One 'curious' little album

Jack Johnson seems like the perfect guy to write songs to fill an album called Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George. His soft brand of Hawaiian rock has built up quite a fan base in just five years. Well, Johnson-lovers come hither, because you will definitely enjoy this soundtrack. \nJohnson was presented with early animations and the story line of the new animated film in order to craft his songs from the perspective of a character that doesn't speak: George, himself. Having a soundtrack created in a manner like this, mostly written especially for the movie, it's hard to deny the uniqueness and success of such a creation.\nThe album opens with the first single, "Upside Down," a song that sounds like it belongs on any of Johnson other albums, nothing new here. Then we get to track number two and hear, "Broken," where Johnson dabbles in the electric guitar. It's an excellent love song, possibly the best track on the album. It even includes a little jam session near the end. \nLyrically, Johnson doesn't surprise us all that much, "Without you I was broken, but I'd rather be broke down with you by my side." Johnson plays copycat a few times in the album, on his take of the old Schoolhouse Rock tune, "Three is A Magic Number," with his environmental tune, "The 3 R's." \nPerhaps my favorite track on the album is Johnson's take on a White Stripes song made famous by the movie "Napoleon Dynamite," "We're Going to be Friends." The song isn't much different from Jack White's version, but with a more full background sound, provided by Johnson's band, we hear a different sound all together. The music-lover in me wants to judge the album on simple scales of creativity, musicality and quality of writing; however, I just don't think it's fair to put this album up to those standards. There's so much to consider: it's a soundtrack, written for a children's movie. \nThe album offers us three guests: Ben Harper, G. Love and Matt Costa. Each guest provides significant contributions both instrumentally and vocally. There is even a remash of "The 3 R's" rounding out the disc created by Money Mark. The album was crafted for children, but also so their parents wouldn't throw it out the window after it plays for the millionth time in the mini-van stereo. After understanding that, it's hard to deny that Jack Johnson hits a home-run. Best instrumental goes to "Jungle Gym (G. Love)." Best track vocals award goes to: "We're Going to Be Friends"