Customer Reviews

Life Is Good

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Recorded during the first few dates of his current fall tour, Jason Mraz's "Life Is Good" EP is precision-tooled to whet the appetite of listeners awaiting his long-anticipated follow-up to May 2008's "We Sing We Dance We Steal Things."

"Up" is soulful, doe-eyed optimism and bread and butter Mraz. Those who heard his last album will instantly realize it sounds similar - melodically and thematically - to "Live High." This is not a bad thing, however, because he is unrivaled among the current crop of singer/songwriters for writing celebratory, forward-thinking pop tunes to put smiles on listeners' faces, and he accomplishes it again with "Up," which is an even stronger song than "Live High" - and not just because it references the wonderful Gene Wilder.

"What Mama Say" is an energetic ode to domesticity that shows of Mraz's soaring vocals, inventive rap/singing fusion and, as might be assumed from the title, his cock-eyed, cheeky, highly individual sense of humor. Indicators for the forthcoming album are looking excellent so far.

"San Disco Raggaefornia" is eye-popping - both a wild departure and a natural fit for Mraz. Close your eyes. Is that Eminem? Mraz raps animatedly - in the name of festive fun - over a rambunctious arrangement courtesy of his cream-of-the-crop tour musicians whose contributions prove invaluable, both on this EP and at the shows, with their professional, stylish playing.

"You're invited to San Disco Raggaefornia" he sings passionately in the simple, effective chorus. "You're gonna like it! Leave your troubles at the door."

Mraz also covers Luc and the Lovingtons with "Freedom Song," an organic, thoughtful, lyrically incisive slice of soulful pop that was written by Luc Reynaud in an effort to raise the spirits of the disenfranchised and homeless and raise funds for their aid. Described by Mraz as "a song of gratitude," it moved him so that he was compelled to record it at once. Freedom is not only an essential human right, the song posits, but a state of mind that instills self-worth and positive results - if you have the courage to embrace it.

The EP is topped off with a textured, revised take on "Coyotes" from the last album. Newly fused with bouts of jazz-infused restraint, alternating with the frenetic pace of its original arrangement, it bristles with palpable energy on this recording.

"Life Is Good" has more than enough tricks up its short but supple sleeve to make Mraz enthusiasts delighted until the next full-length record comes around.

A quality producer can make an adequate singer sound like a virtuoso in the studio. It's the live show that separates the performer from the poser, and Jason Mraz is a performer of the highest level.

The title seems to adequately describe Mraz' mood at present. This live, digital-only EP serves as a peek into the current incarnation of Mraz two years removed from his latest full length release, and a taste of what's to come when his forthcoming album takes shape some time next year. If there's one thing that shines through on Life is Good, it's fun. From start to finish, each track inspires a smile.

Be sure to check out TheOfficialJasonMraz on Youtube for accompanying short clips of Jason talking about each new song on the EP.

Just recently became a Jason Mraz fan, and every new song I hear from him I love even more than the last.