Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE

Jack Johnson, who is famous for his laid-back rhythms and gentle yet composed voice, recently released his highly anticipated album Sleep Through the Static.

The February release follws three platinum albums and the chart-topping 2006 soundtrack to "Curious George."

This album reunites Johnson with producer JP Plunier, who worked on Johnson's 2001 debut, Brushfire Fairytales.

To provide this album with a wider range of sounds, touring keyboardist Zach Gill added to Johnson's usual guitar, bass and drums trio.

Johnson dabbles in darker lyrics with this album by blatantly pointing out the harsh realities of our world in this day and age.

The opening song, "All at Once," offers an intense contemplation about our troubled society with poignant lyrics such as "All at once the world can overwhelm me/ There's almost nothing that you could tell me that could ease my mind."

This track, with its complex and insightful lyrics, is a far cry from his cheerful fan favorites such as "Bubble Toes," "Better Together" or "Banana Pancakes."

In fact, during the track "Hope," I was surprised and dismayed to find the song wasn't about hope at all whenever Johnson repeatedly warned listeners to "better hope they're not alone."

But just when you feel as if Johnson is losing his faith in humanity, he comforts you with thoughtful songs about his family life such as "Go On" and "Angel."

These songs offer a tranquil vibe along with heart-felt lyrics that give an insight to his genuine affection for those closest to him. The intimacy expressed in these two songs is admirable and unique.

My favorite song on this album is the achingly beautiful and simple track "Same Girl." This song is an obvious ode to Johnson's wife of more than ten years, and the soothing acoustic guitar and Johnson's gentle and quirky use of "uhm hmms" reach the listener in a warm and personal way. This song proves that his best and most memorable songs are those of the simplest nature.

My least favorite track, however, is "Monsoon," where Johnson attempts to be clever by singing "Monsooner or later" over and over again. This track falls flat in creativity and comes across feeling trite and corny.

Despite slightly darker lyrics and the introduction of new instrumentals, this album is still undeniably the Jack Johnson people have come to love.

He is maturing as a musician and that is a good thing. Sleep Through the Static is mellow, sincere and most importantly, immensely enjoyable.

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