's Artist Review for Jack Johnson
""
0ack Sails Another Our Way
0ack Johnson the pro-surfer and singer/songwriter has delivered the soundtrack to chill for a few good years now. His smooth slap guitar style take listeners away to a land of high tides and long sunsets. Don't pick up "In Between Dreams" if you're expecting something all new from Johnson, though. It's more of the same light lyrics and playful melodies. Typical of Johnson there are the occasional heart pullers on the record "No Other Way" for example.
Critics may fault Johnson for not reinventing himself on this album, but for many fans it's refreshing. Jack knows what he likes, and does what he likes. If you don't like his record I don't think Jack would mind at all and that's part of what makes him so endearing to listeners. A laid back style while still maintaining intelligent lyrics.
Jack was never overly vocal about his social views, but he's never been quiet about them either. He voiced qualms with the news media and television in "On and On" and "Brushfire Fairytales" and Johnson delievers his two cents on this album as well. A different subject this time, Johnson comments on his feelings about war in the song "Crying Shame" The funky raggae feel of the song makes the song feel almost revolutionary but somehow fits perfectly on an album with a song titled "Banana Pancakes."
Johnson is at his absolute best telling tales of love, though. The absurdly titled "Banana Pancakes" may make listeners giggle at it's title, but will surely melt their heart soon. Catchy and playful you can almost see him sitting out on a couch playing for his busy girlfriend. The use of Johnsons home language in the song is a nice touch as well.
Other tunes of particular mention are the single "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" depicting a frustrated lover. "Better Together" is an instant love-mix classic. Sung sweetly as ever Johnson drifts through an insightful perspective on love. In "Good People" Johnson tells of his frustration of scandal in the media and generally mindless television. "If I Could" is another of Johnsons more haunting songs of a man who dies soon after a child is born. He recounts that "new life makes losing life easier to understand," but "words are kind they help ease the mind, I miss my old friend."
A return or a repeat "In Between Dreams" is a really great album to put on when you need a moment to breathe easy or a moment to reflect on life. For those of us without sandy beaches in our backyard Johnson offers a little taste beautifully while still keeping our hearts and mind in the equation.
Critics may fault Johnson for not reinventing himself on this album, but for many fans it's refreshing. Jack knows what he likes, and does what he likes. If you don't like his record I don't think Jack would mind at all and that's part of what makes him so endearing to listeners. A laid back style while still maintaining intelligent lyrics.
Jack was never overly vocal about his social views, but he's never been quiet about them either. He voiced qualms with the news media and television in "On and On" and "Brushfire Fairytales" and Johnson delievers his two cents on this album as well. A different subject this time, Johnson comments on his feelings about war in the song "Crying Shame" The funky raggae feel of the song makes the song feel almost revolutionary but somehow fits perfectly on an album with a song titled "Banana Pancakes."
Johnson is at his absolute best telling tales of love, though. The absurdly titled "Banana Pancakes" may make listeners giggle at it's title, but will surely melt their heart soon. Catchy and playful you can almost see him sitting out on a couch playing for his busy girlfriend. The use of Johnsons home language in the song is a nice touch as well.
Other tunes of particular mention are the single "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" depicting a frustrated lover. "Better Together" is an instant love-mix classic. Sung sweetly as ever Johnson drifts through an insightful perspective on love. In "Good People" Johnson tells of his frustration of scandal in the media and generally mindless television. "If I Could" is another of Johnsons more haunting songs of a man who dies soon after a child is born. He recounts that "new life makes losing life easier to understand," but "words are kind they help ease the mind, I miss my old friend."
A return or a repeat "In Between Dreams" is a really great album to put on when you need a moment to breathe easy or a moment to reflect on life. For those of us without sandy beaches in our backyard Johnson offers a little taste beautifully while still keeping our hearts and mind in the equation.
posted Dec 8, 2009
