Disco de Jason Mraz: “Waiting For My Rocket to Come”

Taken on its own merits, this is a great album. It's energetic and exciting, it switches styles without seeming disjointed, and it exhibits the skills of a fantastic new vocalist and songwriter. "The Remedy", overplayed on every Boston station by now, really has a fantastic hook and a strong melodic line. "You and I Both" is a dizzying vocal effort, and other tracks standout as well -- "Sleep All Day", "No Stopping Us", have a great good-time feel and amazing vocals. The lyrics could be stronger, but they are still compelling.

However, there is a caveat - unbelieveable as it may seem, I know that Jason can do better. I've seen two live shows, and while I was happy with this album, i was BLOWN AWAY by his live shows. He has such command and presence, such a powerful and creative voice, and some fantastic musical and instrumental ideas. Unfortunately, the record label packaged all of his songs into the pop/rock mold and out came "Waiting For My Rocket To Come". If Jason gets enough respect and recognition to be able to produce professional recorded music on his own terms, then we will be in for a real treat.

I guess it all depends on what you're looking for in an album. It's highly evident that this kid has got an amazing voice. His lyrics are fun and original, in every song I've heard, and the rhythm and bounce of this album is infectious. That said, Mraz's full talent can never be conveyed in a commercially saturated album like "Waiting for My Rocket to Come."

If you'd like to hear Jason Mraz at his finest, pick up anything he's done live. His shows are not hard to find, using the proper search engine. Essentially you've got an acoustic guitar, latin percussion, and bass guitar lighting a tavern on fire! Like any other REALLY GOOD musician, Jason Mraz truly shines on stage....especially in intimate, smaller, coffee-shop type venues. To me it seems obvious that he's like a fish out of water on this album, almost like he's being forced into a studio against his will to sing along to tracks that have already been chosen for him to sing to, stunting his amazing musicianship. Still, you really can't go wrong in buying this album. It's infinitely better than most of the other garbage being played on local radio today.

If you've already heard this album and liked what you hear, check him out live. You'll be dumbfounded at the talent bottled up inside this guy. I've not heard scatting like that since Mel Torme.

I bought Waiting For My Rocket To Come with very low expectations based on the catchy boiler-plate single "The Remedy," but over a year later, I'm still surprised by how impressive the record is. Mraz is scrappy in every way - clever writing, clever structures, and a musical theater-trained voice that soars when it needs to and slinks and plays coy the rest of the time. The songs don't often excel far past an unobtrusive folk-pop sound, but they also don't wallow in folk-pop tedium, and occasionally, on tracks like "The Boy is Gone," "Too Much Food," and especially the glorious closer "Tonight, Not Again," they become revealing and original in a way you never thought an artist as airwaves-disposable as Mraz was capable of.

If this is all you read: Jason Mraz is stupid fly. If you're still reading: Jason Mraz probably has the most unique and flexible voice I've heard. He can be quick and lightweight or mellow and poignant. I saw him live two weeks ago and he is the best concert act I've seen. 'Waiting for My Rocket to Come' doesn't seem to have the improvisational brilliance that he brings to the stage, but I suppose producers prefer a 3-minute song for the MTV and radio clips as opposed to the 9-minute jam session. In both instances, however, Mr. Mraz does not disappoint. His lyrics will stick in your head and your friends who hear him in your car will keep asking you to spell his last name. Everyone I've ever introduced to his music has had to ask me 'who is this guy again? I really like him.' He just stands out, I don't know what else to rave about. He's phat. I suggest both snagging the album and seeing him live. Favorite song on the album: I'll Do Anything. Favorite song by Mraz: Zero Percent. Check him out!

Although Jason Mraz has been on the scene in San Diego for some time, this is his first studio release. I have had the good fortune to see him perform at local venues on multiple occasions and have repeatedly been blown away by his talent, his stage presence and his insanely unique voice. I was a little afraid that a produced studio album would not adequately showcase this incredible talent. This album, while certainly different than seeing him live, adds a whole new dimension of sound to his songs.

I have two things about this album that were somewhat disappointing: it's missing two of my favorite songs (0% Interest & Conversation with Myself) and the lack of visibility for Toca Rivera -- Jason's live percussion and harmonic companion. None-the-less, this is by far the best album I have bought this year. This is the most excited I've been about a new artist since I first saw Nickel Creek live two years ago. If you appreciate any of the following: Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Freestyle Rap, Folk, or Alternative Rock -- you won't be disappointed by the fusion of all of them. If this guy gets any radio watch out Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Glen Phillips...