Jack 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.

The "Perfect Change" album offers a lot of promise for this fairly unknown band. Lyricist McCallister hits some out of the park on the record, but makes a few strikes as well. In an album full of touching and intelligent lyrics some of the tracks seem a little out of place such as "Trampoline" and "Good" It does, however offer a lot of really fantastic tracks such as "Center of The World" a catchy song that actually offers something in meaning as well.

Dakona makes a great effort with this release and they certainly deserve a look from the mainstream but "Perfect" might be saying too much. "Perfect Change" does have a good Rock feel and shows the versatility of a more mature band. If Dakona doesn't find their break out in "Perfect Change" I hope they keep trying as I believe they have a lot to offer the music scene.

Dakona's "Perfect Change" takes you on a really refreshing journey on their debut album. In a time when it seems that Rock is just now gaining prevelance over the boy and girl bands Dakona offers hope. Dakona tears through distorted electric guitar as easily as they strum acoustic ballads. The singers voice is equally as versatile singing captivating lyrics with huge passion. McCallister hints of Bono of U2 with a bit more grit.

The debut album pulses with energy upon first listen and only gets stronger with each one. The versatility of the band and the great vocals could mean a very bright future for this band. The band offers great music for the sad lonely Friday night as well as the open window drive through a warm day. Dakona offers the "Perfect Change" for music with their new album. Look for this band to get really big, really fast.

Counting Crows were hot from the start, winning a Grammy award for their break-through album "August and Everything After" and riding the success for some time. The catchy melody of "Mr. Jones" and the story-like lyrics of loss in "Round Here" brought fans of all ages.

The focus of this band is usually on front-man Adam Duritz. While he is a great lead man for the band and his songwritting is arguably some of the best of this era, he is not the only part of Counting Crows. What makes this band more than just a singer/songwriter with back-up is the way the band makes Adams stories their own. Often times songs that came in as ballads come out as up-beat fun songs and that's something that really makes Counting Crows stand out. The ability to be more than just their front-man.

Through their career Counting Crows have released 4 studio albums. If you pick one up and don't like it, try a different one. Counting Crows seem to re-invent themselves on each album. Though not a hugely drastic change their approach seems to change each time. The way they build the songs and the place the songs come from is always different.

Counting Crows are known for their lyrical presence for a reason. Duritz has, what some may call, quite a way with words. He has the ability to belt out anthems of the broken-hearted and then follow it with a ballad of loss that could make the strongest of men get a little weepy. From "A Murder of One" to "Up All Night" Counting Crows deliver great music and heart touching lyrics consistently.

"Drops of Jupiter" was the second release from an older band. Train had long been touring in support of their music even before their break-through hit from their debut album "Meet Virginia" The single "Drops of Jupiter" was an instant hit with its seemingly cryptic lyrics and catchy melody. The song haunted radio waves for several months after the albums release.

The record contained several other fantastic pieces of work, though. The album reads like the poetry journal of a forlorn lover. "I Wish You Would" and "Hopeless" shine through as emotional favorites. The guitar and drum work compliments the feeling of the lyrics to near perfection.

"Drops of Jupiter" came in the wake of the death of the lead singers mother and the listener can hear some of the grieving process in the album. "Let it Roll" is a ballad written to someone who has left describing the trouble trying to deal with that loss. In his typical style of writing he makes it difficult in all the albums tracks to decide whether he is talking about his mother or about a lost lover. The vagueness is a treat in this way as the listener has a chance to truly relate to the words. Too much and the idea is lost, too little and no one can find themselves in the song.

Train became a band to remember with the release of this album. Another of those albums that begs to be listened to from beginning to end, then started back again, it is a must listen for any hopeless romantic. The music is well crafted and seems to tell stories all its own. Combined with that type of music and the higly emotional, higly passionate, lyrics encased in this album, it has certainly earned its place in my collection.