Postmodern Jukebox ft. Morgan James "Take Me To Church" REACTION & ANALYSIS by Vocal Coach

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@kosmosyche]

This is my favorite song covered by PMJ. When I first listened to it, I hadn't even heard the original, but man... this melody on the piano and Morgan James's voice and her passionate delivery left me in tears. Her voice specifically and the way she absolutely dives into the song with all her heart and this is such a human human performance. She is a real master and a true artist. Honestly, still leaves me in tears every time I hear it.

[@JerseyFishing20]

Morgan James should be on the front page of anything musical. I absolutely love her music! It’s a crying shame she’s not given the promotion and recognition she deserves

[@DarkDjinn53]

Morgan James and Haley Reinhart dancing around each other vocally on Dear Prudence is of the awesome

[@dercrimson87]

I saw her live with PMJ in Berlin - never experienced such power. It felt like you have to lean forward or you literally will get blown away by the storm which she created with her voice. Not to mention the goose bumps. Absolutely amazing.

[@OldGriz708]

She sort of has too big of a voice for some songs, but she nails it every time.

[@brucejohnson2429]

So, Elizabeth, when are YOU going to sing a song with Scott Bradlee????

[@warrenburroughs3025]

I would love to hear that

[@breakactionck]

Right?

[@marcuspi999]

Yes! Totally agree! That would be super! Maybe an operatic version of Hard Rain. 😁

[@cianc1]

A do wop of holy diver ;p

[@enzymewsa3168]

Nah has to be an Opera version of something unique...like an Operatic "the kids aren't all right" from the offspring?

[@laurahigdon4741]

Elizabeth: “I was expecting full belt…” Morgan: “you don’t get all the goodies all at once”

[@joeandreas7985]

"Full Belt" would be Morgan James singing Maps - Maroon 5

[@dochiggy]

@@joeandreas7985 Yes, and I love how she keeps those high notes in Dream On on spot

[@corneliusantonius3108]

@@joeandreas7985 😍😍😍

[@timothybuell3314]

This strikes me as being a misunderstanding of how PMJ operates. They don't put a cover into the same space as the original. The idea is to cover a song in some other style to demonstrate how it might sound in a different era, or as a different genre.

[@adamcurrey3088]

@@joeandreas7985 ohhh yes. That note gives me goosebumps. Every. Time.

[@sergiopmigoya]

Morgan James, one of the best voices you have in USA. She's so undervalued...

[@CeciliaOfSweden]

This is my favourite rendition of this song. Morgan does such a good job, and I love the intimacy of the closeness of the camera and simplicity of it just being her and the piano! She does SUCH a good preformance.

[@HaleysTusk]

My favorite Morgan James video/vocal is her cover of "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" a bluesy, swampy rendition accompanied by a sweet steel guitar

[@Thorgnor]

Your rendition of "Can't Help Falling In Love" was very moving. Haven't been moved like that since. You rock!

[@paavobergmann4920]

yes, I dig that, but my fav is "Sledgehammer"

[@andygranick]

Dirty Diana is good too.

[@hicotton02]

when she sang "command me to be well" and then started the Amens... crazy goosebumps

[@ArcticLemming77]

That was amazing, Hoziers original is haunting with its tune while this feels more like a mix of celebration and defiance. And to think that Morgan can produce all those varied levels of sound and clarity while sitting down blows my mind. Wonderful analysis and reaction as always, keep them coming as this channel keeps introducing me to music I wouldn't seek out myself otherwise.

[@davidpietarila699]

You have to give a lot of credit to Bradley. Morgans voice has the capacity to overpower the piano and Scott does a good job of playing WITH her not just accompanying her. The piano isn't the stage on which she performs, its another performer in the song.

[@russlong5114]

@David Pietarila - Excellent observation!

[@nothanks7919]

watching Elizabeth being torn between stopping to talk about something, and not watching to stop in the middle of a great run must be the most endearing content on youtube

[@tomwhitfield113]

I love hearing Mogan sing blues... she oozes with soul singing Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" with Marc Broussard

[@MikeandGinger]

We’ve seen this, performed live by Ms. James. One of the most magnificent performances I’ve ever seen. Brought the house down. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 - G

[@jackdedert2945]

Lucky, lucky you

[@pro-v7500]

Pumped for this one. When ever this cover comes on my playlist I inevitably end up playing it in repeat for 4 or 5 times.

[@darknevangelist]

Goosebumps at times.. I love her voice so much

[@nightdriver4155]

I understand that a song can have different meaning to different people. Myself I think that Morgan James is a very brave person to have covered this song. Good for her.

[@CarBENbased]

I'm a 35 year old man and there are two singers that never fail to make my eyes water. Morgan James, and Kate Lott. They're absolutely incredible.

[@Sincyn241]

This video, Elizabeth’s, has been my first exposure to Morgan James, and I absolutely agree with you.

[@ExaltedDuck]

I absolutely love Morgan James. She has the voice and the looks to soften rocks or bend the knotted oak. Another great track she did with PMJ is "Who Wants To Live Forever" by Queen and she is one of the few singers who can justly cover Freddie Mercury. And while the full PMJ production is absolutely fantastic, if you can find the version of just her and Scott Bradlee performing it during an interview with Paste Magazine...get a pack of tissues before hitting play.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

Oh boy, do I love these enthusiastic and educational reactions of performances of all types of music and performers. Without Charismatic Voice I probably would have never heard of this wonderful performer , Morgan James.

[@bailey3209]

The stuff PMJ have done with the lovely Morgan James is their most top teir stuff Great video, thank you

[@IanWrigleyNZ]

and Haley.

[@pvc25]

When Morgan sings those final Amens... I am humbled to the silence and awe when you glimpse the sacred.

[@matthewobrien178]

Even when she flips to head voice it sounds like she's trying not to be absurdly loud. Her voice is crazy

[@markmclendon8621]

i found this performance a few years ago....i've listened to it sooooo many times......she is my spirit animal

[@paavobergmann4920]

This is the very first video i saw Morgan James in, and was instantly hooked. She´s got them pipes. I had more or less missed the song, never thought about it, and then there I sat, mesmerized, with tears in my eyes.

[@yetigrande]

You want to see how powerful music/vocals can be....13:20 (ish), Elizabeth gets hit hard by the power and expressiveness of Morgan. Beautiful voice, beautiful rendition, beautiful moment. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Want to support or hang out with me and the community? Join our Patreon. We have an amazing Discord, do 2 live chats per week (usually), play video games, get behind the scenes footage and content, masterclasses, polls and pick content for me and this channel, and soon to be merch deals. It’s a ton of fun, and I hope to see this community grow! www.patreon.com/thecharismaticvoice

[@fletchermorgan5970]

Please do Dan Vasc covering the sound of silence. Keep smiling girl!

[@thiagodelazari]

React to André Matos

[@jillbolto8144]

Lots of Nazareth

[@Kuth70]

Just gotta pop in before I watch the video; saw PMJ live and Morgan performed this this song. She was standing alone on stage, in a flowing white gown, with a single spot light and minimal accompaniment. It was the closest to a religious experience this atheist will ever get. I had a couple tears going down my face at the end.

[@kirbys1370]

Hi Elizabeth, I'm glad you're reacting to another Morgan James/PMJ video, and I absolutely loved this performance. Morgan's voice was incredible as well as powerful, clear, and passionate. I also want to acknowledge Scott Bradlee, who is the arranger and pianist, on each of these amazing PMJ cover songs. Thank you, Elizabeth!!! 💙

[@jackdedert2945]

I love the way he responds to her phrasing, taking cues from her and coming in or not depending on how she is feeling the lyric. It's a perfect synergy.

[@russlong5114]

@@jackdedert2945 - Scott's a genius!

[@morgansnyder1809]

I’ve watched this video 20+ times, and it has never failed to bring me to tears, she leaves it all on the tape ❤️

[@backpacking_trombonist]

Her classical training really stands out in the arrangement as well. The ending was straight up the ending of any sonata ever written. It was fantastic and the last thing I would ha e ever suspected.

