Matt Morris • "Love" & Other Songs

It is hard for me to believe that it has been about 4 and a half years since Matt Morris released his amazing album, 'When Everything Breaks Open'. Morris was the first person signed to Tennman Productions, the new label founded by Justin Timberlake. The two had been friends for a long time, since they were on the 'New Mickey Mouse Club' with Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, Tony Lucca, Keri Russell, and Ryan Gosling, among others. I must admit, I didn't watch the show, and discovered his music much later. I must also admit I not only had Matt in my music collection, for I also had music by his father, Country Music and Broadway star Gary Morris, making them the first father/son acts so represented.

I loved the album immediately, and still find it to be a great listen. So much so, I was truly expecting there to be some music following up. I waited quite patiently, but so far, none has been released. So instead of playing the waiting game any longer, I have opted to take a look back at the album, via some live performances of some great songs. The song "Love" was a particular favorite of mine, and still remains so entrenched. It was written by Morris, and it fits his voice to a 't'. This is the third track on the album, "Love", as it was performed live on 'Lopez Tonight', the talk show starring George Lopez.

The second track off 'When Everything Breaks Open' is a sexy, bluesy song which never fail to get me moving whenever I hear it. There is so much truth to the song, so much honesty to be found in the lyrics, I think it needs to be played a helluva lot more than it is played now. Matt played the song on the 2009 Chabad "To Life" Telethon, a joyful celebration of life and a reminder of the power of good deed. I know when Matt sings "Money", there is joy to be had.

The final track of the CD makes the third song in this post that was written by Morris. "Eternity" is a great song to end with, showing a great depth and strength of 'When Everything Breaks Open'. There are elements of history, spirituality, love, and life in the track. I find those attributes well-represented in this acoustic music video released by Morris in 2010. This is "Eternity" by Matt Morris.

As I mentioned earlier, while the album was released in July of 2010, it still has a place in my collection, and a relevance for life today. Matt does not create light Pop tunes, easily forgotten the next season. He makes music that is to be heard, felt, and, in doing so, nourish the soul. For more about Matt Morris, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'When Everything Breaks Open' from iTunes and Amazon.

New from Matt Morris - Live Forever

Out Singer/songwriter Matt Morris has released a video for this latest single, Live Forever. From the really fantastic debut album When Everything Breaks Open is released through Tennman Records, owned and run by Justin Timberlake.




The song is gorgeous and lush, the first 30 seconds sounding more like an elegy than a pop song. But at about the minute mark, it kicks into unmistakable pop. The lyrics to the song also gave the album a name. The video opens on a suburban street, taking a walk with Matt as he explains to his lover how he is gonna love them like they will live forever. There are plenty of tight shots in the first part of the video, and Matt's eyes demand attention, so beautiful and expressive. I'd say make it full screen, and enjoy!



For more on Matt Morris, check out his official website here. You can check out what he has for sale here. You can also purchase a limited edition autographed CD, available for just $10.99 here. I've already gotten word mine is being shipped! You can buy the video on iTunes, which I already did here. And next Thursday, July 15, Matt will be appearing live in New York City. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to make it, but the lucky people who can get to Borders at 1:00PM will have a great time. For information about the show, click here.

Matt Morris - Live Forever

I have to admit Matt Morris came outta the blue for me. There was a buzz about the singer/songwriter about to release his album on Justin Timberlake's record label, so I checked him out. He'd written some hit songs, and after checking out his music on YouTube, I was looking forward to the album, When Everything Breaks Open, in January. So I bought it, and really loved it. So much, I think everyone should buy it and love it, too. Here he is singing the latest single, Live Forever.



You can download 'Live Forever' for free at his website here. Go now, don't know how long that offer will last.

Matt Morris Album on Sale

When Everything Breaks Open, the debut album from the talented and adorable Matt Morris is still available on Amazon.com for just $5.00, for a limited time. It was worth the money and then some, so if you can get it, I would highly advise it. To buy it, click here. I reviewed the album here, so you know I am serious. The latest single off the album will be Live Forever, which has topped some recent online polls, including topping Sophie's Challenge for an impressive 9 weeks, and on the verge of 10, and entering into the Hall of Fame there. You can also check him out at his official website here.

New Music - Matt Morris

For many, the first time they saw or heard of Matt Morris is when he sang with Justin Timberlake on the Hope for Haiti Now Concert, produced by George Clooney. They sang Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, a gorgeous and haunting song. It was certainly a moving performance, on a show filled with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business.



For my money, Matt Morris was the stand-out voice on that performance, which didn't surprise me. You see, I have downloaded his album the previous week. When Everything Breaks Open is Matt's debut with Tennman Records, the company owned by Timberlake. Morris was the first artist signed to the fledgling company. Seems Matt and Justin go way back together, when both appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club in the early 90s. Matt's vocal talent should come as no surprise, as his father is Country singing star Gary Morris, who also had success on Broadway, singing the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, and singing opposite Linda Ronstadt in La Boheme.



After his time on the Mickey Mouse Club, Matt continued to develop his talents, one of which was that of a songwriter. He has written for former MMC co-star Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson (he wrote her hit Miss Independent), Timberlake , and Reba McEntire.

Morris is an out and proud gay man, and married partner Sean Michael Morris in California during the brief period it was legal prior to Prop 8. He not only speaks about him in concert, but he also mentions him in the liner notes of the album.



The music on When Everything Breaks Open is a combination of pop, rock, soul, folk and a touch of jazz. There are 13-songs on the Amazon version, produced by Timberlake and Charlie Sexton. The first song, Don't You Dare, a pop number allowing Matt to establish up front he has the vocal chops to carry a strong career. It is a strong song I could hear on the radio, much like mentor Timberlake. It combines funk and pop, sounding very current. Next up is Money, a soulful song with a great vibe. While lyrically it comes down to 'money is the root of all evil,' it is the delivery that sets this one apart. He performed it on the Ellen Degeneres Show below. Ellen, it seems, is a big fan.



The next cut is Love, a song written and performed straight from the heart. It speaks to the essence of love, the strength and beauty of it, and while never stepping up with a direct statement, is obviously speaking as a gay man who loves his partner very much. Here he performs an acoustic version of the soulful pop tune at a show in Denver, at a show headlined by the Indigo Girls.



The fourth song is Bloodline, a very interesting song. At heart it is very much a folk song, although the production and Matt's natural tendencies take soulful liberties with it, truly making it great. The background vocals of Patty Griffin, are perfect. When Matt performed it on the Ellen Degeneres Show, it was Justin who came out to perform with him, along with co-producer Charlie Sexton on guitar.



Other tracks on the album are Live Forever, nice pop song, through and through. The Un-American Interesting song, is remarkably like the acoustic Queen song, updated and current. Let It Go is Classically-inspired piano-driven pop, so melodic and beautiful. You Do It For Me Classic funk updated, Motown classics brought into today's sound. Just Before The Morning is just beautiful pop with great hooks. In This House is a soulful pop ballad with great vocals. Matt does some amazing singing on this one. Forgiveness is pop, almost a power ballad. Someone To Love You soulful ballad, blending the sound of R&B with a touch of Sarah McLachlin folk. Eternity is classic folk, updated with an R&B twist. There isn't a bad track on the album.

At the moment, you can download a copy from Amazon for just $5, quite the bargain, by clicking here. I am not sure how long that will last, so do hurry. When I bought it, it was at full price, and well worth it, so I'd suggest if you have any interest in his music, go for it. You can also check him out at his official website here. That page also has links to his MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and FaceBook pages.