Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Jack's new release 'To The Sea' feels like a day at the beach. It has a more raw, upbeat feel than his other CDs, but I think thats a good thing. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but Jack is not a groundbreaking artist. He is true to himself, and I think the direction he went with this CD is positive. There is definitely a noticeable influence from Zach Gill on this record, but I dont think that is a bad thing. Some people will complain that he's moving away from the simpler acoustic stuff, but for me it is a welcome change. Jack has turned it up a notch from Sleep Through The Static, IMO. Top to bottom its a rock solid CD that almost any Jack Johnson fan will like.
You And Your Heart - 8/10 - Took a few listens to grow on me, but its solid and a great opener to the CD. Great video, too.
To The Sea - 8/10 - A home run. Funky, fun, and just plain good. Love the guitar work near the end. Very Hendrix-like. This will be new vintage Jack in a few years.
No Good With Faces - 9/10 - I LOVE this song. One of the best on the CD, IMO. A simple song with a haunting feel. But lets not get ahead of ourselves, theres more songs to review...
At Or With Me - 10/10 - Wow. Best song on the CD, IMO. This song was recorded in a single take in the studio as a demo, but they liked the raw feel so much they put it on the CD. Very upbeat, very catchy, and a great live jam. Unlike anything hes ever done. Love the blues harp that comes in unexpectedly towards the end. I hope he keeps this in his live setlist. Oh-Oh-Oh-Ohhhh!
When I Look Up - 4/10 - I wish this was a longer song, and the length is the only reason I give it a low score. Could have been left off the CD and it wouldnt have made a difference. It sounds like an intro, and thats how I see it...as an intro to...
From The Clouds - 8.5/10 - I REALLY like this song. Its a summer beach song for sure. Love how the guitar and piano compliment each other. "Youre so sweet to me, when you beat me in double solitaire...and youre so sweet to me, in a world thats not always fair". Vintage Jack.
My Little Girl - 7/10 - A nice little love song. Simple, sincere, and to the point. Jack does mellow and tender like nobodys business. Best acoustic song on the CD.
Turn Your Love - 7/10 - I love the music on this track, and this song is growing on me quickly.
The Upsetter - 6/10 - My least favorite song on the CD...Just too much going on, it feels kinda clunky. I like parts of it and the lyrics, and get what he was trying to do, but it just doesnt work for me.
Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology - 9/10 - Another song that WOWED me. A raw, jammy feel. Reminds me of something Id hear in a New Orleans club. Just a fun song with a funky vibe and great lyrics. This is summertime porch music.
Pictures of People Taking Pictures - 7.5/10 - This song had to grow on me. At first it annoyed me...but the more I listen, the more I like it. Ray Davies comes to mind when I hear the lyrics. And although it seems a bit repetitive at times, it somehow works. Give it a few listens and I think you'll agree.
Anything But The Truth - 7/10 - like the other slower, acoustic songs on this CD, this one is growing on me. Its soothing to listen to and the music is beautiful.
Only The Ocean - 8/10 - This song feels like a sunset on the beach, which is fitting for the closing song on the CD. Haunting music...good lyrics...it pulls me in every time I hear it. A great final track. Having the CD for a few days, I now believe this may be his best release to date. Overall, a must have for any Jack Johnson fan, and for anyone who likes fun, mellow, feel-good, non-pretentious music. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.
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2010 release, the fifth studio album from the acclaimed singer/songwriter. The album was produced by Robert Carranza, Jack Johnson, and his bandmates Merlo Podlewski, Zach Gill and Adam Topol. To The Sea features guest appearances from the likes of G. Love, and Paula Fuga. The album was recorded at the Mango Tree Studio in Hawaii, and the Solar Powered Plastic Plant in LA using 100% solar power.
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