Album Details

• Artist: Jim James
• Album: Regions Of Light And Sound Of God
• Label: ATO
• Year of Release: 2013
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: nlathy on 2013-02-07

This is Jim James' first full length album. The Morning Jacket frontman offers up an eclectic mix of styles.

As the title indicates, there is a spiritual inspiration on the album particularly on "All Is Forgiven" and "Gods Love to Deliver." There's an eastern sound to the former, which indicates a prayer. These songs find a way to enter the rock zone. Also like other songs here, a second listen helps bring about a better appreciation of James' ambition.

"Gods Love" is more successful. It's a tribute to Martin Luther King. The vocals bring about an other worldly quality to the music. James comes across as sincere and hopeful without being preachy.  

The best track is a "A New Life." James comes up with an upbeat song set to 50s music. It hearkens back to an era, when rock was more innocent and fun. This is an album, which gets rather serious. But the fun aspect of life gives any spiritual search a more inviting outreach.

The music can get bluesy like on "State Of The Art."  The piano playing sets well with the mood of the song. "Know Til Now" uses a subtle approach, which draws you in eventually.

The music works better when there is more of a beat. "Dear One" benefits from more musical accompaniment. James plays all the instruments.

It's reminiscent of the multi-instrument approach Paul McCartney took on his solo debut. James solo ep included George Harrison songs. James singing sounds like John Lennon.

Similarities with masters doesn't make his music derivative. James comes across with his own style. His artistic vision is subtle in the right places. Even the laid-back instrumental "Exploding," works well (It's much quieter than the title).

The instrumental sets the stage for "Of the Mother Again," which starts out slowly and adds instruments, taking on more of a rock approach.

It would be good if everything was as catchy as "Actress." But his ambitious technique is worth listening to. And James seems quite capable of taking his song catalog in new and exciting directions.  

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