# 48

# 48 Pete Yorn (Music for the Morning After)

Cat Stevens, Lou Reed, and Steven Stills, all names of men who were singer- songwriters. These guys made names for themselves thirty years ago when this vein of rock was popular. The 21st century wouldn't be considered friendly confines for singer-songwriter types. Enter Pete Yorn, in 2002 he ushered a sound into the mainstream that hadn't been heard in years. Music... was originally a demo Yorn recorded in his basement, but after he had it professionally mixed, Columbia signed him and released it as his debut. Parts soft, bittersweet ballads and parts upbeat, full throttle rock, Yorn effectively merged the edge of the current rock culture with the well formed lyrical style of his seventies influences. For his debut efforts Yorn gained much critical acclaim and a 111 peak position on the Billboard album chart. With singles like Life on a Chain and For Nancy Yorn lures listeners to the other more intricately written songs on the album. Songs like Strange Condition, Black, and Lose You offer a lyrical wisdom and depth that was not often heard in 02. Yorn's abilities on production and effects added texture to the album, while his strum patterns, rhythmic style, and well planned melodies allowed his work to stand out even among artist more experienced than himself. The album offers so many levels of emotion and rhythm. While some are upbeat and darker anthemic songs, some such as Murray and Sleep Better are light hearted, catchier songs. Simonize may be the slowest and emotionally charged song on the album. Yorn uses his smooth, haunting vocals to add drama to the event of telling the one you love to follow you forever. The perfect garnish for the album is the simple, yet poignant secret track, which offers Yorn's thoughts on the perfect girl with an acoustic treatment. This sentimental and tender album stuck out five years ago and still does, which makes it not Just Another album.