Pete Yorn - Musicforthemorningafter

 

Pete Yorn - Musicforthemorningafter

By

Jesse E. Mullen

 

You’re a 27-year-old singer/songwriter. You’ve signed a major label contract as a complete unknown. You’ve just recorded with an influential indie rock producer. And you’re about to release your debut album.

So was the story of Pete Yorn in the spring of 2001. The musician popped onto store shelves with a debut album as a complete unknown. That album – Musicforthemorningafter – was about to change the songwriter’s life forever. But how do the songs hold up 20 years later?

The album opens with “Life On A Chain.” The song starts in lofi territory with Yorn sounding a lot like Lou Barlow. But once the chorus hits, the jangly guitars and six-string basses come in, and the track possesses an anthemic quality. A brief harmonica interlude enters in the closing moments. A triumphant opener.

Things get even more poignant on “Strange Condition.” The track starts out in a low key, sounding a bit like “Range Life” by Pavement in the first verse. There is a key change in the second verse and Yorn again sounds like nobody but himself.

Lyrically, the track describes a relationship going downhill. Yorn compares the breakdown of communication with his girlfriend to being behind the bars. He wants to level with her, but something is holding him back.

The album gets into radio-ready territory on “For Nancy (‘Cos It Already Is).” Chugging guitars and swaggering stacked vocals evoke Yorn’s love for Guided By Voices. The instantly singable refrain about “[convincing ourselves] that everything is alright” will be stuck in the listener’s head for days.

“Murray” further displays Yorn’s composition skills. The verses move from a major key to a minor key halfway through, giving the track a sweet and sour feeling. When the chorus comes along, it’s another instant hit. A slow interlude adds impact to the final verse and chorus.

Lyrically, the track describes the title character going insane from boredom. It seems to be a statement on modern life, and how technology affects our mental state. In 2021, the track is even more relevant than it was in 2001.

Perhaps the strongest song on the album is “Closet.” The track is another character sketch on a relationship breakdown, where the narrator addresses either a “Billie” or a “Billy.” The fact that Yorn leaves it ambiguous adds to the song’s impact and mystery.

The chorus is the catchiest yet. The narrator is given the silent treatment and simply wants to be addressed again. But Yorn’s vocal performance and chord changes are incredibly convincing. The bridge is also excellent.

A chord progression reminiscent of surf rock leads back into the verse and chorus one final time. The final refrain is an exhilarating change up. Using the same chords as the verse, but lyrics from the verse, the track ends with one last crescendo. An album highlight and possibly a career highlight.

Taking a chance on a young artist is always a risk. Add in a multinational corporation to the mix, and that risk increases further. But for Columbia, the risk paid off. Pete Yorn may have been making his debut album, but Musicforthermorningafter already plays like a greatest hits record.

Columbia Records/2001