Jack Johnson

Sleep Through Static

Brushfire Records

(Jack Johnson MySpace)

Sleep Through the Static is the first album from The Pier’s ‘20 Most Anticipated Albums of 2008 Feature’ to be released this year and it is the one that will undoubtedly sell the most copies. The million dollar question then… is it any good?

Umm, it’s probably what you expect.

Unfortunately as time progresses and with each Jack Johnson album release, his limitations become more and more apparent and what was something originally and vibrant now sounds kinda old. It doesn’t help that this is also his probably and most mellow and somber album, contributing to my overall feeling of meh-ness.

Don’t get me wrong, there is still some solid tracks here like the single If I Had Eyes; the effortlessly flowing Go On; the sunny Hope and the passionate They Do, They Don’t. The tracks Sleep Through the Static and Monsoon also see Jack and his band brushing off the old cobwebs and at his most interesting.

But for every interesting track there is a forgettable lullaby, perfect for those quiet evenings when you have a few friends around and you want some unobtrusive background music. While the lyrics in these songs are heartfelt and personal (plus his most socially conscious), unfortunately if the music doesn’t do it for me I have little interest in these songs.

Usually what happens is when you get older you may outgrow the bands you used to listen to, for me here Jack Johnson has outgrown me. Maybe I’ll put this on in five years and appreciate it a little more.

Reviewed by Pilipo