Jack Johnson: On and On

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald Rating: * * *)

Well he's been quick to follow last year's Brushfire Fairytales. But those who have already rushed out and sent this to number one on the local album charts in its first week — a spot also held by its predecessor — will be happy to know that Johnson hasn't turned up the volume any.

The Hawaiian surfer-folkie and his backers are still as loud as the incoming tide (which can be heard out the back of the final song Symbol in My Driveway). That could come across as a lack of conviction, especially when Johnson's breathy croon is ruminating on materialism, globalism, violence and the environment. But it's hard not to enjoy this for its good intentions and the easy understatement of it all, especially on the catchier tracks such as Times Like These, the reggae-fied The Horizon Has Been Defeated or Wasting Time. Johnson may one day find there is only so much mellow any audience can take, but he is happy playing the sandy-footed troubadour for now.

Label: Capitol