Jason Mraz – 鈥楲ove Is a Four Letter Word’
Jason Mraz – ‘Love Is a Four Letter Word’
By Clint Rhodes
Weekend Magazine Music
听
Following up the John Mayer-sounding “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things” from 2008, “Love Is a Four Letter Word” draws upon a laid-back helping of West Coast influence with a Jack Johnson vibe.
The latest offering from Jason Mraz channels a peaceful easy feeling as the 34-year-old singer-songwriter explores the virtues of love in all its many forms. Nearly a year after Mraz split with fianc茅e Tristan Prettyman, the last thing one would expect to hear is happily beaming melodies filled with tender charm, uplifting messages and self fulfillment.
Mraz opens with “The Freedom Song,” a cover written by Luc Reynaud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a tune which Mraz has been performing at shows over the last two years. “Living in the Moment” is an infectious, coffeehouse arrangement that focuses on not looking back on the past or forward to the future.
The finest moment of the album comes on the inspiring “I Won’t Give Up,” concentrating on learning from our life lessons and staying focused on what we want out of life no matter what obstacles are placed in our path. “In Your Hands” is a seductively beautiful love note that Mraz has said is one of the best songs he has written. Other favorites include “Frank D. Fixer,” a tribute to his grandfather, and “93 Million Miles” as Mraz sentimentally writes about the security and serenity of home being in the heart. With his fourth album, Mraz has stated that he took his time and reflected about who he really was inside.
Obviously, his reflection period was time well spent as Mraz radiates wonder, joy and contentment through his observations on life and love.
听
听