30 March 2009

Jason Mraz, 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things'

I got hooked by a song that keeps playing on the radio called 'I'm Yours' - sort of slightly reggae, a bit folksy, a bit blues, clever lyrics, groovy, fun to listen to. I liked it so much that I went and bought Jason Mraz's album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things (the first music I've just "gone and got" for a very long time). He writes interesting music and I can't get it out of my head.

Hard to pick favourites off this album; I think that it's a close call between 'I'm Yours', 'Love for a Child', 'Live High' and 'Lucky'. 'Love for a Child' is really relaxed and groovy until you start paying attention to the lyrics, and which point it resolves into a very biting social commentary about how the changing family structures have affected children. I love it even more for his message than the great tune. 'I'm Yours' is just fun, and funny, and clever, and makes me smile. 'Lucky' is a lovely duet between Jason and Colbie Caillat. I like the lyrics here, although they are more conventional than most on this album. 'Coyote' is more driving sound, definitely more rocky and has quite harsh concepts in the song itself. I like it, but not one of my favourites. The waltz 'A Beautiful Mess' that closes the album lulls me into a false sense of security, and then again when I pay attention to the lyrics I realise it's another one of his social commentaries. Not quite as obvious as 'Love for a Child' but close.

Recommendation: 4 Stars. Like this one, especially if you want something a bit cruisy that will still make you think. Oh, and for B - he releases on vinyl too. And he encourages fans to record his concerts.

2 comments:

Sphenodon said...

Er thanks - but again our music choices are pretty far apart...it reminds me too much of damian frankenfurter and his ilk. And you *really* don't want me to start on that...but you'll be pleased to hear I go out and listen to a couple of tracks on youtube :)

Pachyderm said...

I hate the frankfurter. He peeves me off. I like this because it's gently groovy.

I know our choice of music is poles apart but hey, at least it's interesting. And I do like Queen and the APP thanks to you!

R