[@jdb19]

I absolutely love your analysis of performances by talented artists. You are a true teacher with an incredible understanding of your craft, as well as a truly gifted ability to share that knowledge with anyone who is willing to listen. Thank you so much.

[@JohnDoe-ff2fc]

Morgan has such a powerful voice. Her rendition of Aerosmith's Dream On is so awesome.

[@doom_n_boom9939]

I've been subscribed to this channel for years and I absolutely love stumbling across videos such as this after finding out about PMJ. As soon as I found out about PMJ, I immediately searched this channel to find out if it has been reviewed/reacted and I've never been happier to find this! This is what I get for being a metal head and excluding myself from amazing work such as this, and for that, I thank you for this. Much love and appreciated!!

[@m1st3rr33d]

The way you experience music into words and facial expressions is the way I feel it in my bones. I have felt deeper feelings watching some of your videos and wept at the brilliance of the music on multiple occasions. Thank you.

[@cindaren79]

Morgan's voice gives me goosebumps all over my body, she is amazing.

[@dfhowes]

That experience is called frisson (pronounced free-sawn), a French term meaning “aesthetic chills,” and it feels like waves of pleasure running all over your skin. Some researchers have even dubbed it a “skin orgasm.” It happens a lot when listening to Morgan.

[@Purity65dos]

I found your channel somewhat recently, and I just wanted to say. I love your expressions, and how excited you get when you hear something that makes you happy. It is an absolute joy to see you. Normally, reactors (knowledgable or not on what they're reacting to) may not be engaging to us, or engaged to the material, but you always are. Also, your takes on both the voice and music is explained in a way that even someone like me who does not understand a thing about the technical part of it, I can totally follow you. Love the channel.

[@FlamingBehar]

You live in a much more beautiful world than I do and I want to thank you for sharing it. Seeing/Hearing things in new and different ways is an experience I cherish.

[@HaleysTusk]

Elizabeth should know that many of PMJ's most popular singers made these videos around five years ago and that it's unlikely she will see any of them on tour as PMJ rotates it's cast w/ new singers. I was lucky to see PMJ at their height, when Haley Reinhart joined them in 2015, before 'Creep' when there was only one touring troupe and Scott played piano at 95% of the shows. The cast also included Morgan, Ariana Savalas, Casey Abrams, Robyn Anderson, Cristina Gatti, all phenomenal singers, but PMJ has a rotating cast. Add to that, PMJ now tours w/ two, maybe three troupes, so the likelihood you'll see the artist you hoped from the videos is even less likely. Postmodern Jukebox is still a really great time, especially when some fans will dress in period pieces and really get into the atmosphere. Just don't go to a PMJ show thinking you'll get to see Morgan, or Haley, or even Scott performing.

[@davidschmidbauer3609]

I've seen PMJ 3 times, each with a different Troupe. Each was a Fantastic show with phynominal Singers. If you are hopeing for an OG Performer you will probably be disappointed (unless they are performing close to that individuals home where, if not otherwise commuted, they may make a Guest Appearance)... However, you will discover new Performers!!

[@spritepixie]

True. However there isn't anyone who tours with PMJ that isn't phenomenal at their craft. I didn't know many of the show i went to but i still loved every second and gained some new favorites (hello Gunhild Carling)

[@HaleysTusk]

@@spritepixie definitely, it's just I'm a fan of both Morgan and Haley (have videos of both on my channel) and keeping a pulse on PMJ, that's often a 'complaint'. People love the shows but would often go wanting to see Haley or Morgan or some of the bigger stars. Scott is a pro and has been generous to give otherwise unknown talent a stage to shine. On tours, in the 'internet world' you potential to build a fan base over seas is significant. I told him I thought he was like the "Dick Clark" of this generation, introducing new talent to the masses. He liked that descriptor :)

[@russlong5114]

@@HaleysTusk - Your comment about Scott being the Dick Clark of his generation is absolutely spot on! There will never be another "American Bandstand," but we've now got Postmodern Jukebox to carry on AB's vibe!

