Album: The Kiss of Morning

Introduction
"The Kiss of Morning" is the fourth solo studio album by British musician Graham Coxon, launched in 2002. Best understood for being the lead guitarist and secondary vocalist of British rock band Blur, Coxon embarked on his solo career after tensions in the band caused his departure. Following a series of experimental and low-fi solo albums, "The Kiss of Morning" significant Coxon's return to a more accessible, refined sound, with a concentrate on strong melodies and songwriting.

Background
After his exit from Blur in 2002, Coxon was at a turning point in his career. Having problem with alcoholism and individual concerns, he went into rehab and began working on brand-new music as part of his healing. "The Kiss of Morning" became an outcome of this duration, and as such, the album reflects a newly found clarity and introspection in Coxon's songwriting.

Recorded primarily at Coxon's house studio, he played most of the instruments himself, showcasing his flexibility as an artist. The album was produced by Coxon himself and crafted by Mike Pelanconi, who passes the moniker Prince Fatty. This DIY approach permitted the album to keep an intimate, individual atmosphere throughout.

Style and Composition
"The Kiss of Morning" veers towards an acoustic, folk-rock sound with melodic perceptiveness, setting itself apart from Coxon's previous lo-fi and experimental solo work. The album is defined by its stripped-back and intimate production, depending on acoustic guitars, piano, and very little percussion. Coxon's vocals are honest and emotive, combining well with the album's introspective lyrics.

Lyrically, the album shows a vulnerability and a confessional mindset, with styles of heartbreak, depression, and individual battle. A number of tracks attend to Coxon's battle with alcohol addiction, including the sharp sincerity of "Escape Song" and the bluesy lament "Locked Doors". The album likewise touches on styles of love and relationships, such as the tender ballad "Baby, You're Out of Your Mind" and the atmospheric title track "The Kiss of Morning".

Reception
Upon its release, "The Kiss of Morning" got typically positive reviews from music critics. Lots of applauded the album's emotional depth and strong songwriting, with some even comparing it positively to Blur's work at the time. Critics likewise noted the contrast in between this album and Coxon's earlier, more experimental releases.

The album did not attain substantial commercial success, peaking at number 126 on the UK Albums Chart. Nevertheless, it maintains a cult following among fans and has actually garnered a reputation as a surprise gem in Coxon's discography.

Legacy and Influence
While "The Kiss of Morning" may not have actually made a significant impact upon its release, it remains an essential job in Coxon's solo career. The album marked a turning point in his individual and musical journey, showcasing a newly found maturity and clarity in his songwriting. The DIY method to recording and producing the album likewise demonstrated Coxon's capability to craft quality music separately from his previous band.

Coxon's transition from a mainly speculative musician to a more melodic and accessible sound foreshadowed his later solo releases, such as "Happiness in Magazines" in 2004 and "A+E" in 2012. In lots of ways, "The Kiss of Morning" can be seen as the album where Coxon truly specified his own creative identity beyond Blur, making it a vital listen for any fan of his work.