Confession time. I own a lot of vinyl records. Probably too many. But there's one record in particular that always gets a raised eyebrow (or a slight cringe) from my friends. It's All The Light Above It Too by Jack Johnson.
Yes, that Jack Johnson. The king of mellow beach vibes. The soundtrack to every chill barbecue you've ever been to.
The Unpopular Opinion
Here's my unpopular opinion: it's a pretty great album on vinyl. There, I said it! I know, I know. He's not exactly known for his sonic experimentation. But hear me out.
Let's be honest. Sometimes you just need easy listening. Sometimes you want music that doesn't demand your full attention.
And that's where All The Light Above It Too shines. It’s the musical equivalent of a warm hug on a sunny day.
The Vinyl Experience
I think it has something to do with the vinyl format. The slight crackle and pop adds a certain warmth. It makes the whole experience feel more intimate.
Streaming is convenient, sure. But there's something special about physically putting a record on. It slows you down. It forces you to be present.
With Jack Johnson, that's a good thing. You can just chill and enjoy the ride.
Plus, the artwork is actually quite nice. It's not groundbreaking, but it's pleasant to look at while you're listening.
It's Not Groundbreaking. So What?
I'm not claiming it's a masterpiece. It’s not going to change your life. It's not pushing any boundaries.
But it's well-crafted. It's enjoyable. And it sounds surprisingly good on vinyl.
Think of it as sonic comfort food. Mac and cheese for your ears. Okay, maybe that's pushing it. But you get the idea.
My friends often tease me about my Jack Johnson obsession. They call it "dad rock" or "basic beach bum music."
And you know what? Maybe they're right. But I don't care!
Embrace the Mellow
I think we all need a little bit of mellow in our lives. Life can be stressful. Sometimes you need to escape to a simpler place.
And for me, All The Light Above It Too on vinyl is that escape. It's a reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the moment.
Maybe it's not cool. Maybe it's not trendy. But it makes me happy.
And isn't that what music is all about? Finding something that resonates with you. Something that makes you feel good.
So, the next time you see All The Light Above It Too at your local record store, don't dismiss it immediately. Give it a chance. You might be surprised.
Just don't tell my friends I told you to do it. They'll never let me live it down. 😉
I'm not ashamed to admit it: I love All The Light Above It Too. It may not be Pet Sounds, but it’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Perhaps it's my guilty pleasure, and that's okay. After all, music taste is subjective.
So crank it up. Let the good times roll!