Search - Jason Mraz :: Mr. A-Z (Deluxe Packaging)

Sit down, Relax and enjoy some Classic Mraz!

Jen Wingard | Washington, DC | 08/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Master wordsmith Jason Mraz is back at the mic, lips dancing as fast as ever with his new self-titled album, Mr. A-Z. It is, well, all about the wordplay. No if's, but's or fa la la's about it, the album provides a full daily dose of introspective humor. As with "Wordplay" and "The Geek in the Pink", his lyrics are like lucid dreamers: aware of themselves. His stream-of-consciousness lyrical babble is as energizing as his soulful resonance in this album is heart-wrenching.



Although his new single has gotten a lot of radio time lately, by far the best number is "Life is Wonderful". Mraz side-steps his lyrical rap for this passionate pure-hearted piece about the ironies of life. "It takes no time to fall in love... but it takes years to know what love is...". His sound is somewhat folksy in this piece sounding almost like Sting in certain phrases. The mixing could have been a tad tighter but the background music really brings out the lyrics. This song will resonate in your soul.



"Wordplay" is Mraz at his prime self with a steam train of consciousness lyrical rap. The song is word play, teasing with the song and poking fun at his sophomore effort. His voice recalls Queen. It's highly catchy and up beat and one of my favorites. "Geek in the Pink" comes off as an amusing naughty parody of a club music sub-set. Listen, and you'll know what I mean. "Did You Get My Message" is a frantic swing/blues influenced piece with artful repetition of `did you get my message' (apparently a neurosis brought on by a previous girlfriend). Mr. Curiosity is example of another prime cut of Mraz. You'll enjoy a creative nod to opera as Jason pulls out an amazing falsetto. Buy the album so that Jason can buy some looser jeans, okay? Wow!



The next piece, "Clockwatching", wasn't my favorite but was a playfully inventive recipe with a dash of Madonna's "Don't Tell Me" with a smidgen of Dukes of Hazzard banjo. However, "Bella Luna" left me aching to dance with it's Latin rhythym and Jason's sensually wistful Michael Bublé/Sade/Sting-like croon. "Plane" was a depressing follow-up with dark poetic lyrics. His lonely howl is heart-wrenching. "O. Lover" follows suit with a melancholy feel despite Mraz's vocal smatterings on a potpourri of African rhythyms; it didn't make it on my playlist. With "Please Don't Tell Her" we are back with classic Mraz and his sensual playful mood. "The Forecast" returns with an 80's pop rock sound that reminds me of Breathe. It is rather upbeat, but my forcast for that particular track is troubled skies; it is the most musically weak song of the album.



The limited edition special packaging is no less creative than the album, with a pocket containing the CD booklet, sketches by Jason and a Mraztastic notebook full of journal entries and artsy polaroid images. Don't expect a real polaroid of the amazingly talented and soulful-eyed Jason to post on your wall (although that would have been a nice touch).



The album finishes with the sweet "Song for a Friend" with a postlude performed by a local high school chorus; it delivers an important message about being unafraid of individuality and being oneself. How appropriate coming from Jason Mraz, a singer uniquely and unabashedly himself. Jason Mraz has a sound and talent like no other and delivers Mr. A-Z with creative heart and soul.





"

Not the dribble some seem to think it is

Dominique Bayou | Milwaukee, WI United States | 08/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've read a lot of reviews about this album, and I'm finding a lot of them say that this album isn't any good. Well, I think they're all wrong.



I bought the album before reading any reviews because I had heard his new single, and I really like his singing.



At first, I found myself thinking what a lot of the reviewers said, that Wordplay is fun and The Geek in the Pink is good, but the rest is just boring and not what we're used to.



As I listened to it more, however, I found myself liking Did You Get My Message and Mr. Curiosity. He's got such an amazing voice and this album really showcases it.



He doesn't need to sing every song the same. That is what would be boring. He shows another side of his personality with this album if you take the time to listen and really enjoy it.



I find myself enjoying another song every time I listen to it.



I recommend buying this album, ignoring all those people that say it stinks, and really really listen to it, over and over. You'll see what I'm talking about."