What exactly is static? It's that white noise that can be anything if you listen closely -- the annoying show that's on when you're trying to work, someone on the phone when you're trying to sleep, or the thoughts you just can't shake when you need some peace of mind. Jack Johnson's new release, Sleep Through the Static, tries to make sense of that incessant static and gives us a much-needed break from life's white noise while he's at it.
Jack, hailing from Hawaii, began his music career after a surfing accident that resulted in more than 150 stitches. After he released a couple surfing films and his breakout album, Brushfire Fairytales, he's been a regular in the surf music genre, earning fame for his serene melodies and insightful lyrics.
While most of the world is used to picturing Jack as a tanned, board shorts-clad, laid-back dude, Static has a distinctive new sound that belongs to a more pensive atmosphere than the beaches of Hawaii. His lyrics have always been disturbingly intuitive, addressing issues that range from eating disorders ("Posters" from Brushfire Fairytales) to the effect of television on children ("Cookie Jar" from On & On). Jack imparted these messages with a confident sound, a sound that nonchalantly asked you to listen but was content with serving as just a personal outlet for its author. Static, however, echoes of disillusion and frustration in a way that has been missing from previous albums. Sure, there are upbeat songs -- for example, the hit single "If I Had Eyes" -- but even these have a more (dare I say it?) mature sound. The low-key, simple surf phase is over -- bring on the brooding.
I have a few favorites on the album, all of which was recorded with 100 percent solar power (way to go green, Jack). First is "Enemy," a track that still contains a bit of the old sound complete with a dash of disenchantment. While the others on the album include easily recognizable frustration, "Enemy" serves well in tuning out the world and relaxing.
Another, "All at Once," opens up the album with a helplessness everyone can relate to. This is not a song you want to listen to if you're having a great day, but for those who feel like they just can't win, Jack understands and turns that discouragement unto a great song.
Finally, "Hope" rounds out my favorites list nicely with its upbeat Chumbawamba-esque, never-gonna-get-me-down philosophy. Hope, "It will defeat you / Then teach you to get back up / After it takes away / All that you've learned to love." This lyric embodies the feel of the entire album -- frustrated and helpless, mixed with a quiet optimism rooted in the simple things life's static hasn't tainted quite yet.
Sleep Through the Static may be a surprise to Jack Johnson fans who were planning to look for him next to his surfboard, staring out at the Pacific. Even though his surfboard lays abandoned on the beach, faithful listeners and even new ones should not be deterred. The new sound, while not always inspiring carefree relaxation, allows the downtrodden to connect with someone who feels the same. If you miss the surfing movies and some "Banana Pancakes," keep listening to his previous gems. If you're still up for the search, however, his private escape is worth finding. Once found, you'll discover the static has disappeared with the surf.
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