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Sleep Through the Static

Jack Johnson

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iTunes Review

For many, Jack Johnson’s musical world is a calming place, defined by the singer/songwriter’s whimsical insights and gently-syncopated guitar. But shadows invade even paradise, as Sleep Through the Static (2008) reveals. On the surface, Johnson sticks with the same easy-going ambiance that he’s maintained since Brushfire Fairytales — while electric guitars and keyboards play a bigger role this time, his familiar acoustic-centered sound predominates. Jack’s enduring (and endearing) fascination with small domestic details and ordinary moments are present as well. What’s new is a less-sunny lyric perspective, expressed in songs like the title track (an insomniac’s take on Iraq, among other things) and “They Do, They Don’t” (an ominous vision of social breakdown). Fatherhood has also matured his outlook and tunes like “Angel” convey the sweet ache of a lullaby. While the music here couldn’t be called aggressive, there’s an upturn in energy evident in “If I Had Eyes,” “Monsoon” and “What You Thought You Needed.” A bluesy mood colors the smoldering “Losing Keys,” while “Adrift” casually ambles into country terrain. Johnson hasn’t left his dreamy comfort zone behind on Sleep Through the Static, but he’s not rolling over and ignoring the bumps in the night, either.

Customer Reviews

The Reliable Review

This is not the accessible Jack whom we last heard writing silly jingles for a movie about a cartoon monkey. Having turned this new leaf of his--specifically: much less acoustic guitar--he returns to the quieter, beachier tones of yore, to a sort of antipop reminiscent of Brushfire Fairytales. Indeed, you're one of a special minority if you saw this paradigm shift coming. At such a pivotal phase in a swiftly telescoping career, it's strange that anyone would suddenly shy away from the radio-friendly sounds that made them famous, but the retreat is endearing enough that it simply works for our waveriding friend. Sleep Through The Static is an ocean-watching album. Listen to Johnson's sound swell like the tide throughout, and break like waves in refreshing moments of "Hope," "If I Had Eyes," and "They Do, They Don't." Don't expect the haphazard, here, as this is the artist at his most cautious--using silence as much as noise, using words as much as guitar plucks, and using simple conversation as much as big-idea imagery. The entire listen-through is lackadaisical, even melancholy at times, but in a warmly thoughtful way. Perhaps some fans are afraid. And they should be, because this surely isn't the ideal album for newcomers (or "latecomers" is more like it), but for Johnson's trueblooded fans this is a perfectly-timed gift, a reminder that maybe we do know Jack. The new electric guitar casts an inviting sunrise-like atmosphere about the album. Meanwhile, his crystaline voice, breezy harmonies, and laidback percussion round the sound out into something whole and inhabitable. Welcome to the tenacious melodies of the neatly layered "Enemy" or the irresistible "Go On." I defy you to keep your toe from tapping to "Monsoon." Is there anything explicitly wrong with this album, then? No. But of course this leaves its "enjoyability" up to the listener's interpretation. In truth, this is a transcendental work that retraces no steps, but still manages makes sense of where it's coming from. You'll hear Johnson dwell in the peace and quiet of Brushfire Fairytales, the instrumentality of On & On, the fullness of In Between Dreams, and the razor-sharp mixing of the Curious George soundtrack, but there is this unmistakably new something, and it is greater than the sum of Johnson's past. Slapping five stars onto it is the least I can do.

Another Good Album, just not as good

I'm a big Jack Johnson fan, but I must say that I'm a little disappointed with this album. Don't get me wrong it's still got the same ol' easy going Jack Johnson feel, but the songs aren't quite as catchy and after a while they start to sound the same. All in all another good effort. I'm sure this will provide some nice easy listening for time to come, just not as many singles.

Jack.

This album is probably the most beautiful piece of music to ever touch my ears. Jack is always there for you to catch your tears or to put down a few, whatever you need at a given moment. He lives the good life and fights the good fight, and makes you want to do the same. Listen up.

Biography

Born: May 18, 1975 in Hawaii

Genre: Rock

Years Active: '90s, '00s, '10s

Before Jack Johnson became the 21st century kingpin of beachside pop/rock, he was a champion surfer on the professional route. The sport was second nature to the Hawaiian native, who began chasing waves as a toddler and, by the age of 17, had become an outstanding athlete on the Banzai Pipeline. However, Johnson was also testing other creative outlets — specifically film and music — and a serious surfing accident during his first professional competition convinced him to devote more time...
Full Bio

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