Spring Break
Jack Johnson sticks to his roots on 'Static'
Jenna Wright
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: Entertainment
03/25/08 - Although not an entirely epic departure from his surf-inspired sound, Jack Johnson has come a long way from Brushfire Fairytales (2001). His fifth studio album, Sleep Through the Static, delivers a new wave of mellow tracks filled with electric guitar riffs and keyboard that is slightly more innovative than his signature style.
His previous success on prior albums like On and On (2003) and In Between Dreams (2005), have readied fans for the return of sun-drenched good times, and luckily Static is up to par.
The album eases into Johnson's new groove with "All At Once," a track that lends a darker, more reflective interpretation to the complexities of environmental and political issues. " 'Cause as the darkness/ Gets deeper/We'll be sinkin'/As we reach for love," Johnson sings.
The first single, "If I Had Eyes," is reminiscent of what Johnson's fan base is used to. The song is about closure between a couple who has realized that their separation is inevitable.
You'd think a break-up would be rather depressing - or at least a bit more somber than the melodies suggest. You'd expect a bluesy guitar or two, but this song is all about a simpler understanding of relationships. The song beams more of relief than negativity.
Johnson sings, "Lot of people spend their time just floating/ We were victims together but lonely," and continues, "Building with bent nails we're/ falling but holding, I don't wanna take up anymore of your time."
As the album wraps up, "Monsoon" begins slow and picks up with some keyboard and drums that make for slightly more bubbly, positive beach vibes. I have to admit it made me chuckle - Johnson is great with wordplay, singing, "Make them into mon - /Sooner or later they'll weave their way back to the sea."
As the album progresses, the listener begins to realize that this seems like much of the first half of the album is a rendition of usual Johnson anthems, with a bit of glitter here and there.
However, the captivation is broken about halfway through. Despite great efforts and catchiness, it might as well read as "lullaby" or "car tunes" or "tunes to smoke to."
But at least Johnson remains earth-friendly. Sleep Through the Static was entirely recorded on solar energy and album booklets were printed on recycled paper, according to his Web site. This surfer/film maker/music sensation also found time to co-found the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports educating communities of Hawaii on the environment. Go Green!
His previous success on prior albums like On and On (2003) and In Between Dreams (2005), have readied fans for the return of sun-drenched good times, and luckily Static is up to par.
The album eases into Johnson's new groove with "All At Once," a track that lends a darker, more reflective interpretation to the complexities of environmental and political issues. " 'Cause as the darkness/ Gets deeper/We'll be sinkin'/As we reach for love," Johnson sings.
The first single, "If I Had Eyes," is reminiscent of what Johnson's fan base is used to. The song is about closure between a couple who has realized that their separation is inevitable.
You'd think a break-up would be rather depressing - or at least a bit more somber than the melodies suggest. You'd expect a bluesy guitar or two, but this song is all about a simpler understanding of relationships. The song beams more of relief than negativity.
Johnson sings, "Lot of people spend their time just floating/ We were victims together but lonely," and continues, "Building with bent nails we're/ falling but holding, I don't wanna take up anymore of your time."
As the album wraps up, "Monsoon" begins slow and picks up with some keyboard and drums that make for slightly more bubbly, positive beach vibes. I have to admit it made me chuckle - Johnson is great with wordplay, singing, "Make them into mon - /Sooner or later they'll weave their way back to the sea."
As the album progresses, the listener begins to realize that this seems like much of the first half of the album is a rendition of usual Johnson anthems, with a bit of glitter here and there.
However, the captivation is broken about halfway through. Despite great efforts and catchiness, it might as well read as "lullaby" or "car tunes" or "tunes to smoke to."
But at least Johnson remains earth-friendly. Sleep Through the Static was entirely recorded on solar energy and album booklets were printed on recycled paper, according to his Web site. This surfer/film maker/music sensation also found time to co-found the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports educating communities of Hawaii on the environment. Go Green!
