In Between Dreams by Jack Johnson

May 06, 2005 | 15 Comments

The Artist: Jack Johnson
The Song: Never Know
[Launch Player]
The Album: In Between Dreams
Released 2005
Recommended if you like: Donavon Frankenreiter, Beck, Ben Lee, Jason Mraz, Citizen Cope

You simply can’t go wrong with Jack Johnson can you? Just when I thought he was going to go down that boring, old, everything-sounds-the-same-lane, he releases In Between Dreams—a great album that, while not really offering up too much in the way of the new and unique, makes you realize that every Jack Johnson song is a good song.

After On and On, which, while very good, did seem to get old pretty quick, I was pretty suck Johnson had used every trick in his bag. Now I’m thinking their not tricks at all and that he’s just a really, really good singer/songwriter.

In Between Dreams is every bit as good as his first album, Brushfire Fairytales and on just about every track you realize that this guy is here to stay.

They lyrics are tight and positive, the hooks keep you in it all the way through. This really is one that you can just put on and let play. Heck, it even can carry me all the way through and my attention span and diverse tastes in music can hardly get me through a whole song sometimes.

It’s great spring/summer music and perfect for driving out for a long weekend. I highly recommend it to just about anyone. As well, if you’re into live music, Jack Johnson puts on a very good, if somewhat predictable show. I’ve seen him a few times and had a blast.

Filed under: Album of The Moment
Keyword Tags: jack+johnson in+between+dreams

Comments

1. SZA said:

C’mon Keith, Jack Johnson? Ho-Hum. The people depend on you. How about The new Hold Steady album. It is your duty to inform the people.

Posted on May 6, 2005 09:57 AM | #

2. Darice de Cuba said:

I bought ‘In Between Dreams’ last month. It’s remarkable how I come across various reviews recommending it for spring/summer music. I grew up with sun and warmth the whole year, for my taste this CD is good all year long.

I missed his concert here in Holland, hopefully he’ll drop by here again.

Posted on May 6, 2005 10:19 AM | #

3. Keith said:

SZA – You’re such a punk-ass music Nazi. If you weren’t related to me I’d ban your ass. LOL. Don’t worry, I’ll get to the new Hold Steady – I don’t have it yet. I’ve not had time to get much new the last few weeks. So hold your fucking horses.

Posted on May 6, 2005 11:05 AM | #

4. B. Adam said:

I like Johnson’s music (my wife absolutely loves Bubbly Toes), but I’ve always had a question about him … I don’t know if I’ll phrase the question just right, but hopefully you’ll get the idea:

Don’t you think it’s a little preachy the way he sings about anti-consumerism and the “simple life” (that he obviously lives and appreciates) so much? I try to live my life in the same vein (with computer stuff being more or less my only real extravagance – well that and my damn fine good looks) but I wouldn’t ever feel comfortable telling other people that the way I live is right and the way they live is flat-out wrong. Isn’t that a little too black and white, love & hate?

Whatcha think? ( and if ya’ll aren’t in the mood on a Friday afternoon to get all philosophical and shtuff, I’ll understand ;)

Posted on May 6, 2005 11:26 AM | #

5. Justin said:

A California friend of mine turned me onto JJ about 4 or 5 years ago, I been hooked ever since. However, with that said I was surprised how good I found this album to be. Right off of the first listen I was hooked, all the way through to the end.

And to answer your question B.Adam, I do like what he tends to write about. The simplicity of it all is worth longing for, I can’t really say I feel preached to either?

Write about what you know after all, right? And besides, some people need some preachin to anyway! Wouldn’t it be nice if we could sleep in some days and make banana pancakes? Sounds pretty good to me just about any day ;)

Posted on May 6, 2005 01:14 PM | #

6. Jason Marble said:

I love Jack Johnson. His music is sooo chill. Definitely one of the great artists that have come out of so cal. He rips in the water too.

Posted on May 6, 2005 04:08 PM | #

7. Geoffrey said:

I’ve always been a fan of Jack Johnson but I didn’t truly undertand the music until I was on a beach in Thailand last year sitting in a hamomck at about 2am as the waves kissed the shore. As I sipped my beer listening to Jack’s humble guitar, the music made perfect sense.
If you’ve ever been on a tropical beach late at night with a dwindling campfire, Jack Johnson—and all he has to say—will resonate.

Posted on May 6, 2005 10:20 PM | #

8. Steve S. said:

I can’t agree more. I love all three of Jack Johnson’s albums. I don’t think he’s ‘preachy’ at all.

Re: Jason Marble
He’s from Hawaii if i recall correctly, not So Cal.

Posted on May 8, 2005 10:21 PM | #

9. Dave Marks said:

I first discovered Jack Johnson last summer, when an old friend lent me the on and on cd. I loved it and played it all summer. I then discovered the bushfire fairytales and enjoyed that all winter ;)

I had got bored of it, and ever time it came on skipped past the album… until this weekend when i wound down the windows and turned jack up loud. Great spring/summer drive :)

Oh, I also absolutly love the Sister Sisters now… i played it when you first recommeneded it, but wasn’t that taken. Then a few weeks ago, one of my friends starting playng the album, and now i’m hooked! - Funny how music does that too you hey!

Posted on May 9, 2005 05:59 PM | #

10. Ian Lloyd said:

Hey Keith, I recommend you check out Pete Murray - another softly sung Aussie with simple acoustic backing. Quite similar and definitely worth a listen, I promise. The album is called Feeler and, for my money, the stand-out track is ‘So Beautiful’. Go check it out my man!

Posted on May 11, 2005 12:26 AM | #

11. Taylor said:

Awesome, thanks for recommending him, I had never heard of it before. You should also check out Dave Matthews Band. I think most record shops should carry his cd.

:PPPPPP

ps. is this the same musical prodigy to bring me smoosh. jj? comon dk!

Posted on May 11, 2005 08:46 AM | #

12. yo u know it said:

word, jack is the shit! gotta love his music. good stuff…dont like staple it together, situations or belle, other than that its all good

Posted on May 21, 2005 09:57 AM | #

13. Steph said:

Ilove Jack Johnson. I liked all songs on his first two CD’s, and i was worried that his new CD wouldn’t be as good. Ilove it, however some songs could use some work.

Posted on June 2, 2005 03:51 PM | #

14. girl-in-her-dreams said:

I love his music….I can really connect because I just lived a really bad time with a guy and his music helps me get throw i… Good job jack!!!! Your music is the best!!!!

Posted on June 20, 2005 02:17 PM | #

15. Sally said:

Jack Johnson’s song have this beautiful simplicity…all of his songs are just so soft and flowing. I love driving through the forest and putting on his new CD especially Never Know.

Posted on July 17, 2005 08:50 PM | #