The Kiss of Morning cover

The Kiss of Morning

Graham Coxon · 2002

46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of lo-fi indie rock infused with introspective lyrics and eclectic instrumentation that captures a sense of personal turmoil.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bitter Tears — Opening with a haunting melody and raw vocal delivery, this track sets the emotional tone for the album while addressing themes of heartache and regret.
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    Just Be Mine — This track stands out for its catchy chorus and relatable message about longing and desire, encapsulating Coxon's ability to blend introspection with melodic hooks.
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    Do What You're Told To — With its driving rhythm and incisive lyrics, this song critiques societal expectations, showcasing Coxon's knack for blending political commentary with personal reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album blends eclectic instrumentation with introspective lyrics, showcasing Coxon's unique style but lacks strong cohesion.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as strings and brass, which adds to the eclectic sound.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal struggles and emotional turmoil, with a raw vocal delivery that enhances their impact.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • introspective late-night reflections
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
The Kiss of Morning is Graham Coxon's fourth solo album, released in January 2002, following his critically acclaimed album, Crow Sit on Blood Tree. At this point in his career, Coxon was solidifying his identity as a solo artist after gaining fame as Blur’s guitarist, navigating the challenges of personal struggles and artistic expression.
Stylistic neighbors
Blur· The Libertines· Franz Ferdinand

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bitter Tears 5:18
  • 2 Escape Song 2:26
  • 3 Locked Doors 3:45
  • 4 Baby, You're Out of My Mind 1:56
  • 5 It Aint No Lie 2:55
  • 6 Live Line 3:37
  • 7 Just Be Mine 4:44
  • 8 Do What You're Told To 4:34
  • 9 Mountain of Regret 4:50
  • 10 Latte 1:19
  • 11 Walking Down the Highway 3:09
  • 12 Song for the Sick 1:55
  • 13 Good Times 5:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata