The Sleep Through the Static review is finally here! And I've got a few things to say. Since it's release on Feb. 5, there have been several lukewarm reviews, faulting Johnson for attempting to tackle some bigger issues like Iraq, but not really taking it far enough. I don't really agree with that. I see the album as classic, island Jack with flashes of sobriety coated in surfboard wax. If the guy felt the need to make a statement, wouldn't the best way for him to do that be the best way he knows how? He's never going to put out an angry, bitter, resentful, record. He's going use his mellow stylings, his guitar, his snappy, breezy lyrics. So what if he didn't write a follow up to "Eve of Destruction?" I wouldn't imagine his fans would want that.
That said, his lyrics and messages have my approval, from protest to sweet sentiment. As far as everything else, Sleep Through the Static is not In Between Dreams, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable... perhaps just not as satisfying. The music is still strong, holding the line of appropriate production. Not too stripped, not over done. Standout tracks are "Hope" (though the opening is reminiscent of "Don't Worry, Be Happy"), "If I Had Eyes," and "Go On." Maybe Jackson could have scrapped "Adrift" which is adequately named because it wanders and it's on the slow side. I'd rather he not dabble too much below the range of mid-tempo.
Overall, it's a good album and all this poo-pooing by critics is ridiculous and bored whining from people trying to write an edgy and snobby review at the expense of someone who doesn't deserve it.
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