Mammaren Reviews: UnSpoken by Matt Morris

Matt Morris:  UnSpoken

Brief Bio:
Matt Morris is a Colorado native songwriter and musician whose roots go deep into the music world. Born in 1979 to Terri and legendary musician Gary Morris. Matt went on to do a four year stint on the Mickey Mouse club. He has received several Grammy nominations for collaborations with the likes of Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson. Matt also counts among his super star friends Justin Timberlake. Matt Co-Wrote the duet between Reba McEntire and Justin “The Only Promise that Remains.” Matt has released one album, UnSpoken, and is currently in the studio working on his second album. He was recently signed with Justin’s label Tennman Records.

The Album:

UnSpoken is unlike anything I have ever heard. I found this album a little by mistake. But man, am I glad I did. Matt’s songwriting is complex and thoughtful. His lyrics go beyond “typical” and lean on the heaviness of emotion. The big track, Eternity is a heavy hitter with surprisingly spiritual references.

“Somewhere between the first creation and tonight
Was a million incarnations of me, myself, and I
I was a savior in another life
With a white robe flowing in the morning light
I walked with angels through my darkest plight
In the desert for forty days and forty nights”

It gets better, much better…

“I’m carrying the memory
Of these things inside of me
I greet them with humility
They’re with me for eternity”

Matt goes on to write with such intensity that it seems that surely he will run out of amazing metaphors, but he doesn’t. Interspersed through the 14 tracks are 4 “interludes” of haunting piano and simple vocalizations. Matt is no novice musician, and he proves it. My personal 2nd favorite track on UnSpoken is “Betting Man,” a song about lost love

“You had your red stilletos on the day you walked all over me.. “ Ouch

Later in the album, Matt sings “Let Me” an unusually intimate love song.

“Let me, let me make a memory. Let me take you slowly, let me go deeper. Just hold tight, I will make it alright. I will love completely. If you just let me..”

UnSpoken is beautiful from beginning to end. Released in 2002 it was ahead of its time and still is. There’s no shortage of thought or talent in this album. Perhaps the only thing missing is more tracks. I get the feeling that I’d like Matt to sit at my piano and sing. UnSpoken is available on Amazon as well as iTunes.

UnSpoken is so rich and powerful, I find myself impatient waiting for more. Matt is a true artist and a uniquely personal musician. I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from Matt.

Be sure to check out Matt Morris.net for real video blogs from Matt and personal writing.