Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride cover

Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride

Jason Mraz · 2023

41 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of funk-infused pop and playful rhythms that invites listeners to dance and celebrate life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Feel Like Dancing — This track encapsulates the album's joyful spirit with its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, making it a standout anthem for celebration.
  • →
    Disco Sun — Combining disco influences with modern pop sounds, this track highlights Mraz's playful lyricism while paying homage to classic dance music.
  • →
    Irony of Loneliness — This song contrasts the album's overall upbeat vibe by exploring deeper themes of isolation with poignant lyrics wrapped in a funky groove.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases vibrant compositions and strong production but lacks a broader cultural footprint.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain an upbeat tempo with danceable grooves, while the latter half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
  • Each song features layered instrumentation, often incorporating brass and rhythmic percussion to enhance the funk elements.
  • Several tracks utilize call-and-response vocal patterns, creating an interactive feel that encourages listener participation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • joyful dance party atmosphere
  • steady groove for movement
  • lighthearted sing-along moments
  • uplifting vibes for gatherings
  • playful rhythms that energize

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer intense emotional depth
  • seek slow, reflective soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — This album shows Mraz's continued vitality and relevance after a four-year gap.
Themes
disco nostalgia· celebratory rhythms· playful lyricism
Career context
Released on June 23, 2023, 'Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride' is Jason Mraz's first studio album in over four years, following 2018's 'Know.' At this point in his career, Mraz has evolved from a singer-songwriter known for acoustic ballads into an artist experimenting with diverse soundscapes and upbeat themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Jack Johnson· Colbie Caillat· Ben Harper

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata