CD Review: Jack Johnson, "In Between Dreams" (Brush Fire Records)

March 10, 2005 03:03 PM
Frat-house DJs can rest peacefully knowing that Jack Johnson is back with something new for them to spin at sunny keg parties this spring.

"In Between Dreams" is another winning batch of bubbly James Taylor-meets-Dave Matthews feel-good songs that should only increase his popularity with college crowds.

Whether or not it's true that "there's nothing new under the sun," Johnson certainly isn't looking. This third album coasts along on the exact same waves that made "Brushfire Fairytales" and "On and On" such peaceful, easy-feeling joys. The equation remains unchanged: Johnson's warming voice, a softly strummed acoustic guitar and restrained rhythm work by drummer Adam Topol and bassist Merlo Podlewski.

Johnson is still wooing the ladies with his campfire-style crooning on the cuddly "Do You Remember" and "Better Together," which might be his most romantic song to date. He is at his most effective when he is simply prolonging an everyday moment, pleading with a lover to stay inside on a rainy day for "Banana Pancakes" or simply trying to coax his lady into slumber on "No Other Way."

This tender, highly accessible set won't impress the hipsters down at the local indie-record store--really, that's what we have Guided by Voices CDs for. It could, however, help you find a date at the next frat party.

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