Singles

Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static

Paul Cook 31/08/2008

Rating: 4/5

Sleep Through the Static is the title track from the latest Jack Johnson album. Featuring surfer-styled calming riffs and the typically melodious Johnson voice the single is a winner with any fan and a 'nice' track to the passing listener.

The motivation behind this latest single however is a cheeky, not-so-subtle dig at America's war on terror in Iraq. Whether it is the American people who are seemingly “sleeping through the static” or their government is not exactly clear but what is refreshing, and after a few listens blindingly clear, is that the new single is a politically charged condemnation of America's actions in Iraq as Johnson sings:

“But who needs to see what we've done?
Who needs please when we've got guns?
Who needs keys when we've got clubs?
Who needs peace when we've gone above
But beyond where we should have gone?

Instrumentally the track is familiar ground for Jack Johnson but lyrically it is bold and intentional and more powerful than one might think - A solid, refreshing effort from the soul singer-songwriter.

The single and album, Sleep Through The Static is available on Brushfire Records now.