Customer Reviews

Mr. A-Z

5 star:		(106)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(16)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

With his second studio album, the humorously titled "Mr. A-Z," Jason Mraz has delivered a fine collection of tunes that will solidify his popularity with his dedicated fanbase, yet manages to broaden his horizons in terms of song arrangements and subject matter.

The pensive "Life Is Wonderful" is the opening track, where Mraz makes a series of commonsense observations about life that nevertheless challenges listeners to think outside the box. Lead single "Wordplay," however, immediately follows, injecting the disc with a shot of levity.

"It's all about the wordplay/Ah la la la love/The wonderful thing it does because/Because I am the wizard of ooh's and ah's and fa la la's/Yeah the Mr. A-Z/They say I'm all about the Wordplay."

Despite his astute sense of humor, Mraz does not obscure the fact that he is most definitely a singer/songwriter in the classic 70's sense. Fine examples are the "Plane", an extremely intense selection where he proclaims from high above the ground that, should he come crashing down that he will "remember where the love was found," while in "Bella Luna" he softly croons of the mysterious allure of the moon, creating a relaxing, romantic atmosphere with his witty observations.

"Please Don't Tell Her," which reflects the conflicting emotions of looking back on someone fondly despite the intense pain they brought your life, finds him repeating at the song's end "I don't" in response to the idea that he might still care about an ex-flame, although the listener is clearly meant to question his confidence in that declaration. Other tracks, such as the completely enrapturing fare of "Forecast" and "O. Lover," which will grip listeners tightly with its frantic vocal performance, explore similar themes.

Mraz also explores the art of self-loathing in "Mr. Curiosity," pokes fun at the communication barrier between men and women with the assistance of Rachel Yamagata in "Did You Get My Message," and proudly owns who he is with no apologies in the radio-bound "Geek In the Pink," affirming "you might regret what you let slip away like the geek in the pink."

Furthermore, "Clockwatching" is an inspiring track about coming of age with the one you love at your side, as well as learning what it is to live in the present, rather than anticipation of what has yet to come, while the spine-tingling "Song For a Friend," doubtless inspired by his father, closes the album with his most impassioned performance and an uplifting message.

"All the thing's that I've read, what he wrote me/Is now sounding like the man I was hoping to be/I keep on keeping it real/Cause it keeps getting easier indeed/He's the reason that I'm laughing/Even if there's no one else/He said, `you've got to love yourself'."

Although it is much different than his debut in many ways, "Mr. A-Z" does not at all suffer. Rather, the album indicates that Mraz has undergone major growth as both a songwriter and song stylist, and that his talent is far reaching and will continue to entertain and astound for the duration of what is sure to be a long, rewarding career.

With his second studio album, the humorously titled "Mr. A-Z," Jason Mraz has delivered a fine collection of tunes that will solidify his popularity with his dedicated fanbase, yet manages to broaden his horizons in terms of song arrangements and subject matter.

The pensive "Life Is Beautiful" is the opening track, where Mraz makes a series of commonsense observations about life that nevertheless challenges listeners to think outside the box. Lead single "Wordplay," however, immediately follows, injecting the disc with a shot of levity.

"It's all about the wordplay/Ah la la la love/The wonderful thing it does because/Because I am the wizard of ooh's and ah's and fa la la's/Yeah the Mr. A-Z/They say I'm all about the Wordplay."

Despite his astute sense of humor, Mraz does not obscure the fact that he is most definitely a singer/songwriter in the classic 70's sense. Fine examples are the "Plane", an extremely intense selection where he proclaims from high above the ground that, should he come crashing down that he will "remember where the love was found," while in "Bella Luna" he softly croons of the mysterious allure of the moon, creating a relaxing, romantic atmosphere with his witty observations.

"Please Don't Tell Her," which reflects the conflicting emotions of looking back on someone fondly despite the intense pain they brought your life, finds him repeating at the song's end "I don't" in response to the idea that he might still care about an ex-flame, although the listener is clearly meant to question his confidence in that declaration. Other tracks, such as the completely enrapturing fare of "Forecast" and "O. Lover," which will grip listeners tightly with its frantic vocal performance, explore similar themes.

Mraz also explores the art of self-loathing in "Mr. Curiosity," pokes fun at the communication barrier between men and women with the assistance of Rachel Yamagata in "Did You Get My Message," and proudly owns who he is with no apologies in the radio-bound "Geek In the Pink," affirming "you might regret what you let slip away like the geek in the pink."

Furthermore, "Clockwatching" is an inspiring track about coming of age with the one you love at your side, as well as learning what it is to live in the present, rather than anticipation of what has yet to come, while the spine-tingling "Song For a Friend," doubtless inspired by his father, closes the album with his most impassioned performance and an uplifting message.

"All the thing's that I've read, what he wrote me/Is now sounding like the man I was hoping to be/I keep on keeping it real/Cause it keeps getting easier indeed/He's the reason that I'm laughing/Even if there's no one else/He said, `you've got to love yourself'."

