Morgan James opens with “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. It’s the opening track on her latest album, Soul Remains the Same. She later describes this album as what would happen if Aretha Franklin and AC/DC went into the studio together. 

She follows this up with “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots. With this new soulful arrangement, the first few notes will give you goosebumps. This is because these soulful versions of alternative rock songs work so well. Since Stone Temple Pilots are touring without their original lead singer, they should consider hiring Morgan! 

Later in the night, she sings “Tonight, Tonight” by the Smashing Pumpkins. James sounds fantastically soulful. Billy Corgan and the Lyric Opera of Chicago are also reimagining this song and the entire iconic 90s album, Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness. 

Soon afterwards is “Better Man” by Pearl Jam. This version is hauntingly beautiful and would make Eddie Vedder proud.  

She plays a lot of great original songs as well. She introduces this one as a happy song called “Drown”, which definitely doesn’t sound like a happy title! 

Morgan James sometimes just plays with her husband, other times with a full orchestra, and tonight with a full band. They drive all over the country. Most recently they went from Knoxville to St. Louis to Chicago! With talent like this, they’ll surely continue to cris-cross the country for a long time! 

See the full setlist here. 

Cost of a ticket: $45

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value

Rating Scale: Exceptional > Good Value > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney