Review: Jack Johnson - To The Sea

Hawaiian skies, crystal clear oceans, sand in your toes, Sex in the City themed drinks and banana pancakes, one can't blame former surfer Jack Johnson for being rock n roll's best beach bum. For close to a decade he's pumped out album after album about the joys of living it easy while chillaxin' in his favorite hammock. Just think of him as musical Tylenol for the Bush years.

Yet the time would come for Johnson to write songs for the 40 hour work week and the headaches of life away from the honeymoon. 2008's Sleep Through The Static was Johnson's first step in to the "terrible twos" as it were. The album was filled with songs of fear, war and violence, yet the music was too timid to really bring the edge it so desperately needed.

To The Sea is a more balanced effort come complete with tunes about love, growing pains and the occasional heartache. Johnson has ditched the beach for more tangible songs about fluttering hearts as well as the growing pains which come along for the ride.

With more realistic lyrics and electric guitar flourishes we've not yet heard from him, To The Sea is often times Johnon's most earnest and well rounded effort to date. Current single "You And Your Heart" features a subtle, and groundbreaking by his soft strumming standards, electric riff which works as a foundation for the piano and acoustic workings of previous songs. Sure the additions may be modest, but it's just enough to make it interesting - at least for a few listens.

Yet when there is feast, it's followed by famine. Almost the entire last third of the album is nothing more than rehashed fodder from records of yesteryear. But the worst part is the fact that Johnson seems to be failing at his own game. His melodies seem stunted and his musicianship light years beyond stale. Die hards and the Spicoli crowd may eat it up, but as always, it's a light meal that never satisfies.

Grade: C-

Key Tracks: "You And Your Heart" "At Or With Me" "Pictures Of People Taking Pictures"