By Madeline Kerins
Much like his other albums, the latest Jack Johnson disc comes packaged in beautiful landscape portraits that are as easy on the eyes as his tunes are on the ears. In Between Dreams, Johnson’s third full-length release, delivers his patented brand of acoustic surf rock that would probably quell even the most critical listener. Bottom line is Johnson’s music is just hard not to like. Though he comes from an overall generic genre, Johnson somehow manages to make his sound more likeable and recognizable than the rest of the bunch.
His songs aren’t all that deep and thought provoking, and perhaps that’s why so many people enjoy his music. It’s okay to just be a casual fan; the disc’s easygoing and casual rhythm even seems to invite you to do so. And In Between Dreams is no exception to any of Johnson’s staples. Some might see this as a failure in an album-that it resembles its predecessors. But with the amount of albums that pale in comparison to others by the same artist, a repetitive album seems a whole lot better than a terrible one.
From beginning to end, In Between Dreams is a mellow beach soundtrack for those wishing to relax and unwind. It begins with the insanely mushy “Better Together,” in which Johnson gushes about the love of his life. This seems to be a continuing theme throughout the album, including the wonderfully catchy “Banana Pancakes,” which extols the virtues of pretending it is the weekend ever day.
“Good People” continues where Brushfire Fairytales’ “The News” left off, with Johnson wondering about where the compassion has gone in our society. In “News,” he asks, “Why don’t the newscasters cry/when they read about people who die,” “Good People” is equally inquisitive, asking “Where’d all the good people go? /I’ve been changing channels/ I don’t see them on the TV shows/Where’d all the good people go? /We got heaps and heaps of what we sew.” Tracks like these reach out to listeners, conveying Johnson’s sensitive and almost naïve demeanor.
Probably what is the most likeable quality of Johnson’s is that he is the real deal. Unlike others, this pro-surfer is actually the living embodiment of his music in his everyday, laid back beach-worshipping life. His naturally easy style can’t be imitated, at least in a believable way, and for that reason Johnson will always be a favorite among listeners of all genres.
The Chronicle gives ´In Between Dreams´, by Jack Johnson three 1/2 out of five stars.