[@HaleysTusk]

@@russlong5114 That actually made him smile. I think a huge misconception about PMJ many have is it's not a 'permanent' band more than a launching pad, an opportunity to gain a world wide audience while also getting some touring experience whilst not having the entire tour depend on you. You get to sing a few songs, meet fans and travel the world. Sure some of PMJ's veterans will return now and again, but hopefully they would be busy with their own career after getting a boost from being w/ PMJ. Haley certainly did, as did my channel. I just happened to be at the epicenter when Haley and PMJ met that it raised the profile of my channel immensely.

[@Mnemonforempress]

I've listened to Morgan James' version of this song probably hundreds of times now, but only on this video did it bring me on the verge of tears. Why is that?

[@andychristensen2947]

Here, it is a shared experience. Singing and the human voice are, to me, something that should be shared to enrich the experience. Seeing someone else react to something brings depth and understanding.

[@gabrielferreiradejesus5009]

@@andychristensen2947 , exactly. And Elizabeth does a favor to us all as she explains everything about the song, while she is feeling the song.

[@justadarnminute474]

“She laughs, I laugh…sharing a moment”

[@DogsOfWarr]

Next Morgan's PMJ cover of Maps... PLEEEEEEASEEEE!

[@khuldrek6198]

Agreed

[@Hyozanryo90]

Defenitely a must

[@PhantomNJ]

I love all of Morgan's PMJ stuff, but Maps is the best of them for my money! So, yes, please!!!!!

[@AlfredWaz]

This, absolutely... If just for that note!

[@LiquidFranz]

Agreed. Maps is amazing

[@kevg69]

Morgan James is a phenomenal singer. She should be much better known and much more appreciated than she is…but we in the know are lucky!! 😁

[@ewrekzz7360]

I wait through every reaction for the phrase, "vocal cords go wack-a, wack-a, wack-a". Thanks. I did not know this singer, but I will research.

[@adamliebreich-johnsen6104]

Morgan James Barbie Girl with PMJ is my favorite thing she's done, if only for the human theremin bit.

[@nigelwitgunn3406]

Barbie Girl was my introduction to both Morgan and PMJ. Both are now staples, I can't get enough. I too would enjoy seeing a breakdown of this song. I'm 61 and while I didn't realize it at the time, my parents were big Jazz fans. I'm familier with almost every song PMJ does with brilliant artistry.

[@craigsisler]

Morgan is amazing and it just hit me... So are you! Your analysis is so spot on and so unpretentious.

[@PedroKrick]

I've found so many crazy good voices on PMJ, this version is so much strong in Morgan's voice it gives me chills. Another amazing voice is Sara Niemetz, she sings a really different version of Hey Ya that is sooo cool, also any other cover on her channel is strongly suggested(at last, piece of my heart, I put a spell on you, etc)

[@scottsmith8546]

You are a joy to watch and listen to Elizabeth. Thank you for all the great content, expertise, and wonderful sense of humor.

[@Ray_LF]

that little touch of southern twang on the "amen" is a nice touch.

[@jmoser220]

I could watch your channel all day. You have the most beautiful and varied facial expressions when you are reacting to these videos!

[@roywall8169]

Oh, I’ve been waiting for this analysis!

[@kirsil7471]

Owie, Morgan is in the view ❤❤. Gotta see this ❤❤. Thank you Elizabeth and Thank Morgan, that was fabulous!!!!! A suggestion, Barbie Girl from PMJ and Morgan, thank you. The video is hilarious plus she sings great with an pep in her voice, you could hear the smile.

[@garricksmalley1733]

I had not heard this before. When you hit your first break I stopped and went to the original video. I cried. Love this version. Thank you for your analysis.

[@pluma1111]

Wow, her vocal range is fantastic. I did not expect her to reach the highest notes with such power. What an amazing voice.

[@kb104]

Nothing brings me more pleasure than watching you react to Morgan James

[@Guinevere99]

She pronounces each word so clearly. She's one of the rare singers you can understand the lyrics

[@osovagabundo1]

Scott really knows how couch the singers phrasing. You’re going to love the concert.i saw them in asheville and we were so enthralled that we nearly cheered them off the stage!

