2022: I have Morby’s 2017 effort City Music towards the beginning of this Newer Albums section. Kevin is one prolific album craftsman. There has been 5 releases since ‘17.

Kevin Morby is a talented and versatile singer-songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri, who has been making waves in the indie rock scene with his innovative and expressive music. This Is a Photograph is his seventh studio album, released on May 13, 2022, on Dead Oceans. The album is partly inspired by Morby’s own fear of death and an incident in which his father collapsed before a family dinner in January 2020 after accidentally taking double his heart medication. The album is also influenced by Morby’s sojourn in Memphis, Tennessee, where he stayed at the historic Peabody Hotel and immersed himself in the city’s rich musical history and culture. This Is a Photograph is a masterpiece of indie rock, blending elements from folk, blues, soul, and gospel with complex lyrics, catchy melodies, and smooth vocals.

The album features 10 tracks, each with its own distinctive mood and style. The opening track, “This Is a Photograph”, is the lead single and the title track of the album, and it is a poignant and nostalgic song that reflects on Morby’s family photos and memories. The second track, “Rock Bottom”, is a groovy and funky song that features a guest appearance by soul singer Charles Bradley. The third track, “A Random Act of Kindness”, is a hopeful and uplifting song that celebrates the power of compassion and generosity. The fourth track, “June”, is an epic and complex song that spans over 10 minutes and features multiple sections and transitions. The fifth track, “Tintoretto, It’s for You”, is a playful and humorous song that references the Italian painter Tintoretto and his famous painting The Last Supper.

The sixth track, “It’s in Your Heart Now”, is a catchy and upbeat song that encourages the listener to follow their dreams and passions. The seventh track, “The States”, is a political and social commentary song that critiques the state of America and its history of violence and injustice. The eighth track, “Suffer”, is a tender and emotional ballad that reveals the vulnerability and regret of a lover. The ninth track, “All My Pretty Dresses”, is a romantic and seductive song that expresses the attraction and temptation of a lover. The tenth and final track, “Survivor’s Guilt”, is a melancholic and introspective song that deals with the themes of death and grief.