Marcus King: Mood Swings Review
Born in South Carolina, Marcus King is a third generation musician. His southern upbringing is apparent in his blues rock band. On April 5, 2024 Marcus releases his new album, Mood Swings. It is an emotionally investing album that invites one to truly think, regret, or remember. All the best albums do.
Soulful vocals perfectly capture the tumultuous range of mood swings and how it genuinely affects someone. “Mood Swings” tackles mental health in a song, which is no easy feat. Being written in the first person, we get a feel for how someone struggling with mental health actually thinks. Being drawn to someone toxic, involving medications, and struggling with one’s self is a cycle hard to break, as the song accurately describes.
“F*ck My Life Up Again” is a controversial title, receiving both praise and criticism for the use of profanity in a title but I’ve seen significantly more offensive titles, so I dub it appropriate, especially for the context. The jazz undertones influence an aptly welcoming feel considering the song is quite literally an invitation to seek the thrill of a toxic love cycle. “I don’t deserve to live without pain” is a heartbreaking lyric that openly shares how hard it is to love one’s self and understanding that we deserve a healthy love due to our own choices. Letting go isn’t easy, but falling back into the arms of the one who bruises our soul is so welcoming.
“Soul It Screams” is a blues rock song with an island feel, a song you can easily vibe to on a beach. Sitting down to listen to the lyrics shows the facade of the safe feeling the music alone provides. “Soul It Screams” dives deep into the act of repressing feelings, running away from ourselves, and staying away from problematic situations to avoid conflict. Swaying in the sand with a drink in your hand, you would have no idea the lyrics are so heavily rooted into a call for help. The vibe of the music opposing the theme of the lyrics drives the point home in my opinion. When our souls are screaming a specific message, we often appear physically and vocally to be content or otherwise unbothered when deep down the soul is screaming to share. The song appears to be super chill but it’s trying to express something different. It is intelligently and flawlessly executed.
“Save Me” isn’t nearly as subtle as some of the other tracks on Mood Swings. These emphasized chords draw attention to the lyrical expression of fears of death, planning for it, and what will be left unsaid once the coffin closes. With a soulful beat that only Marcus’ level of tonal fluctuation can accurately emphasize and the gospel undertones, it truly drives you home. Be it from a person, deity, or a feeling, this song accentuates a cry for help, comfort, and solace from a safe person or belief.
“Hero” is a beautiful and uplifting song about how free it feels to be with someone who isn’t looking for a hero and how strong a connection between two people who do not restrict one another in life. After being controlled, that healthy relationship just feels different. I would absolutely play this on my Harley as I tell my lover goodbye for the day and ride into the horizon knowing I’m coming home to a smile.
“Delilah” hits notes heavier than his other songs. It’s a melodious song that flows beautifully. It feels like a spring breeze coming through the window. Even the lyrics provide a sense of hope much like the first bloom of a spring flower. This song, in my opinion, encapsulates the feeling of peace.
“Inglewood Motel (Halestorm)” is an R&B song that only proves how varied Marcus’ talent truly bends. Following the album’s lyrical theme of love, it hits strongly with lines including “I injected you into my veins.” It perfectly paints a picture of an addictive relationship, but watering it properly to bloom healthily all with an upbeat rhythm. Marcus’ blues background shines through on this song while successfully highlighting his genre-bending talent.
“I guess I have a heart worth breaking” is one of the many beautiful lines that run through someone’s head when they’re on their umpteenth screwover. “This Far Gone” describes being so far into the negative psyche that you don’t feel deserving of good memories, to the point of wanting to give up – feeling left for dead. A sense of learned helplessness and unworthiness is common in repeated heartbreak, especially at the hands of the same lover. Dare I say a theme song for those of us who have been chronically mistreated.
It is fitting that the longest track on the album is titled “Bipolar Love.” The amount of time spent going back and forth with a partner can be worth it if both partners understand the depths of the hard and good times. Slamming doors in faces happens, but drawing the line has to happen too. Figuring out where the relationship went wrong and harnessing on resolving underlying issues is imperative. Only the strong survive those moments for a strong relationship to flourish. A love like that Marcus and Briley love, if you will.
Kicking it into full swing gospel, “Me or Tennessee” is a fun and energetic celebration about never seeing someone again. It’s giving vibes of when it’s over, it’s over and the gospel better lead you home because I sure as hell won’t. It’s the southern polite way of saying “bye, Felicia” and then praising the fact that it’s over. This song perfectly expresses the feeling you get when you tell your dad you broke up with your partner and he replies with “oh finally.” That first breath of fresh air, feeling the wind in your hair, fulfillment in life – all in one song.
“Cadillac” is a beautiful ballad bringing the album to a close with almost lullabye styled chords. In not so many words, I interpret the lyrics to be begging to be left alone when asleep for the pain starts again when woken up. It features a voicemail that emphasizes the memories that fuel that pain. Giving up is easy, holding on is painful. Letting go of that pain is optional – just don’t wake me up in the meantime.
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Hero
– Soul It Screams
– F*ck My Life Up Again
– Mood Swings
– Cadillac
– Me or Tennessee
The Big Hit
– Me or Tennessee
