Al Jarreau, Mornin’ | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 37^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Mornin’” by versatile singer/songwriter Al Jarreau.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 37^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Mornin’”, performed by Al Jarreau. 

“Mornin’ Mister Radio / Mornin’ little Cheerios / Mornin’ sister oriole / Did I tell you everything is fine / In my mind?” Interesting lyrics, Al Jarreau! “Mornin’” appears as the opening track on Jarreau, the 1983, platinum album by the versatile, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter.  Stylistically, the late, great artist encompassed jazz, R&B, and pop music, winning Grammys in each category. Although a top-10 hit eluded him, Jarreau earned eight entries on the Billboard Hot 100, including three top-40 hits.  “Mornin’” earned one of those top-40 spots, peaking at no. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Mornin’” was written by Jarreau, David Foster, and Jay Graydon. Graydon also produced the jazzy highlight.

The songwriting is… interesting, as evidenced by the first verse.  Later verses are patterned similarly, brought to life by the stellar vocals of Al Jarreau. “My baby said she loves me and / Need I tell you that everything here is just fine / In my mind,” he adds in the second.  Beyond the verses, there are some memorable recurring sections as well as a bridge. “‘Scuse me if I sing / My heart as found its wings,” he sings in twice in the course of “Mornin’,” adding, “Searchin’ high and low / And no at last I know.” Notably, writer/producer Jay Graydon characterized the lyrics as “lame”. He adds, “Jarreau is a terrible lyricist. He’s awful. When it’s time for the big payoff everything turns into candy.” It works out for him! Besides top-notch vocals and those lyrics, “Mornin’” sounds sunny to the nth degree, embracing a sweet morning! Furthermore, the sound is exuberant, while the harmonic progression is clever – clearly from the jazz school of harmony! Listening to “Mornin’” more than four decades later, it’s not the least bit surprising this was one of Jarreau’s hits. It’s a vibe!

Al Jarreau // Jarreau  // Warner // 1983

Al Jarreau, Mornin’: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 37 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Warner; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom via  Pixabay]