Jack Johnson
Brushfire Fairytales

THE REVIEW

The first time I listened to Jack Johnson's music was by chance: I was watching the film Out Cold, which features two tracks from his first official album (Poster and Flake). As soon as I finished watching the movie, I rushed to purchase his album (obviously via the web!) quite certain that I wouldn't be wasting my (few) pennies, and indeed, the first listen was rewarding! Jack's music is spontaneous, fresh, irreverent. I listened, read his lyrics, recognized the few chords of his songs (few but played with heart), and I was genuinely happy to be listening to someone who had something to say. I had the impression that Jack didn't feel the need to release this album, but rather the opposite, as if he wanted to almost hide his music in his intimacy. He doesn't possess great technique on the guitar, doesn't have a great voice, and the structures of his songs are downright simple: but it is precisely here that lies the most commendable aspect of all his work! He doesn't hide behind overwhelming loops or enticing sounds: it's the quality of his music that strikes you, not the way it’s played. His songs are spontaneous yet solid, sparse yet well-structured: an album that, for those who truly love music for what it is, is a must. A classic album that, once listened to, makes you want to search for the tablatures of all the songs that will become huge hits at get-togethers with friends, around the fire with a guitar and a "joint" (Elio teaches us!). Fascinating.