Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
(270 customer reviews) 37 of 40 people found the following review helpful
Never Pretends,
May 8, 2003 Matthew Francis (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: On And On (Audio CD)
One would be hard pressed to find Jack Johnson interviewed in the pages of a music magazine going "on and on" about his music being innovative and ground breaking. He knows it's not and, for the most part, his biggest fans know it's not. The thing about Jack is he's good at what he does. He's a passionate singer with a great range, a competent guitar player, and a gifted lyricist. He keeps his melodies clear and simple which allows him to flex the emotions of his voice and allows the listener to explore the depth and weight of his lyrics. Johnson serves as a model for what singer songwriters should be. Simply, "On and On" is a fantastic album. It's much more cohesive than "Brushfire Fairytales" (which, to me, sounded like a collection of singles)and Johnson has finally become comfortable with his sound and mood. Not every track on the album is brilliant, but there's also no throw-away material either. The two songs that frame this album are...Read more
46 of 51 people found the following review helpful
You'll get hooked...,
July 18, 2003 By A Customer
This review is from: On And On (Audio CD)
Before I bought this CD, I'd almost completely lost my enthusiasm for new music. I was firmly stuck in the early days of rock listening to Zeppelin, The Stones, The Doors, CSN, among the other greats, and happy to do so.So much of the current "noise" out there, in my humble opinion, is absolutely void of talent. The record industry has slowly been losing my dollars for years. If I never hear about another boy band or "mouseketeer" making it big in the music industry, it will be a sweet day for sure. American Idol......please.I heard about Jack Johnson on CNN, of all places. I went to Amazon and listened to a couple tracks and promptly purchased both his CDs. I eagerly await his next offering.His blend of groove, spirit, and provocative lyrics takes me on a journey every time I listen. I usually wind up gleaning some subtle nuance to his songs that lingers with me throughout the day. His music makes me think while I groove and, for me, that's why I listen to music...Read more
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Finding the Hole to Heaven,
August 4, 2003 This review is from: On And On (Audio CD)
"On & On" is a great follow-up to "Brushfire Fairytales." The music and arrangements are similar enough to build solidly on the strengths of the first CD, but offers definite lyrical growth. "And there will always be stop & go and fast & slow, action, reaction, sticks & stones and broken bones," he sings on the opener "Times Like These." I have three favorites on the CD. "Taylor" is a perky track with Jack's throbbing rhythm guitar, a lovely melody and a bit darker lyric, "He thinks that singing on Sunday is gonna save his soul now that Saturday is gone." "Holes to Heaven" is another uptempo track with Adam Topol's percussion smashing away juxtaposed to Jack's throbbing guitar. "Bright lights flashing to cover up your lack of soul," Jack sings on the upbeat "Rodeo Clowns." "On & On" is an excellent progression from his first CD, building on the strengths and...Read more