Mood Swings

by Marcus King

Overview

Never one to disguise his motivations, Marcus King telegraphs his intentions for his second album for American/Republic with the title Mood Swings: fresh from a painful breakup, he delves deep into his psyche, achieving a sense of grace through exorcising demons. King's torment is apparent through his song titles -- "Fuck My Life Up Again," "Soul It Screams," and "Save Me" all arrive in quick succession -- but not in the sound of the record. Working with producer Rick Rubin for the first time -- this is his second album for American Recordings but the first he's cut at Malibu's Shangri-La Studios -- King consciously steers away from high-octane blues-rock, preferring to settle into a mellow, reflective groove that's equal parts Memphis soul stew and the glistening sound of Philly. King deliberately refrains from extended guitar flights, preferring to use the instrument for rhythm and texture. He even opts not to ratchet up the tempo, and the subdued rhythms, many anchored with drum loops, barely rise above a simmer. The relaxed gait and emphasis on feel push the focus onto King's voice. Pitched at a pleading falsetto, King sounds raw and earnest, bending classic soul-blues form so it suits a combination of therapy-speak and visceral earthiness. If the individual songs don't quite differentiate themselves, that's not precisely a detriment, as King is on an explicit interior journey, ensuring that his music mimics his moods. He doesn't avoid darkness, but he chooses not to wallow, finding instead a measure of peace in the emotional expression itself. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	04/05/2024
Label:	Republic
UPC:	0602465171822

Tracks

1. Mood Swings
2. F*ck My Life Up Again
3. Soul It Screams
4. Save Me
5. Hero
6. Delilah
7. Inglewood Motel
8. This Far Gone
9. Bipolar Love
10. Me or Tennessee
11. Cadillac

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Marcus King   Primary Artist,Bass,Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Guitar (Bass),Piano (Electric),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Jason Lader   Synthesizer,Synthesizer Bass,Bass,Moog Bass
Daphne Chen   Viola,Violin,Strings
Kevin Scott   Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Herman Bryant   Vocals (Background)
Cory Henry   Bass,Organ,Piano,Keyboards,Percussion,Organ (Hammond),Piano (Electric)
Kristen Rogers   Vocals (Background)
Christopher Spies   Horn
Porcha Clay   Vocals (Background)
Ro Rowan   Cello
Mike Runyon   Synthesizer
Isaiah Gage   Cello
Aaron Paris   Strings
Justin Johnson   Horn
Ashly Williams   Vocals (Background)
Benny Bock   Piano,Mellotron
Briley King   Vocals (Background)
Lenny Castro   Percussion
Chris Dave   Drums,Percussion

Technical Credits

Daphne Chen   Arranger
Dexter Wansel   Composer
Michael Goldberg   A&R
David Wolter   A&R
Kristina Grossmann   A&R
Mike Runyon   Synthesizer Programming
Isaac Heymann   A&R
Tobias Jesso, Jr.   Composer
Aaron Paris   Arranger,String Arrangements
Marcus King   Composer
Dylan Neustadter   Assistant Engineer
Gabe Lee   Composer
Bryan Montesano   A&R
Dan Auerbach   Composer
Rick Rubin   Producer
Jason Lader   Mixing,Recording,Programming
Stephen Marcussen   Mastering Engineer
Peter Levin   Composer