MUSIC REVIEWS
JASON MRAZ, “Know.”
Jason Mraz usually likes to take risks, but on his new album, “Know.” (Atlantic), he keeps them to a minimum.
Instead, Mraz focuses on delivering as many warm and fuzzy, moderately upbeat, lilting ballads as he can. And considering how well the “I’m Yours” singer-songwriter does that, it’s a pretty good plan.
The gorgeous opener “Let’s See What the Night Can Do” is a stunner, capturing the sweeping excitement of a new relationship in elegantly simple terms. It’s the latest example of how Mraz is best when he hones his lyrics, rather than letting them spill out stream-of-consciousness style like they do in “Unlonely.”
He does it again in “Love Is the Answer,” though the string section flourishes, choral backing and dramatic production may actually detract from the power of the message.
The first single, “Have It All,” is the Mraz we have grown to expect, like a commencement speech set to music. “May the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows,” he declares over a spare, sweet backdrop. “And may the road less paved be the road that you follow.”
May Mraz soon follow that road as well.—Glenn Gamboa, Newsday
JIM LAUDERDALE, “Time Flies” (Yep Roc)
Jim Lauderdale is a steady geyser of Americana, releasing over two dozen solo albums and collaborations and writing for and with many mostly country musicians— from George Strait to Rodney Crowell and from the Dixie Chicks to George Jones—at a steaming pace.
Being prolific, however, would not mean much if Lauderdale’s songwriting and singing weren’t as consistently great as “Time Flies” once again demonstrates.
The first half of the album explores classic and contemporary country sounds: the melancholy title track, the environmentally conscious “The Road Is a River,” the Willie Nelson-like “Slow As Molasses” and “When I Held the Cards,” a tear-jerker of a hard-luck story.
There’s even more variety later, including the noir-ish “Wearing Out Your Cool,” sax solo included, and two swinging tunes in “Wild on Me Fast” and “While You’re Hoping,” with echoes of Leon Russell and mentions of everyone from Cleopatra to Monet.
Maybe as a coda to his Beatle-inspired 2017 album, “London Southern,” there’s gentle psychedelia on “It Blows My Mind,” on which Lauderdale sounds a bit like Stan Ridgeway on the verses. On the final tune, “If the World’s Still Here Tomorrow,” Lauderdale vows that, if we all live to see another sunrise, “I’ll still be loving you,” doomsday be damned.
Also seeing its long-delayed release simultaneously with “Time Flies” is Lauderdale’s first full album, a 1979 collaboration with bluegrass great Roland White which they recorded in Earl Scruggs’ basement.
With top-notch backing from guitarist Chris Scruggs and bassist Jay Weaver, “Time Flies” continues Lauderdale’s prolonged streak of unfailing quality, memorable songs and great performances. Best of all, he’ll probably release another one just as good in a year or so.—Pablo Gorondi, The Associated Press