In Between Dreams

1	Better Together 3:27
2	Never Know 3:32
3	Banana Pancakes 3:11
4	Good People 3:28
5	No Other Way 3:09
6	Sitting, Waiting, Wishing 3:03
7	Staple It Together 3:16
8	Situations 1:17
9	Crying Shame 3:06
10	If I Could 2:24
11	Breakdown 3:32
12	Belle 1:42
13	Do You Remember 2:24
14	Constellations 3:21

Barnes & Noble

Not a lot changes in the world of Jack Johnson -- a realm where old pals sit around shooting the breeze about life's little pleasures and shrugging off the outside world's minor setbacks. Thanks to the surfer-turned-songwriter's aw-shucks attitude and easygoing delivery, however, that steadiness is more comforting than it is tedious, particularly on homespun tracks like the shuffling "Banana Pancakes" and "Good People," a piano-laced tune as sweet anything in the catalog of the Lovin' Spoonful. As ever, Johnson occasionally slips into low-key hip-hop -- offering up a re-recorded rendition of "Breakdown," his contribution to Handsome Boy Modeling School's White People -- but the mood of In Between Dreams is never too rambunctious. Instead of rollicking, Johnson prefers to serenade, an approach that works particularly well on the deceptively simple "Belle" and the unabashedly giddy "Better Together." Yeah, he's a little more crafty with his songwriting these days, as evidenced by "Sitting, Wishing, Waiting," a tune that leavens its lovelorn musing with enough winks to keep sappiness at bay. But that evolution hasn't taken anything away from Johnson's guileless charm -- which is fortunate, since that's what sets him apart from the competition. David Sprague

All Music Guide

Singer/songwriter Jack Johnson writes songs that just feel good, sticking to an equation that combines his warm, relaxed voice with an acoustic guitar. That cozy formula made him a favorite among American college crowds, so it's no surprise that Johnson sticks with what he does best for his third album, In Between Dreams. Producer Mario Caldato, Jr. is back again, touching up Johnson's summery backdrop for another playful set of songs. The genre-blending charm and sweetness that fueled Brushfire Fairytales and On and On hasn't changed that much, but does it really have to? Johnson, alongside drummer Adam Topol and bassist Merlo Podlewski, makes safe records. While there isn't anything wrong with that, taking a few more risks sonically and lyrically wouldn't work against him. Tender moments such as "If I Could" and "No Other Way" showcase a more reserved side on In Between Dreams. Other highlights include the lullaby-like "Breakdown" and the bossa nova rhythms of "Do You Remember." Whether he's singing about being in love -- which he does quite well on "Better Together" and "Banana Pancakes" -- or reflecting on its hardships, Johnson's laid-back approach is his biggest strength. In Between Dreams is a bit brighter and more upbeat, but his song remains the same. MacKenzie Wilson