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Sleep Through The Static
by
Sleep Through The Static Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

  • Summary: The singer from Hawaii returns with his latest album, which was recorded on solar-powered equipment.

Top Track

If I Had Eyes
If I had eyes in the back of my head I would have told you that you looked good as I walked away And if you could've tried to trust the hand that... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Dark sentiments are balanced by warm melodies and gently rootsy arrangements.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Saying that Jack Johnson's fourth record is languid and breezy is a little like saying the Cubs probably won't win it all this year, but Sleep Through the Static takes Johnson's über-chill, barefoot-in-a-hammock vibe to new heights--or mediums, depending on how you look at such things.
  3. Blender
    70
    The more you listen, the less soothing his songs become; this is drifty music about living a rootless life where satisfaction is elusive.
  4. Rolling Stone
    60
    Sleep Through the Static marks a tentative step forward for this improbable superstar.
  5. Boston Globe
    50
    On Sleep Through the Static, Johnson has returned to his five basic modes of shuffling and stargazing, all of which are plenty easy on the ears but somehow flabbier.
  6. Mojo
    40
    The new dad has ditched the gap-year spirituality to reach for a more adult world where poverty, war and uncertainty must be confronted, and it's a world beyond his expressive abilities. [Mar 2008, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Spin
    40
    Johnson uses his brain instead, bumming over the war, airplane turbulance, and the widespread deterioration of manners on chewy, Moog-speckled ditties that reveal an arty streak he's kept secret until now. [Feb 2008, p.94]

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 6 out of 29
  1. JeffH.
    Feb 14, 2008
    10
    RM is an idiot. Saving the planet=...bad? im just simple enough to accept that.
  2. ToniJ.
    Aug 8, 2008
    10
    first off, Steve O. you shouldnt really say anything about Jack if you can't even name his last album. you obviously are clueless about first off, Steve O. you shouldnt really say anything about Jack if you can't even name his last album. you obviously are clueless about jack at all. and the songs you named, wow. where'd you hear them on the radio? nice try though. as for the rest of the "haters" - any TRUE jack fan can see the difference in his music from cd to cd, and yes there is a difference once again here. but who says difference is a bad thing? each review states that his music sounds the same and that his songs are too similar but when the man steps out and throws a semi-political twist on his music he gets bashed. Jack is a chill guy and makes chill music. each cd has been chill and they all will continue to be. if you don't get down with the easy-going beach hippy vibe then you should probably tune into something else and stop writing bad reviews for an artist that you truly just don't understand. Jack will never take the "mellow" out of his music because then he'll be taking the "jack" out of his music. every song he sings has his personality written all over it and that is why fans continue to adore him. As a Jack supporter I say rock on and keep giving us that cool as a cucumber feeling.… Expand
  4. NickM21
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    Another fantastic album by Jack!! Beautifully written songs, and beautiful mellow compositions! Love it!
  5. [Anonymous]
    Feb 8, 2008
    8
    It is what it is. Relaxing music. Hes not exactly breaking down any walls here.
  6. DanS.
    Feb 16, 2008
    7
    "RM gave it a1: Sorry this is a very unprofessional review, perhaps, but the fact that he recorded the album using solar powered equipment "RM gave it a1: Sorry this is a very unprofessional review, perhaps, but the fact that he recorded the album using solar powered equipment shows what a simple minded audience he is going for. Music for simple minded people tends not to be very good. So it is almost fair to say this album can't be much good." by far the most retarded review I've ever read. i hope u read this rm.… Expand
  7. NickG
    Feb 17, 2008
    6
    First time through I thought it wasn't too bad. The more I listen to it the more I can tell his music is changing. Listen to Brushfire First time through I thought it wasn't too bad. The more I listen to it the more I can tell his music is changing. Listen to Brushfire Fairytales and then listen to Static. Sounds like a lot of the Animal Liberation Orchestra has been incorporated into this new album. Maybe a bit too much influence from ALO. (two of jacks band members are members of ALO). Brushfire Fairytales is still by far his best album. I would say this is probably his worst album but its still not horrible.… Expand
  8. Drew
    Feb 13, 2008
    0
    Jack Johnson is a terrible musician. I didn't ever really mind his music but just every song sounds the same and makes him laughable to Jack Johnson is a terrible musician. I didn't ever really mind his music but just every song sounds the same and makes him laughable to be even considered as a musician. The fact that he can be considered a "headliner" at Coachella AND Bonnaroo is absolutely absurd! Sorry this is just a rant, but i absolutely loathe so many things he chooses to be. Especially the music he chooses to record.… Expand

See all 29 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2008