Although it is much different than his debut in many ways, "Mr. A-Z" does not at all suffer. Rather, the album indicates that Mraz has undergone major growth as both a songwriter and song stylist, and that his talent is far reaching and will continue to entertain and astound for the duration of what is sure to be a long, rewarding career.

It's been a long time coming, but Jason Mraz doesn't disappoint in this follow up to 2002's "Waiting For My Rocket to Come". A little mellower, a little more introspective, and a lot more polished, this is a great album for easy listening and relaxing.

First single "Wordplay" from this Mechanicsville VA native picks up where "Rocket" left off, with clever lyrics, a versatile range of notes and a catchy chorus that will stick in your head.

"The wonderful thing it does because
Because I am the wizard of ooh's and ah's and fa la la's
Yeah the Mr. A-Z
They say I'm all about the Wordplay"

Another clever track is "Geek in the Pink" which is almost pop-hop lyrics-wise, and one of my favorites. The chorus of "Did You Get My Message" brings up some ELO memories, but this album is all about Mraz from alpha to omega, as he puts it, hence the title Mr. A-Z.

More great tracks are "Clockwatching", the lead off ballad "Life is Wonderful", and "Mr. Curiosity" with its standout piano work. The retro "Bella Luna" showcases Mraz's acoustic guitar work, and "O Lover" drifts to the Latin side. "Please Don't Tell Her" has one of the best opening riffs on the album, and there isn't a bad song on the album.

Grading alphabetically, this one's an A.


Amanda Richards, July 31, 2005

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.

1. the "opera bit" on mr. curiosity is not the fault of producer lilywhite. if you knew jason's performance quips, you would know that every so often at a live show, jason would throw in his interpretation of opera. yes, jason sings opera. he's not the best opera singer, of course, but it's part of his humor. dont take everything so seriously.

2. saying that this cd makes jason "sound like a different person, and that's sad" is in fact, sad. what's sad is that this is more like the real jason. WFMRTC was jason being turned into another pop artist, one hit wonder, bubblegum star. that's not who jason is. Mr. A-Z is jason taking the process more into his own hands and making the music he wants to make, not just what will sound good on the radio. he's young guy, and he experiments. some experiments work, some dont, but the point is, he's a real musician and likes to try different things. if you dont like it, fine, but at least appreciate the fact that part of jason's charm is his willingness to sound different from the other guy, to see what new music he can make.

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.

The Geek in the Pink is all about the Wordplay and when he's up there in that Plane no doubt writing a Song for a Friend he's thinking to himself, Life is Wonderful. Now, Did You Get My Message? Stop Clockwatching and go buy this album!!
Enough of that - about the tracks.
LIFE IS WONDERFUL is wonderful; it makes you think and every line is so true. You'll probably find yourself quoting it.
"It takes no time to fall in love, but it takes you years to know what love is, and it takes some fears to make you trust, it takes those tears to make it rust, it takes the dust to have it polished." - Brilliant
WORDPLAY, what can I say? It's just such a fun song. I was hooked on it at one point. I love the way he jokes about the record label putting hime onthe shelf up in the freezer and becoming a one-hit wonder. He's so playful in his stlye and he might call himself a geek, but I think he's pretty cool. You have to have some humour in this business. "Mix n a mingle, is everybody ready for the single and it goes..."
GEEK IN THE PINK - hilarious. The beginning of the second verse he sings really fast.
DID YOU GET MY MESSAGE? - I love it!! So many different styles, kinda jazzy with pop, and a lil bit of Toca's djembe drums. Rachelle's voice is nice. "Uh-oh where did it go? Must have bypassed your phone and jumped right out the window." He should make a video for this song.
MR.CURIOSITY - I like the chorus a lot, but towards the end, he does this opera stuff that I think doesn't go with the song, but I'm sure it's porbably a joke or something; you gotta love his since of humour.
CLOCKWATCHING - This is one of my favorites. I love the chorus; it's so fun to belt out."I'm off like an airplane, I'm licking your postage stamp again.I'm using my right brain and I'm praying that we don't crash.Who knew I'd come so fast?Well so what if a two pump chump can't last."
BELLA LUNA - He wrote this with his friend Bushwalla.It's sweet, romantic, and relaxing."...Intertwining like a ring around the finger of a girl I'm just a singer, you're the world.All I can bring ya, is the language of a lover Bella Luna, my beautiful beautiful moona, how you swoon me like no other."
PLANE - Such a sad song.He is obviously furious and sadened by being lonely because he can't seem to keep a long-distance relationship. I saw his first performance of Plane by going to Google Video Player. It was at the coffee shop. He loves touring and playing his music, but I'm sure he gets lomesome sometimes and longs for a normal life.I like the first verse especially.This could also have a good video with a lot of emotion showing a different side to Jason."...better hurry cause I'm heaving upward bound oh maybe I'll build my house on your cloud here I'm tumbling for you stumbling through the work I have to do don't mean to harm you by leaving your town again..."
O.Lover - I like the chorus and I love the end when he breaks it down. I also love the scatting before that. The first time I heard this song I at once thought he sounded like Gavin DeGraw, who I also love (only for some parts)."Weekend party's over, don't stop let's get closer.Friday, gotta cold shoulder, Monday, gotta new composure.Weekend party's over, don't stop, let's get lower, I wont blow your cover Opportunistic lover.
Weekend part's over, don't stop, let's closer,Friday's mediocre, Monday, I'm self-exposed now.Weekend party's over, don't stop, let's suppossa, I won't blow your cover
Opportunistic lover."
PLEASE DON'T TELL HER - Ahhh, this is a great song and it frustrates me that it is going unheard. It should be a single. He sounds like Weezer, but his lyrics are more profound (I do like Weezer, don't get me wrong).I might sound repetitive, but he should have done a video for this song and it also would show him in a different light, and it has more of a rock sound that would show Jason's versitality."Say it isn't so, how she easily comes and she eay go.Please don't tell her that I've been meaning to miss her because I don't...Please don't dare to tell her what I've become, please don't mention all the attention I have drawn. Please don't bother cause she'll feel guilty when I'm gone because I'm crazy like the rest of us, but I'm crazier when I'm next to her...Do I hurt anymore do I hurt, well, I don't." Poor baby, I think he does.
THE FORECAST - It's laidback, soft, and soothing.I like the way the word at the end of a line will lead the next line sometimes. He does that a lot."...like cats and dogs we'll be flying and I'm no weatherman, but you are lighting, striking."
SONG FOR A FRIEND - If you are not touched by this song something is wrong with you.Jason is amazing, the choir is beautiful. There's nothing I can say about this song, and every line is to be quoted so I can't choose one - that's how good it is!!

