Jason Mraz

New Mraz CD expresses the singer's versatility

Date published: 7/24/2008

BY TRICIA CALLAHAN

Jason Mraz's newest release, following a one-year hiatus, may be his best yet.

"We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" presents many unique styles of music, from ballads to high-energy thrill rides. Different musical elements--such as the use of choirs on "Coyote" and "Live High"--help create a new style of pop music that offers something more than mere dance beats.

A bizarre event inspired the album. While Mraz was on tour in Australia, a very strange package was dropped off for him at his hotel. It was full of books on various religions and CDs from all types of world cultures. The sender never revealed himself, and just wanted Mraz to pass the package along to the next person. It inspired Mraz to visit India and to write songs he never thought he could write for this new album.

The title, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things," came from a piece of artwork Mraz saw in Scotland, by artist David Shrigley (who also illustrated the album cover).

Mraz explains on his Web site: "What I love about mankind is that yes, we sing and we celebrate and we dance when we're foolish and we steal things. It's hard to have a new idea in music, in fashion, the land we walk on. It's all recycled. I think to say we stole it is a lot more fun."

Kicking off this album is the single "I'm Yours," which puts forth a tropical feel.

The third track, Mraz's duet with Colbie Caillat, called "Lucky," is a simple yet sweet song, which makes you realize that if you are in love, then you truly are one of the lucky ones.

Songs like "Love for a Child," about Mraz's parents' divorce, present some of the reality of his life and many other children's lives.

"A Beautiful Mess," the album's last track, is not to be ignored. With witty lyrics ("What a beautiful mess this is/ It's like picking up trash in dresses") the song captures the general quirkiness of the entire album.

"We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" is full of surprises, no song sounding like the one before. It's an album that is honestly worth every penny, and definitely one of the summer's best releases yet.

Tricia Callahan is a student at the University of Mary Washington.

Date published: 7/24/2008