For Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Jason Mraz, “love” is the focus on his highly-anticipated, sixth studio album, Know.

Typically, deep in a musician’s career, innovative spirit, let alone innovations come at a premium. Jason Mraz isn’t a geezer by any means – he’s 41 – but he’s also far removed from being the “Geek in the Pink”. He quietly released an album in 2014, Yes!, but it didn’t exactly ‘light up’ the charts.  Now, he’s back after a four-year hiatus with Know., his sixth studio album, which is definitely more highly anticipated. 

“Let’s See What the Night Can Do”

“Let’s See What the Night Can Do” kicks off Know. thoughtfully, with a folk-pop sensibility, accompanied initially by acoustic guitars.  Jason Mraz doesn’t need much production to fuel his fire – he sounds terrific. Later, he adds electric guitar, acoustic piano, and drums, sweetening an already sweet performance.  

Jason Mraz may not reinvent the wheel on “Have It All” but he is definitely ‘true to self.’ For Mraz, it’s all upbeat, positive vibes. On both of the verses, he wishes nothing but good fortunes and vibes, prefaced most often with the phrase, “May you…”  He follows each verse with a clever pre-chorus that thrives on wordplay, such as “…I made the role, let’s play.” His ‘bread is buttered’ on the chorus – ‘optimism central.’ On the bridge, the encouraging, hopeful language continues in all its glory. For Mraz, it’s ‘smooth sailing to the nth degree.’

“More Than Friends” 

“More Than Friends” pairs Jason Mraz with a fellow Grammy-winner, Meghan Trainor. It marks the sole collaborative song on Know. The record commences with light accompaniment initially – rhythm guitar – before expanding to include drums, steel guitar, and piano. Overall, Mraz and Trainor exhibit excellent vocal blend and chemistry.  The performance is lighthearted but also alluring and radiant. Mraz sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus by himself.  On the first verse, with friendship firmly planted, he’s ready to take things a step further.  On the pre-chorus, he tells his potential lover, “Take it easy / ‘Cause it ain’t easy to say.” On the chorus, he expresses his feelings to become an item. Trainor, who sings the second verse, agrees that it’s time to take it seriously. Later, the post-chorus finds both asking to be each other’s significant other. All in all, it’s enjoyable and relatable, if a bit on the light, schmaltzy side.

The name, “Unlonely”, gives away the theme of the song: love. Mraz reveals his cards from the jump, on the chorus.  He sings, “I could be your one and only / I could make you unlonely.” On the first verse which follows, he’s “looking for a good time / Following the good vibes,” eventually stating, “But a whole lot of love can make the clouds go away.” Notably, the second verse is more rhythmic and pop-rap oriented – dude is basically spitting bars. Vocally, his tenor remains sweet, while his bars are agile and endearing. 

“Better with You”

Jason Mraz keeps things short but sweet on “Better with You.”  “Better with You” is a breezy, bright, and chivalrous number.  For Mraz, it checks off all of the boxes he excels at. He maintains consistency on this mid-tempo cut, with its appealing, not-to-flashy, folk-pop backdrop.  “No Plans” commences with guitar accompaniment, maintaining a familiar, fitting, singer/songwriter script.  The star remains Mraz’s boyish pipes, despite the fact he’s ‘over the hump.’ Like “Better with You,” he maintains brevity.

It shouldn’t surprise you that the script remains similar on “Sleeping to Dream.”  That said, Jason Mraz brings a bit more oomph and punch, particularly on the memorable chorus.  It’s easy to be hypnotized by the beauty of his instrument, and he’s in full-on expressive mode on “Sleeping to Dream.” He’s reflective on “Making it Up,” asserting he’s making life up as he goes along.  It’s seems so simple, yet it’s deeper, and more prudent.

“Might as Well Dance”

“Love, oh yeah, you’re the best book I’ve read in a while / I don’t just read you for the articles / I read you ‘til my heart is full.” “Might as Well Dance” is arguably the best song from Know. One of the reasons why “Might as Well Dance” is special is that Jason Mraz dips into country music.  This record sounds fuses country, singer/songwriter, and folk-pop, while being anchored by a robust bass line.  From the start, this somewhat quirky tune is groovy to the nth degree – there’s an undeniable charm and infectious vibe.  That vibe is fitting given the carefree, tongue-in-cheek lyrics.  Despite being middle-aged, Mraz’s youthfulness shines throw as he playfully sings, “Might as well take off our pants, and jacket / Yeah, we’re already fools / So we might as well dance (come on).” Might as Well Dance” is bundles of fun, as well as thoughtfully-penned.

“Love is Still the Answer” is the longest song on Know.  Even though Mraz draws things out past the six-minute mark, it’s worth it.  As he’s been throughout the course of Know., love seems to be everything to him, as it should for entirety of the world. “Love is Still the Answer” is a soulful, absolutely beautiful conclusion to the album.

Final Thoughts 

Once again, Jason Mraz maintains consistency and charm on his sixth studio album, Know.  The wheel isn’t reinvented, but everything that appears on this album fits him perfectly.  Again, it’s hard to believe that he’s in his forties.

Gems: “Let’s See What the Night Can Do” “Have It All,” “Unlonely” & “Might as Well Dance”

Jason Mraz • Know • Atlantic • Release: 8.10.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic