(andPOP) -
"On and On" picks up right where Jack Johnson left off in 2001's "Brushfire Fairytales," as he still possesses the whispery and relaxed vocals. The album again has a live acoustic feel to it, sure to please his loyal following.
It is inevitable that Johnson will be compared with Grammy winner John Mayer because they are both in their 20s, playing guitar-dominated music targeted at college kids. While Mayer's music is much more commercial and radio-friendly, Johnson aims to get messages across without jeopardizing the integrity of the music.
Sometimes the message is not so clear. With "The Horizon Has Been Defeated," he sings about the effects of consumerism, but it only comes across by closely analyzing the words.
Johnson mixes in some reggae in "Wasting Time," a nice change of pace to the simple calmness of the other songs. While he is still laid back in the song, he manages to offer something eclectic to the listeners. That is also the case with the Latin-feel of the off-beat "Rodeo Clowns," where Johnson speeds up his vocals compared to every other song.
Although "Tomorrow Morning" contains some sexual references in the lyrics, it almost comes off as a lullaby. It has a friendly beat and voice that babies can fall asleep to, while the adults keep on listening.
3*/5*
Moonshine Conspiracy Records/Universal Music
Release Date: May 6, 2003
