Recognizably Jack

Mellow. Sensible. Comforting. Heartfelt. Immensely enjoyable. These are characteristics that fans have come to associate with the music of Jack Johnson.
In his fifth studio album, Sleep Through The Static, Johnson sticks to the same style that has won the interest of so many in recent years, while not living up to the hype it received as Johnson’s most lively and electric album to date. This sleepy new release lacks the step forward anticipated by many loyal listeners.
Johnson teamed up with keyboard player Zach Gill and drummer Adam Topol in an attempt to energize his music that generally is lacking in variety and contrast. While the added guitar is noticeable on "Go On", a track about his new life as a father, it goes almost unnoticed through the rest of the album.
The piano is the most positive addition. Gill sprinkles multiple soulful solos throughout the album adding some life to Johnson’s modest acoustic guitar. On the song "Monsoon" in particular, Gill’s unleashed piano playing makes for one of the albums top tracks. Sleep Through The Static tries to represent a step forward for Johnson’s music, but ultimately leaves you wanting more, at times sensing the trio holding back.
As a recent father of two, the 32 year old Johnson’s well-intentioned lyrics focus on his family and his environment. He moves away from his catchy pop lyrics of past albums, instead expressing real-world fears surrounding his new life as a father. "As the darkness gets deeper, we’re sinking, so we reach for love," he sings on the opening track "All at Once". Sentiments like these set a more serious tone for the album.
Sleep Through the Static is a good album. If you are a Jack Johnson fan you will be thoroughly satisfied with his latest work and it will definitely be worth the price. Although it does not live up to its build up as his electric album and it may not be the step forward many hoped for, Johnson’s soothing voice and understated guitar playing accompanied by Gill’s piano makes this album, recognizably Jack.
Grade: B