Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Jason Mraz
We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things
Release date: 9th June 2008 (CD)
We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is a bright, breezy pop album perfect for the summer. In terms of influences, Jason Mraz has drawn on various genres, including hip hop, reggae and even opera, which is features on what has to be one of the most ambitious songs on the album, Coyotes. As brilliant as the song is, I can’t help but feel that the ending (which has a curious chorus of children joining in the song) is a bit naff, to be frank. Aside from this, there is an outstanding duet, Lucky, featuring little-known female singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, whose melodious voice integrates perfectly with Mraz’s vocals. Mraz has also roped in English soul-pop artist James Morrison for a collaboration on Details In The Fabric, which is a beautifully constructed song, showcasing the vocal talent of both artists extremely well.

Being familiar with Mraz’s previous work, it is interesting to see that there are no tracks with quite the same punchiness of previous singles Wordplay and Geek In The Pink. Comparing this album to Mr. A-Z, it is difficult to say that We Sing… is a great improvement. There are plenty of perfectly pleasant songs, yet these lack any kind of real direction to make them chart hits. Despite these shortcomings, Mraz’s latest album is a relaxing listen, a must for any pop fans. Other standout tracks include The Dynamo of Volition and Only Human.

Current Events

This did actually start out as something about current events &c, so I'm just posting to say that I am rather glad indeed that Boris Johnson is London Mayor. Thank goodness Mr Livingstone is no longer in power. It is also rather amusing that Labour only got 24% of votes for local councils and the LibDems got 25%. Ha.

In other news, exams begin in a week's time, so that will be fun. Or not.

This frightful weather is set to continue. How awful. I'm perfectly happy when it is sunny, but the great looming clouds overhead always seem to be present. It's terrible.

As for music reviews, I have been rather lazy on that front. Besides, I couldn't find anything legally accessible online that I wished to review, except for half pof Hadouken!'s album, but what good is half of it? Instead I shall recommend the new Darren Shan book, called Death's Shadow. I got my copy signed yesterday, but it will be a while before I can begin reading it since I am currently supposed to be reading the following:

The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney, which must be finished by Thursday for the school Book Club meeting - er.
My Friend Maigret by Georges Simenon, which I must admit I have given up on now.
Spies by Michael Frayn, which is being re-read on account of having to write an essay on the book for an exam, without the book for reference. This is worth 30% of my English Lit AS, I think I should be worried. Regarding Spies, we went to see it peformed as a play on Wednesday, and it was quite excellent. Certainly put the book to shame.
The Swap by Antony Moore, which I also seem to have given up on, hm.
Not to mention a couple of other books which I haven't even begun yet but must return to the library soon. I don't want to be fined.