Jack Johnson's Formula for Success?

[ElGuitarrista]

So I've been listening to Jack Johnson more and more and enjoy his music.

I've also been dabling with writing my own stuff and always look at successful artists to try to ascertain what their 'formula for success' is.

What strikes me about JJ is how simple his music is. From a composition perspective, the music is guitar-driven (maybe some percussion or other stuff on studio recordings... but these are secondary). The guitar itself is very simple, bar-chords and the like... and I've noticed he uses a similar stumming pattern on many songs. Nothing fancy.

From a singing point of view, he doesn't do anything fancy. Not a big range, no falsettos (that I can think of in the songs I'm familiar with), no big 'loud, emotional' parts (I'm thinking of Dave at the end of Grey Street).

So what I've boiled it down to is that JJ produces sincere-sounding music that is simply very pleasant to listen to and this fits his laid-back style. I dig the lyrics, and his voice is just sort of soothing to listen to and the package just comes together well to make an artist that people enjoy.

Any thoughts? Discuss.

[Matty Boom]

yep...just a cool guy

[fatjack]

Zzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzzz

[6_strings_for_life]

I really like to listen and play JJ music. I listened to brush fire fairytales for like a year straight. I like how his songs usually start with a neet lick then go in to a good strumming pattern. Inaudable Melodies and Taylor are two perfect examples. He is deffinatley one of my favorites...

[Coldchillin]

I also found it funny that he has moderately difficult riffs but then simple-ass songs for the rest. His music is awesome though. Definitely chill.

[MWR]

Zzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzzz

My thoughts exactly.

[Matty Boom]

not mine...though it's simple, it's really relaxed and it's pleasing to the ear

[MWR]

I'm not saying he's bad just that his songs are boring and
extremely redundant.

[Matty Boom]

i realize that...and i agree that some of his songs get repetitive, but it's still enjoyable eh

[MWR]

I think he definately suits a certain mood which is fine. He just isn't gonna be an singer/songwriter/guitarist icon. I really like Rodeo Clowns though.

[mdel21]

Just because the music may not be the most complex or original doesn't mean it can't be good. Look at Dylan and The Beatles, simple 3 or 4 chord songs that are still popular 40 years later. Most movies that the critics pan are the most popular with the fans because, they may not be innovative or unique, they're what the average person likes.

[MWR]

First of all don't compare the Beatles or Dylan to Jack Johnson. Your comparing the most original/brilliant songwriters ever with one of the most mediocre.
I never said simple was bad just that he is mediocre and repetitive. I'm sorry but I'm not one of these "average" people that your talking about so I just don't like it.

[Matty Boom]

MWR....i didn't mean to sound hostile or anything! sorry if i did!

[Coldchillin]

His music is good to chill with. It's not meant for clubs or full-blown dancing.

[juineaux]

Just because the music may not be the most complex or original doesn't mean it can't be good. Look at Dylan and The Beatles, simple 3 or 4 chord songs that are still popular 40 years later. Most movies that the critics pan are the most popular with the fans because, they may not be innovative or unique, they're what the average person likes.

Alot of Beatles songs have more than 3 or 4 chords, crazy time signatures, and just insanely brilliant melodies. Songs like "a day in the life" are much more than basic pop songs.

Anyways, I like JJ, his stuff can get old, but it has a great feeling and great lyrics.