Jason Mraz “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” Album Review

Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride

Jason Mraz

• Genre: Pop
• Date: 23 Jun, 2023
• Content: Not-explicit
• Track(s): 10
• ℗ 2023 Interrabang, LLC under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management (US) LLC

Jason Mraz, a famous American singer-songwriter, released his eighth studio album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, on 23 Jun 2023, through Interrobang and BMG Rights Management. Produced by Martin Terefe, the album features two previously released singles, “Pancakes & Butter” and “I Feel Like Dancing.” Critics have praised the album as a “return to pop” for Mraz, who consciously incorporated dance and disco influences. According to Mraz, he wanted to explore this genre further as he had not done so before. The album’s title, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, reflects Mraz’s perspective on life as a fascinating and unpredictable journey. He prefers to enjoy the ride rather than worry about the destination.

That being said, there are no guarantees that the journey won’t be difficult either. For Jason, Ten days into the recording process, his stepfather, who he refers to as a “champion of music” and a “great jazz drummer,” passed away. He also discovered his mother had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, a few days later. Following her diagnosis, the singer-songwriter spent months traveling back and forth from Virginia to California to record sessions while helping his mother through her treatments. Indeed, Only a courageous man will still find beauty in the ashes and colors in the magic.

Album Art

The stunning album cover boasts a lively backdrop featuring the talented Jason donning a dapper vest and pants. He confidently poses with his hands folded, gazing upwards with a sense of calm and wonder. The album’s overarching theme centers around the powerful notion that life can still be filled with enchanting hues and magical moments even amidst adversity – only if we summon the bravery to see them.

Tracks And Features

The sound of a ringing bowl sets the tone for the opening track, “Getting Started,” creating a self-aware environment commonly associated with sound meditation or music therapy. The singer delivers crisp vocals, conveying the idea that despite past experiences, this is not the end. The tempo picks up, and the song becomes a grand masterpiece with its layered arrangement and inclusion of orchestral and choral components, evoking a sense of embarking on an epic adventure.

The upcoming tracks are lively disco tunes, naturally. “I Feel Like Dancing” boasts a powerful brass ensemble that produces catchy melodies and a sense of assurance. With Jason Mraz’s distinctive rapid-fire lyrics, the song embodies the singer’s untroubled and optimistic demeanor.

The song “Feel Good Too” has a groovy, dance-inducing quality with disco-inspired string swells and rhythmic stabs reminiscent of the ’70s. However, Mraz also introduces a rock element at one point, adding texture and depth to the genre. The chorus features harmonizing vocals, further elevating the song’s unique sound. Another standout track on the album is “Pancakes & Butter,” which begins with the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar and gradually builds up to a lush and sensual beat. While the lyrics are romantic, there’s also an element of playfulness in the way Mraz compares his love to pancakes and butter, making it a fun listening experience.

The next track, “Disco Sun” by Jason Mraz, is a unique blend of disco and the ’60s counterculture movement. While it still embodies the disco genre, a severe and urgent tone sets it apart from other tracks. The lyrics, “Show me how your garden grows/ Is it kept or do you let it go?” are sung quickly, adding to the song’s energetic vibe. This combination of disco and counterculture creates a shared celebration of self-expression that radiates throughout the song.

“Irony of Loneliness” has a gentle and subdued tone that creates an intimate and tender atmosphere, reflecting a shift in mood. It is soulfully resonant and evokes vulnerability with warmth and Mraz’s slow singing. The song climaxes as Mraz sings, “I feel it too,” revealing his personal experience.

In “Little Time,” the artist shares his vulnerability and reflects on his life journey. The acoustic strumming sets a rhythmic foundation, guiding us through his introspection as he discusses passing milestone ages. The song takes an intriguing turn with modulation before the singer reaches his current age. He sings about his desire for time to be kind to him and how it’s all he needs to achieve his hopes and dreams in this lifetime, a passion that resonates with many.

The song “You Might Like It” has a reassuring and exciting vibe that helps ease self-doubt about pursuing their dreams. The sitar playing adds a touch of mystique and transcendence to the track, reminiscent of Mraz’s earlier works. The lyrics encourage listeners to pursue their dreams, even though it may be challenging. Mraz reminds us it’s worth trying, as we might enjoy the journey.

Embarking on a journey can be daunting, but Jason Mraz encourages us to take the leap and enjoy the process. His track “Lovesick Romeo” exemplifies his artistic passion with its energetic alt-rock style and brass accompaniment. The album’s closing song, “If You Think You’ve Seen It All,” embodies Mraz’s optimistic and wholesome spirit. He encourages his listeners to embrace the “journey” and see where it takes.

Tracklist

NO	TITLE	TIME
1	Getting Started	3:39
2	I Feel Like Dancing	3:38
3	Feel Good Too	3:59
4	Pancakes & Butter	3:51
5	Disco Sun	5:05
6	Irony of Loneliness	3:59
7	Little Time	4:54
8	You Might Like It	3:37
9	Lovesick Romeo	3:53
10	If You Think You’ve Seen It All	4:28

Album Summary

Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride marks the eighth album from the talented musician. While returning to a familiar intersection, it’s not a complete circle as the artist has evolved from his past experiences. Collaborating with former partners, such as producer Martin Terefe and LA band Raining Jane, Mraz delivers unapologetic pop tracks. Interestingly, Mraz associates the number eight with the infinity symbol, signifying that this album is yet another stage in his unpredictable journey through life. The album’s uplifting and upbeat sensibility perfectly captures the musician’s general outlook on the world.

Stream