Tonight on NRN Radio: Don’t miss our exclusive segment diving deep into the soundscape of My Morning Jacket’s new album, Is, airing on the JamFest Feature Hour! Tune in and ride the waves of rock evolution with us.
In the ever-shifting realm of rock music, few bands have consistently pushed boundaries like My Morning Jacket. With over two decades of sonic experimentation behind them, the Louisville-based rockers have always danced between genres and expectations, threading reverb-heavy psychedelia with heartland anthems. But with the release of their tenth studio album, Is, they’ve taken one of their boldest steps yet—out of their own creative bubble.
And it’s not just evolution—it’s reinvention.
Is Marks a Defining Moment for MMJ
For the first time in their career, frontman Jim James has handed the production reins to an outside force, enlisting none other than legendary producer Brendan O’Brien—the mind behind timeless records from Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and Rage Against the Machine. That decision alone signals a shift in the band’s DNA, and the results speak volumes.
The band entered Henson Studios in Los Angeles with a vault of over 100 demos. What emerged was a curated 10-track journey that showcases a leaner, sharper, and more urgent My Morning Jacket—a band still reaching into the cosmos, but with a new clarity that pierces through the fog.
“It Just Is“
There’s power in the simplicity of the album’s title. “I like how the word is indicates a sense of presence in the now,” says James. “There’s no logic or rationale behind this record; it just is.”
That surrender—to the moment, to the music, to each other—runs deep throughout the album. Is feels less like a planned project and more like a captured moment in time, raw and unfiltered. The band isn’t chasing trends or recycling past glories; they’re standing firmly in the now.
Highlights from Is
- “Time Waited” opens like a familiar MMJ anthem, but with a new edge. The track’s sweeping chorus and rich layers capture the band’s signature sound—yet distilled into something more immediate, more alive.
- “Squid Ink” pushes the envelope entirely. With its pulsing rhythm and kaleidoscopic production, it catapults the band into uncharted territory. Accompanied by a mind-bending video directed by Danny Clinch, it’s as much an art piece as it is a song.
- “Out In The Open”, the album’s opener, sets the stage with a slow burn that builds to a majestic crescendo, echoing the spiritual undertones of earlier records while rooted in newfound focus.
25 Years Strong—and Still Searching
Coming on the heels of the 20th anniversary of their 2005 landmark album Z, Is doesn’t dwell in nostalgia. Instead, it moves forward with confidence, clarity, and commitment. This is a band that’s not afraid to throw out what doesn’t feel right. “We’re not afraid to scrap something if we don’t absolutely love it,” James explains. “It feels really great to have a collection of songs we all love this much.”
NRN Radio Show Exclusive – Tonight Only
As part of JamFest’s continuing celebration of groundbreaking releases, tonight’s NRN Radio Show will spotlight Is in an exclusive feature. Tune in for in-depth commentary, track breakdowns, and a few surprises from the MMJ vault. This is your chance to hear the album the way it was meant to be heard—loud, live, and surrounded by fans who get it.
Final Thoughts
With Is, My Morning Jacket proves they’re not just survivors in the modern rock landscape—they’re visionaries. Stripping away the layers of self-produced echo and introspection, the band has embraced collaboration and clarity to craft what might be their most direct and impactful album to date. This isn’t just another chapter in their storied career—it’s a bold reintroduction.
So whether you’ve been riding with MMJ since The Tennessee Fire or you’re discovering their magic for the first time, Is demands your attention.
Don’t miss tonight’s JamFest spotlight on NRN Radio – experience Is the way it was meant to be.