“To the Sea”: A Review

After around 4 months of intense waiting and longing, I finally got my hands on Jack Johnson’s new album, “To the Sea”. A friend of mine said to me before I head down to get the CD that’s it’s a bit unwise to grab the album without even listening to the previews on the internet first. Based from my experience listening to Jack’s albums over the last 4 years or so, I know Jack Johnson wouldn’t disappoint his fans, and I bet his new album would sound just as great as his previous albums. Guess what? I was right.   I’m not a top reviewer, but I’d like to take a moment and share with you what I think about the album and the tracks within that album. Please note that these are my own opinions, and I do not represent anyone.   Let’s start!

Track 1: “You and Your Heart”

A great song to start the CD with. It’s catchy and upbeat, with a mellow touch in between. Love the guitar solo, although I prefer him using the usual acoustic guitar rather than the electric guitar. Oh, and YAY for staccato piano! (7/10)

Track 2: “To the Sea”

A pretty much alright song that’s just as good as any other Jack Johnson songs. The chorus is my favorite part of the song, and the guitar/piano combo is brilliant. Again, there’s a simple guitar solo on the song, and I think it shows how much Jack Johnson has improved on his mad guitar skills! (7/10)

Track 3: “No Good with Faces”

My favorite song on the album. The harmonica at the start of the song is perfect, and I AM IN LOVE WITH THE CHORUS. This song is pretty deep and emotional, as seen on the lyric “I’m lost” and “I’m too tired to try”. (9/10)

Track 4: “At or with Me”

Hmm. Solid and catchy, although I personally don’t really like the melody used. I don’t know – it doesn’t seem so original.. (4/10)

Track 5: “When I Look Up”

This song is brilliant despite its short length of just 58 seconds. Paula Fuga and Jack Johnson made an amazing combination, and the lyrics are sweet and simple. This song doesn’t seem like a full-length song, it seems like an intro to the next song, entitled… (7/10)

Track 6: “From the Clouds”

A sweet, catchy and upbeat song. Is it me, or the guitar bit sounds familiar? It reminds me of this Super Mario Bros theme.. (7/10)

Track 7: “My Little Girl”

This song touched me. It’s the classic, mellow Jack Johnson-type song with a light acoustic touch. Simply brilliant. This song sounds like a father’s wise words to his daughter. (8/10)

Track 8: “Turn Your Love”

Another of my favorite from the album. Have I told you that Paula Fuga and Jack Johnson made a good combination? The lyrics on this song are amazingly sweet, and the harmonies are wonderful. I have to say that the tunes are a bit repetitive on this one, but it’s still a good song nonetheless. (8/10)

Track 9: “The Upsetter”

“The Upsetter” has a more complex rhythm than the previous songs, with yet another guitar solo by Jack in the middle of the song. It’s a decent, sing-a-long song, although I think the intro in the middle of the song is a bit too long.  (7/10)

Track 10: “Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology”

This song is generally okay.  The two harmonicas used in tandem with one another rocked, although that’s pretty much it for the highlight of the song. The song has this jazz-y and/or blues feel, and I guess that’s pretty cool as well. (5/10)

Track 11: “Pictures of People Taking Pictures”

I have to say that I’m really disappointed of this song. To be perfectly honest, I found it really annoying when he kept on repeating the words “pictures of people taking pictures”. It’s a decent song, though – although it’s not really the type of song I’d listen over and over again. (2/10)

Track 12: “Anything But the Truth”

Awesome song. Just wow. Awesome. Awesome, awesome, awesome. It’s a quintessential Jack Johnson song of self discovery. And is it me, or are those crickets in the background? NICE! (8.5/10)

Track 13: “Only the Ocean”

I reckon this song is the perfect ending to the album. It’s slow, and it soothes you in a way or two. I recommend listening to this song after a long, hard day. I’m sure you’ll feel more relaxed. The song has this blues feel, and I’d much prefer him using the acoustic guitar on this one rather than the electric guitar. (6/10)

The album is recorded on a solar-powered studio, and I’ve always loved Jack Johnson’s contribution for a greener environment by using recycled materials for the covers of his albums, organising clean-up programs and by donating his tour profits to support environmental organisations. Jack is also a member of “1% for the Planet”, where 1% of his net annual album sales are donated for preservation and conservation of the natural environment.

Overall album rating: 8/10

So, I can say that this album is one of his best albums. I’ve enjoyed listening to the songs, and it’s worth all the pennies spent. I’ve looked forward to this album so much, and I’m just glad that this album is just as good as his other albums and that Jack Johnson still keeps his mellow, laid-back persona. If you’re a Jack Johnson fan, do get this album!