a singer/songwriter. I took the tribute to George Harrison that he did in 2009 under the acronym of "Yim Yames" and copied it onto a copy of this album, and now I've got an hour's worth of really inspiring and good music. ...and of course, James' voice only helps these songs.… Full Review »
  2. dispencer187
    Dec 21, 2017
    8
    It definitely took some time to get into this album, but once I did it hard me hard. Doesn't flow as well as his second album but looking backIt definitely took some time to get into this album, but once I did it hard me hard. Doesn't flow as well as his second album but looking back it was a great debut album for his solo work.… Full Review »
  3. BeauFuller
    Nov 8, 2016
    9
    good.good. .… Full Review »
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