[@lottiep3134]

I love watching you react. Can I recommend Morgan James singing "Maps" by Maroon 5. Also Morgan and Haley Reinhart singing "Dear Prudence" accompanied by just a guitar sitting in what looks like someone's living room, it's just them no PMJ though.

[@IanWrigleyNZ]

Guitarist is Morgan's husband, it's on her porch. Absolutely astounding talents.

[@paavobergmann4920]

Morgan´s "Dream On"-cover completely floored me

[@Osnosis]

@@IanWrigleyNZDoug Wamble, I think.

[@abrumarci]

I've been listening to PMJ for several years now. They have many wonderful covers... Only true talents! And Morgan James is great!

[@ChicagoDB]

Can't go wrong with any PMJ...Morgan, Haley, Scott and all of their folks are superb.

[@magnusbergqvist2123]

I would say 99% of their stuff is awesome, and most of the rest being good versions even if not my cup of tea. I can think of one song though, that imo is a dud, but that is because it is a song I think you can not make a good version of at all (and yes, I include the original version in that), and the cover sounded way to much like the original. Was "Hey there Delilah" with Joey Cook. In my opinion it is similar to "American Pie" and "If god was one of us", in that you can not do good versions of them. There is something about the melody and the rather whiny way they are sung.

[@breakactionck]

In the beginning, there is a moment, when she sings "He's a giggle at a funeral"...she sounds so child-like. I love it!

[@jdbarnes321]

Her version of “dancing in the dark” is one of my favorite covers. Kills it.

[@billthornhill1921]

My favorite cover by this wonderful lady. Great choice!

[@jackdedert2945]

For me, it's Dream On; but that's not to take anything at all away from this performance whatsoever. Perfection times two.

[@1dmcox]

I've been a long-time fan of PMJ. I love how they take a familiar tune and present it in a different way that makes me listen to it with, um, call it "fresh ears". Anyway, at some point I stumbled across one of your videos. I'm not particularly musically educated or musically inclined, so a lot of your explanations test my understanding (it's me, not you!) However, I love, love, love your enthusiasm! It is very obvious that you chose the best career for yourself. No matter my level of understanding of the subject matter, I can recognize someone who thoroughly enjoys and knows their field. Congratulations, and best of luck. I'm hooked!

[@philjb]

As someone who has seen them 3 times live either in Ireland or in Tucson, I hope you love every second of the concert

[@Drinckx2]

Great to see this reaction. I love this rendition, which showcases Morgan's wonderful combination of control and emotional depth. She is one of the very best interpreters of other people's music (and brilliant with her own material too). Marvellous stuff.

[@anzaborrego399]

I had no idea. You teach me so much. You are just brilliant. Thank you!

[@PumpkinBecki]

I adore Morgan, her voice is spectacular! The first PMJ video I ever saw was "Maps", and it was instant love. She gives so much emotion, she doesn't just sing a song, she's "in it", riding the rollercoaster like it's all happening to her. Blissful!

[@henrytberry]

I very much enjoy Ms. Zharoff's reviews and analyses. I sometimes feel that I am receiving a free music lesson, not just a singing analysis, and her enthusiasm really makes her approach to the songs a pleasure to listen to. I sometimes find myself enjoying the analysis as much as the songs themselves. I too am a big fan of Post Modern Jukebox, and have a strong sense that Mr. Bradlee's arrangements bring out the best in the terrific singers that he features, whether Ms. James, Haley Reinhardt or Hannah Gill in 'Crazy', along with many others. The level of creativity that comes out of Post Modern Jukebox has been a revelation. Oh, and as Ms. Zharoff says here, Morgan James is simply wonderful.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I love post modern jukebox. Morgan is a gem.

[@judoskeleton]

Wow this woman is an unbelievable singer.

[@Kennyy212]

Her cover of Lover, You Should've Come Over will make you cry. The soul...

[@bsmith8943]

When I watch and listen to Morgan I'm watching complete and beautiful freedom!

[@joehohmann6015]

Morgan James is a definite top ten for me. For this song #1 for sure !!!

[@stevebox3103]

She really seems to deeply connect with the feeling of the song!❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@stephanfrank8340]

The best way to make a brilliant performance even better: Let Elizabeth make a reaction an analysis video....

