To The Sea
Jack Johnson
Nice guys finish… first, in the case of Jack Johnson. The surfer, filmmaker and middle-of-the-road acoustic songwriter has never pushed any creative envelopes with his pleasantly forgettable fare, yet his last two albums were UK number ones. Neither Sleep Through the Static (2008) nor In Between Dreams (2005) received much in the way of praise from the music press, but Johnson is in the same mould as Katie Melua: a musician whose fortunes appear impervious to negative reviews, rendering opinions expressed in pieces such as this absolutely irrelevant
Indeed, such is the armour plating surrounding Johnson’s material that one wonders, while one writes, what the point is of even penning a review that won’t influence a potential buyer’s decision. The conclusion: to be objective, to relay the globally significant background of To the Sea and what’s to follow. That the album follows in the sonic footsteps of what’s come before should go without saying (whoops), and that it’s as challenging as committing a felony in a Grand Theft Auto video game (not very) is another needless statement of abject obviousness. But what’s not apparent from these songs is just how brilliant a man their maker is.
Not musically, you understand. Jack Johnson realises his strengths, limited as they are, and plays to them. Should he ever stretch himself as a musician the results could be fascinating – think The Beach Boys before Pet Sounds, and what they felt capable of afterwards – but right now he’s operating in a comfort zone that should guarantee continued commercial success. But here’s where the brilliant bit comes in: he doesn’t need the money. All profits from touring this record, all around the world, are to go to charities supporting the environment and the arts. He will strive to offset all carbon emissions. He even recorded this in two solar-powered studios. The music might be lightweight, but Johnson is a man on a serious mission, and should be applauded accordingly.
Johnson’s behaviour, his philanthropy and awareness-raising activities in the name of saving this world, should stir other globally known and financially stable artists into doing similar. Pretty though these songs occasionally are – even the harshest critic must concede that My Little Girl and Anything But the Truth are lovely – they’re of secondary importance to their creator’s enthusiasm in other, more important areas. It’s enough to have one forgiving the prevalent listlessness of the man’s catalogue, almost.
Reviewed by Mike Diver
possibly my favorite album by him
rather disappointing
this album isn't the best or the worst, it's just a matter of opnion....
Amazing album! ♥
In my opinion songs like "Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology", "My Little Girl" or "At Or With Me" are totally underrated. Pretty good album I'd say.
Good album, different from previous, more complex, advanced. This is good and bad on the same time.
It's different and that's why it's good in its own way (o:
"only the ocean" is the gorgeous song on this one
well... seems like I'm the only one who prefers this album over STTS
the previous album was so much better than this one. you and your heart is the only song i like.
Even though Static was different I liked (most of) it. This, however, sounds extremely mediocre. I understand the guy wants to branch out, but going pop is not the right call imo.
not as good as the last one, but pleasant indeed.
very average
love ist, more than in between dreams :)
Yet another great album!
Album more or less"
very good album!
@jesserubberkip: I meant the album.. ;)
between dreams # 1... sleep through the static # 2..... and I actually like very much this one .. tie with bushfire fairytales...
i kinda like it
I'm not impressed. In between dreams is hard to top, though :)
Not his best work at all.... [3] He totally lost me after In Between Dreams. His music became so formulaic it's annoying
Not his best work at all.... [2]
this album is amazing, as good as in between dreams
The BEST !!! To the Sea and At Or With Me are best song's on this album !!!
agree...
Hmm... Sjouke Bakker, sleep trough the static isn't on this album. I don't like this album, It's one of his worst.
I listened to this album for about 20 times now and I'm beginning to like it. :) I still think Sleep Through the Static was his best.
is it any good??
voll gut :)
beautiful....gotta love jack johnson
miles better than sleep through the static imo! :) back to the roots + awesome electric guitarriffs.
best album yet!
Not his best work at all....
again chiller music... love it =)
amazing album!
Отличный альбом
Guess its his best album
Loving this album!
"We've got some dreams to drain, i'll be at the bottom." awesome album, not his best though.
I haven't listened to this guy in years...he won me back with this album.
Непогана платівка
Solid. Jack always pumps out good rhythm.
Previous releases were better, in my opinion. Liked the acoustic, mellow feel of the first three more.
хороший альбом, не знаю или все со мной согласятся, но напоминает Эллиотта Смита. хорошая гитара.
i'm stuck in aus where it doesn't get released til friday aaarrrggghhhh!
yeah buddy, i love jack
Much better than Sleep Through the Static IMO. I'm digging it.
mais tarde eu baixo!! :D
At first I didnt ike it that much, and still think this is his worst work. Now its growing on me and I give it a 8/10 :) GO JACK