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Jack JohnsonIn Between Dreams Brushfire/UMG If you've heard one Jack Johnson album, you've heard them all: acoustic guitar played ever so gently, sedated drums, and Johnson's vocals delivered so very calmly and mellow... methinks such a familiar description should be saved for the next album too. Sitting high up in the charts however, Johnson has reinforced the notion that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Experimentation, reinventing yourself, leading your loyal fans in a revolution of sorts: these things are completely unnecessary to be the current king of folk rock - not even a slight change in musical direction is evident in 'In Between Dreams.' Banana Pancakes it its "take-it-easy" attitude shares a resemblance with Mudfootball from 'Brushfire Fairytales', Good People lightly ponders human nature akin to Cookie Jar from 'On And On' and there are more loose but obvious similarities throughout 'In Between Dreams' to compare to previous albums. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing was the easy choice for the first single due to having arguably the catchiest chorus of the album, but has very little more to offer. Nevertheless, this album has made a strong impact on me: once. Whilst lazing about on a grassy hill at Uni, enjoying the endless sunshine, I started listening to 'In Between Dreams' and it was bliss. Such a state of relaxation is probably the key to listening to Jack Johnson (at least it is for me). He has a knack for writing songs about relationships, human nature and ethical dilemmas in such a calm, serious and positive manner - perhaps due to his lifestyle in Hawaii. As lovely as Johnson's peace-loving music is, there is very little variation. Except in that perfect niche time, 'In Between Dreams' comes across as simply plain.  |
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