Out of the mellow folk-pop dudes who have surfed to stardom, Jason Mraz may be the most entertaining, since he would rather crack a joke than to ruminate on life and stuff. This is his 4th studio CD up to date, containing 12 fresh new tracks which I am proud to say "one of the freshest out there". Yeah, what I am saying is, it is "fresh" music. Something that I would not normally hear on the radio or anywhere for that matter.

First up!


1. Make It Mine

This track reminds me of those oldies songs. But as it proceeds, it evolved into a more care-free style. I like the idea of using live musical instruments at the back. The significant sound of the amplified guitar, the trombone, the baritone saxophone and not forgetting the ever jazzy trumpet. Synthesizers were used for minor effects. Don't you just love the sound of live music? This upbeat song not only had great moments with its instrumentation but also no doubt, the lyrics are definitely cool stuff. When I listen to songs, I will look out for the lyrics first. Just like in a drama, the plot of the drama is the most important constituent. Even with a very bad cast, a play can be a fantastic one when the plot is just incredible. But on the other hand, as much as this contradicts, the cast also plays a part in portraying what needs to be portrayed. Click HERE for the lyrics.
To sum this track up, I perceive this track as a self-motivation to stand out and portray determination in what you want in life. As the title of the song is, you just have to Make It Mine! (I mean 'Yours')


2. I'm Yours

This track I must say may not be nothing new to you. But as I have mentioned earlier, it's fresh. The song is similar. Just that there's modifications to it and I must say, the BEST version ever. The scatting was not over the top, loved it. I like the idea of back-up singers below Jason's voice, harmonizing it. It reminds me of gleeful Cuban men wearing bottle-dyed shirts singing without a single worry. Hearing a guitar being played is not something foreign. Especially when you're a fan of Jason Mraz. I suppose that is the instrument he is 'majoring' since he started singing. If I were to pick a scene in order to relate to this track, it would definitely be the beach side. It has that blithe feel to it. Click HERE for the lyrics.


3. Lucky

Jason collaborated this track with Colbie Caillat. Yes, the down-to-Earth girl who sang 'Bubbly'. This slow beat track basically talks about two souls being in love. The lyrics are interesting may I add. The passion these two "lovers" when they sing can distinctively be heard. It feels like you're listening to a conversation between two of your friends, falling in love with each other. Not just the thing you would wanna hear. Lucky, the title of this track, defines how lucky both to have met and fall in love. Wait, just how lucky can anyone get with this? Haha! The "love-life" seems so perfect for these two. To be sanguine towards a relationship is heavily portrayed in this song. Click HERE for the lyrics.


4. Butterfly

This is my personal favourite. This track makes me move my head according the beat. And savoring every available beat with the coolest sway you can ever think of. Sexy is the word I would use. Not those slutty kind of sexy, but how every word is constructed and incorporated with the song, as a whole. It makes me wanna say "Yeah Baby!". Haha! Again, this track made use of the brass section. I totally love the unsuspecting beat. I won't go into the lyrics, you have to read it yourself to see just how much sexy I am talking about. Click HERE for the lyrics.


5. Live High

The introduction of this song vividly reminds me of the farmyard. You know, those hilly-billy type of environment. No doubt, it sets the calm mood from the first note to the last. I would give the lyrics to this track two thumbs up. Not because it is incredible, but the message that is being set across. The chorus, "Live high, live mighty, live righteously. Takin' it easy, live high, live mighty, live righteously." I don't have to explain it further do I? This song would be appropriate to enjoy the wonders of life and to put your worries behind. Well, put your car keys into the ignition and just take a drive by the countryside. That would not be very possible here in Singapore. But, a park will do. I can picture "Jennifer Hudson's back-up singers" taking a toll away from broadway. Click HERE for the lyrics.


6. Love for a Child

The introduction of this track is somehow similar to track number 5. But track number 6, 'Love for a Child' has a more laid back feel to it. I am guessing this track is a reflection from a child. How a child lived through a hard time with a broken family but managed to look on the brighter side of life. Believing that whatever happened, it is all about the 'Love for a Child'. I won't say much on this track. Read up the lyrics and you will perhaps understand more. Click HERE for the lyrics.


7. Details in the Fabric

Jason Mraz collaborated this track with James Morrison. That cool dude who sang 'You Give Me Something'. Honestly, I am not a fan of this track. It will be great if you listen to it once and that is it. It gets me sick and tired of this song easily. Maybe because due to the slow beat. And the constant repetition of the same bunch of chords over and over again. This track, is somewhat similar to 'Collide' by Howie Day. But I would rather stick to Howie Day's than to this. Looking on the brighter side, this track would be great for a lullaby. Hey, it is not bad right? It calms the soul. Just the thing everyone needs before boarding on a plane to dreamland. Click HERE for the lyrics.


8. Coyotes

Another upbeat song. Although I don't quite really understand what this is song is about, I must say it is a cool song. Some parts of the lyrics are interesting. "I wish the wild was alive like you. I wish the wind would blow me through. Another opportunity to approach you. Another telepathic rendezvous". Towards the end of the song, there is this kid who continues singing till the song comes to a sudden stop and fades with bell-like sounds at the background. Click HERE for the lyrics.


9. Only Human

This track has a RnB feel to it. The kind of song that might be suitable for a collaboration with Marie J. Blige. Kind of weird to listen to Jason Mraz do this song though. Click HERE for the lyrics.


10. The Dynamo of Volition

This one's pretty interesting. "Oh, fist like pumpin and wrist lock twisting up a rizlaKid Icarus on the transister Nintendo been givin' me the blister I bend over take it in the kisser" This is one of the verses. 'The Dynamo of Volition'. Dynamo which means energetic or hardworking and Volition which means the power of willing, is self explanatory. Click HERE for the lyrics.


11. If It Kills Me

This track defines itself as a good fella' longing and wishing to be with that special someone. "Why, we go carrying on for hours, on and We get along much better Than you and your boyfriend". Yeah. I guess the lady he is singing to is attached to another guy. It tells us how deep his love is towards the only girl he's been longing for. Just like the title of this song, even 'If It Kills Me'. This song is inspirational! Haha! Click HERE for the lyrics.


12. A Beautiful Mess

YEAH FINALLY! I'm on the last track. The perfect song to sum up the whole album experience. It has that "farewell" feel to it. And somehow, I can feel Jason Mraz saying "Yo dude, Thanks for purchasing the original copy of my album and I really hope you enjoyed every single bit of it." Although the lyrics does not match, I just love how a slow song sums up the album. Climaxes similar to the old Scottish melody that leaves you wanting for more. Maybe the title of the song might describe this album itself. A beautiful mess. Hahaha! Well, Jason Mraz, this album is one hell of a beautiful mess then! Click HERE for the lyrics.




I guess that is the end of the album review. This is my first time doing an album review so please do pardon me if this seems like a bad one. It took me 2 days to complete though! Anyway, till many more reviews!