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Nice! Thank you Stephan!

[@russlong5114]

@@TheCharismaticVoice - Miss Elizabeth, I thoroughly enjoy watching your reactions for several reasons. As a musician myself (tenor sax) I, like you, hear things the general population often misses - as do many of the reactors here on KZbin. I like the way you're not afraid to break into the song to describe and explain something that the vocalist has done technically to create what we just heard - a good example of this is when Morgan was going up vocally, you pointed out how Scott went down on the piano to provide more support for what she was doing. Those little things set your reaction channel apart from many of the others. Not to mention your highly animated facial expressions as you listen and react - those are the cherry on top! Keep on keeping on!!

[@SmutGrrl]

I too, have had many Morgasms. You were taken to church I think 😅💖 I love your reactions so much. You give me visual frisson.

[@adamcurrey3088]

Definitely one of my favourite Morgan James songs - glad to watch Elizabeth review it!

[@garegardner6782]

I am glad you have covered Morgan James. I'm new to your channel but am a fast fan now.

[@lorencarlin2087]

Love your observations! You explain very well. Not only the particular singer, but the instruments as well. As a keyboardist, I appreciate you giving credit where credit is due. I sound like a cat getting castrated without anesthesia when I try to sing. I, at least, found a tiny bit of ability on the keyboard. I take what I can get. Lol! Also, just enjoy your analysis on these music videos. So intelligent and well thought through. Thank you! Keep it up!

[@hadtopicausername]

I sing along to this, one octave lower, and simply enjoy. It's bliss.

[@TomTom-gx3ye]

"You just have to feel it" should be the theme to this review. Incredible piece. Incredible analysis. Thank you.

[@WeSaveBeesSanDiego]

Haha I enjoyed your commentary as much as her voice. Hands down one of thr best reaction videos I've cone across 🥰

[@Uncle_T]

One of my absolute favourite PMJ songs, brilliant and haunting.

[@andrzejwitowiak1353]

This is the performance that introduced me to Morgan, been a big fan ever since. I think this is one of the best versions of this song ever ;)

[@Rosannasfriend]

I think it’s the same for me. This was what introduced me to her like seven years ago.

[@jounik]

I also must point out the talent of Scott Bradlee here to provide the platform for Morgan to shine on.

[@cid3230]

You are so kind. Thanks.

[@the_highest_elf]

glad I caught this!! love all of you and this was an amazing song :))

[@dragana.kuzmanovic]

She went full gospel in the end. ❤️

[@thomasmehle5737]

Once again you have taken me to a place I've never been. Thanks for that.

[@detronbrian]

anyone ever experience that amazing feeling when you are able to give someone something they really want? like at Christmas? that extreme feeling of pleasure pales in comparison to what this girl feels listening to music.

[@georgependleton59]

This was an amazing performance ...Thank you!

[@Huepe12]

Thanks for reacting to Morgan James again… love this song! And your analysis is also incredible!

[@sallysmith5090]

Truly brilliant. Thanks for doing this... Have you heard her singing with Hayley Reinhart covering "Dear Prudence" ? Just wonderful!

[@lee-annef9276]

I saw them do this live when they toured in Australia. It was superb.

[@suzefraser7991]

Morgan James is such a brilliant singer!!! I would love to see a reaction video of the Post Modern Jukebox cover Wannabe. Thats such a great cover!

[@ojacid]

Saw Morgan up close and personal at a jazz club a couple years ago. Go see her live. She's world class!

[@sarajolly7457]

I'm not sure if any one has recommended Delta Rae yet but I think you appreciate the tight harmonies of the band as well as their unique style. They have so many elements to their music: folk/rock, americana, sometimes country, sometimes gospel in sound but not necessarily in lyrical content. A couple songs I'd recommend, "I Will Never Die", "The Chain"-Fleetwood Mac cover, "Bottom of The River", "All Good People", and "Scared."

[@alfievinyl4930]

Hi Elizabeth, i Love it, when you feel the music and the Voice! Your Reaction is awsome! I Love it so much!!!!!! Big 😘to you from germany!!!!