Guest Blogger: Dana D.

There is never a dull or depressing moment when listening to one of Jack Johnson’s five studio albums. This former pro surfer gone singer/songwriter was born and raised in Hawaii which explains the style of his music. Johnson’s first studio album, “Brushfire Fairytales”, was released in 2001. Since then he has released four more albums and a number or EPs. A lot of Johnson’s songs are inspired by his wife, and high school sweetheart, Nicole Galvez. In one of his more recent songs, “Angel”, off his latest record he sings, “I've got an angel. She doesn't wear any wings. She wears a heart that can melt my own. She wears a smile that can make me wanna sing.” In Jack Johnson’s 2005 album, “In Between Dreams”, he tried to write a few deep songs about wasted life and morality. Unfortunately the effort failed. In the end the album was still seen as a “feel-good” album. Overall, the album was a hit and topped the charts. In 2005 he claimed the peak position at number one on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart along with making the European Top 100 Albums list. Also in 2005 he claimed the number two spot on Billboard 200 and Top Canadian Albums. In 2006 he snagged the number one spot on the Billboard 200 and came in at 64 for the Top Internet Albums. Not only did he top the charts but he was nominated for Best Original Song (“curious George”) at the Satellite Awards in 2006. For the album, Johnson started his own label called Brushfire Records and he went international. In February 2006, he won a Brit Award for Best International Newcomer, beating The Pussycat Dolls, John Legend, Arcade Fire and Daniel Powter. In May 2006, "In Between Dreams" surpassed one and a half million sales in the UK. Who would have ever thought that this pro surfer from Hawaii would become and international celebrity? So if you are ever having a gloomy day, just put on your headphones and listen to “Banana Pancakes”.