I had pre-ordered my copy of Mr. A-Z and couldn't wait for it to come on Tuesday. I listened to the entire thing right away, and, overall, I love it. "Geek in the Pink" and "Clockwatching" have been in my head for three days straight now- "Clockwatching" might make my list of all-time best songs by anyone ever.

However (there had to be a "however," right?), I do think this album is over-produced. There are so many times that Mr. Mraz's voice is altered-- why, why, why? He has one of the best voices out there, and it's much better in its natural state. And some of the songs are wonderful and then do something weird at the end; "Did You Get My Message" is a perfect example. Great song, and then this awful outro.

However, it is still Jason Mraz, which is better than anything else out there today. I'm sure it will get better the more times you hear it, just like WFMRTC.

Well,
I have read most reviews on this page and frankly have been dissapointed with most people. I know everybody has a right to his/her own opinion, but come on! Am I even listening to the same album as everyone else? Are we supposed to psycho analize this album like it's some 60 minute prog rock concept piece? This is not Mozart! This is MRAZ!!! To say he is arrogant because of the mock on the industry playfullness of the song Wordplay is absurd! It is satire people! Jeez... This ENTIRE album does nothing less than show how much Jason has grown over the years and displays his many different styles eloquently. If you wanted another "Waiting for my Rocket" then you should have bought another copy, becuase artists are supposed to grow, they are not supposed to make carbon copy cutouts of their last album. I have been listening to jason Mraz since 1999, with the earliest bootlegs of his concerts. I am happy with all his stages of development and am dissapointed with all the people who think he should stay limited to the "curbside prophet"... I aplaud Jason for taking chances on this album and hope he becomes huge because of it. Oh, and by the way...For the few ignorant people who think the opera is Steve Lillywites idea...You know NOTHING of Jason Mraz! Go see a show and shut your mouth! Thre are no one hit wonders on this album, because the entire album is a hit. Peace!
By the way...Song for a friend is AMAZING! What a way to close an album...

That Jason Mraz opens this album with the song "Life is Wonderful" is a testament to what he seems to espouse as his personal creed.

Aside from the fact that the song is hauntingly beautiful and uses different beats and rhythms to carry the simply elegant lyrics to their conclusion is both a representation of his ability to move effortlessly across musical styles and a metaphorical representation of what the lyrics attest to - life is a series of twists and turns, ups and downs, highs and lows.

The rest of the album may not be a copy of Waiting for my Rocket to Come, but if he wanted a repeat of that album, he would have re-recorded it. If you listen to Mr. A-Z from beginning to end, you're served with another reminder that he's not a typical artist producing typical fluff. Mraz is a musician at the core, and a singer second, though his voice is one of the best out there today.

I don't generally find song-by-song breakdowns helpful, so I won't do one. Each stands as its own unique story and statement, but while they may not SEEM to have a theme, they actually do - that life is complex, emotions and thoughts in most human beings are not simple nor are they best conveyed with trite lyrics.

I appreciate that this album may not resonate with everyone, but it's one of my favorites (along with all of his other work) and is best appreciated through the lens of life as it really is - far from monotonous, filled with joy and pain but, ultimately, wonderful.

Oh - and why does he 'do opera' on Mr. Curiosity? Because he can.