Review: Jason Mraz – We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is Jason Mraz‘s third studio album and is scheduled to be released on May 13, 2008. It was produced by Martin Terefe and is being released by Atlantic Records.

On We Sing, We Dance, We Steal things, Jason Mraz gracefully succeeds at giving us what we have come to expect from him; breezy melodies, clever lyrics, wordplay, of course, and an album full of songs that will never get old.

The slight change in direction Jason gave to his songs on this record may catch some listeners off guard, but don’t be afraid; it’s a good thing. We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is a little less jazz and a little less folk, which somehow lands him in the void between Brendan Benson and Jack Johnson that desperately needed to be filled.

The tracks drift from jangly soul pop, to beach-ready boppers, to stripped down retrospectives and self-reflections. He even took the initiative to bring in some friends this time around. James Morrison joins him on “Details In The Fabric“, a song that is sure to find placement on dramas amongst the likes of Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill, while Colbie Callait lends her distinguished vocals to “Lucky“. Her voice overpowers Jason’s at some points, but the song still makes for a pleasant tune and a nice addition to a solid album.

The more upbeat tracks, “Make It Mine“, “Butterfly“, “The Dynamo of Volition“, remind us that Jason Mraz is a man of many talents; being able to write mellow, acoustic songs, “I’m Yours“, blues ballads, “Love For A Child“, and songs that dip into many different genres, “Coyotes“, “Only Human“, “Live High“, and still tracking out an album that appears coherent and focused. It’s only appropriate that the closes the album with “A Beautiful Mess” to finish things off with a calming ballad that leaves you feeling like you just listened to one of the most enjoyable albums of the year.

SCORE: A

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