Sleep Through The Static
by Jack Johnson
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic 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. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Jackson is back with his old producer JP Plunier and 'Hope' even has a mellow ska refrain. Johnson's vocals--imagine a Noughties take on Paul Simon and Cat Stevens--are utterly addictive, but this time there's a grown-up vibe to the trippy prose.
  3. 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.
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    This won't alienate any fans--his voice is as soothing as ever--but it's pleasing to see him stimulating more than just a goofy grin. [Mar 2008, p.102]
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  6. 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.
  7. Dot Music
    70
    At its heart there is a beautiful record in there for anyone with the time and patience to find it.
  8. Hot Press
    70
    With an album proper to offer this time around, it seems that Johnson is back with a vengeance--fans of his effortlessly laid-back acoustic fare will immediately warm to this strong collection of songs.
  9. The New York Times
    70
    If anything, Discipline may be too subtle: a pretty, smartly produced collection that sometimes sounds like background music.
  10. Rolling Stone
    60
    Sleep Through the Static marks a tentative step forward for this improbable superstar.
  11. AllMusic
    60
    No matter what instrument he's playing or what he's singing about, his music still feels the same, which is enough to satisfy his fans but not to win him many new ones.
  12. 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.
  13. The Guardian
    40
    Sleep Through the Static has one gear, and that's the one marked "Actually, can we do it tomorrow?"
  14. 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]
  15. Slant Magazine
    40
    Sleep Through the Static is yet another collection of somnolent, semi-sociopolitical-themed folk-rock in the tradition of '70s AM radio.
  16. NOW Magazine
    40
    He’s crafted yet another replica batch of breezy, walk-along-the-beach jams [which] won’t matter to his fans, who keep coming back to their sandal-footed prophet regardless.
  17. Uncut
    40
    You'd be hard pressed to find anything to summon the blood and stiffen the sinew among the 14 songs on offer here. [Mar 2007, p.90]
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  18. 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]
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 51
  3. Negative: 8 out of 51
  1. NickM21
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    Another fantastic album by Jack!! Beautifully written songs, and beautiful mellow compositions! Love it!
  2. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 7, 2010
    8
    a nice effort from Johnson, though not his best and not really a great album... as with most of his music, it is much much improved whena nice effort from Johnson, though not his best and not really a great album... as with most of his music, it is much much improved when played live. Still, the music is enjoyable and calming as always.… Full Review »
  3. SarahJ
    Aug 20, 2008
    10
    I think it is great. How could anyone disagree? Jack writes his own lyrics based off of his life and feelings and thoughts. That is art in I think it is great. How could anyone disagree? Jack writes his own lyrics based off of his life and feelings and thoughts. That is art in it's truest form, if you ask me. I love all of his songs. I think they are deep and meaningful - to him especially. He writes to his wife, his sons, his friends, and his brothers/cousin etc. Yes he has kids now so he sees the world differently. He also suffered a loss of a dear cousin during the time he wrote these songs. The CD reflects his life and his emotions. I think adding Zach Gill on piano was a nice touch too.… Full Review »
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