To the Sea
Jack Johnson · 2010
41 min · 13 tracks · pop rock
A laid-back blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke sun-soaked shores and personal reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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You and Your Heart Start here — This lead single encapsulates the album's breezy sound with its catchy melody and reflective lyrics about love and self-discovery.
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My Little Girl — A heartfelt tribute to his daughter, this track showcases Johnson’s softer side, blending tender lyrics with gentle instrumentation that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology — This track stands out for its lyrical storytelling, weaving together themes of regret and nostalgia while maintaining a mellow groove that is quintessentially Johnson.
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Only the Ocean — Closing the album, this track features minimalistic instrumentation and poignant lyrics that reflect on life's uncertainties, leaving a lasting impression of introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but remains within familiar soft rock territory.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that complement Johnson's lead vocals, enhancing the emotional resonance of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on 'Only the Ocean', creating a sense of reflection and calm as it concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- sun-soaked afternoon relaxation
- steady flow for easy listening
- introspective moments by the sea
- gentle melodies for casual gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer immediate, impactful tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debuted at number one on Billboard 200, marking a significant commercial achievement.
- Career context
- Released in 2010, 'To the Sea' is Jack Johnson's fifth studio album, coming three years after his commercially successful 'Sleep Through the Static'. At this point, he had firmly established himself as a leading figure in the soft rock genre, known for his soothing sound and eco-conscious themes, making this album an expected continuation of his signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ben Harper· Jason Mraz· John Mayer
Tracklist
- 1 You and Your Heart Start here 3:12
- 2 To the Sea 3:30
- 3 No Good With Faces 3:31
- 4 At or With Me 3:57
- 5 When I Look Up 0:58
- 6 From the Clouds 3:05
- 7 My Little Girl 2:20
- 8 Turn Your Love 3:12
- 9 The Upsetter 3:49
- 10 Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology 4:03
- 11 Pictures of People Taking Pictures 3:19
- 12 Anything but the Truth 2:53
- 13 Only the Ocean 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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