I am the first to write a review of Mason Jennings, and to be honest I am not at all surprised. Not because people feel indifferent to his music (far from it!), but because hardly any people know it.

I think it is only polite for me to introduce the man:

Mason Jennings is am American, born in Hawaii. He went to school with Christina Aguilera, but ironically he seems to hold everything that she stands for in disdain. Mason does not like the "let's sell records" philosophy of the music industry of today, but instead aims to make simple, but beautiful songs to entertain. He does not really fit into any one genre of music. It would be fair to say that he sings folk, but not the naff kind. He also has elements of reggae, punk, blues and pop which creep into his music. As you may gather from this rather bizarre description, he is somewhat unusual!

The album that I am reviewing is unimaginatively entitled "Mason Jennings". It is a pretty short album, boasting only 8 songs which add up to only 26 minutes of music. Despite this, however, I see this as more precious than any of my other albums. When you stick this on, you become totally involved in the music, which in my eyes is priceless.

NOTHING

The first track on the album is called "Nothing", the first line of which is appropriately "make yourself at home". This is one of Mason's more upbeat songs, and from this very first line you can identify the mood. It is nigh on impossible not to move some part of your body to this tune. The melody is incredibly catchy, yet does not ever become less of a pleasure to listen to. It is not excessively upbeat, and does demonstrate what annoying record companies call "light and shade"- that is to say it manages to change seamlessly to a more sombre mood mid song.

Favourite lyric:
"Usually I sing and play on my guitar,
But I know it wont get very far with you".

I find this song one of the most enjoyable to listen to on the album. The lyrics are easy to pick up, so within minutes you'll be singing along to that memorable voice. A strong start, and a hard act to follow!

BUTTERFLY

It is followed by a song called, "Butterfly". Butterfly is an entirely different song to Nothing. It is, however no less sing-along-toable that its predecessor. Mason manages to make a whole song using very few notes. He uses less range in this song, which produces an all together different effect. After an musical introduction, Mason launches into the tune in a low and slightly sulky voice which soars during the chorus. This chorus is so catchy that soon you will try to mimic the way he raises the note when singing "butterfly" (you'll know what I mean when you hear it!). Butterfly is about a perfect girl: "Butterfly, baby I still have my doubts about you cus, butterfly,
Baby I can't find nothing bad about you".

Again he has written another truly memorable song. In my opinion it is not as strong as Nothing, but that is not to say it is poor, as it is really not bad; not at all!

CALIFORNIA

California is a simple song. Mason plays on his guitar, accompanied by a marching beat. Again, one of my new favourite songs of all time. Unlike in the first two songs, you hear more instrumentals. Again, California is about a girl who appears to be going away (don't ask me where!). This song is so full of emotion that you'll find it difficult not to feel his sadness when he talks of how her leaving is going to break his heart. Of course, like his others, this song really comes to life in his chorus. I don't usually get all mushy about music, but this song acts as an exception. Mason's voice breaks into falsetto, when singing:

"I'm going to miss you, like I miss the ocean, when I go to sleep,
and its gonna break my heart".

This has to be my favourite lyric, solely because of the beauty with which it is sung. He really masters this song. It sounds effortless, from the intentional breaks in his voice to his laid back singing, sheer brilliance. This song is a simple tune and quite repetitive, however unlike any other artist, Mason makes the next repetition more interesting than the last!

GODLESS:

I don't like this song. But it is as worthy for comment as any other. You may remember that I said Mason has punk element: this is it! It is a quick paced, smash crash and whollop song, with a touch of howling in between. Always willing to explore, I think that he must have been experimenting with this one. He sacrificed the luscious sweet voice for some raucous shouting, which I suppose is all very well if you are into that kind of thing! I don't really understand the marketing principles behind this one though. A customer who likes his folk/pop music is unlikely to enjoy his punk, and the same vice versa. This said, it's Mason's album, not mine!

Favourite lyric: Lyric, what lyrics? (rather indistinguishable I'm afraid!).

BIG SUR:

The relief to get back to his normal style is unbelievable. In contrast to the beast of song it follows, Big Sur feels rather tame- which is no bad thing. Another great song, though not his greatest. Again the beat really gets the foot tapping, and his song eases you into familiarity. With Big Sur you can identify the familiar pattern. His voice leisurely singing the melody, then flying high for the chorus. This song can get slightly repetitive, despite the variation he loads into it. Also, it feels slightly cold in comparison to his others, somewhat apathetic. Nevertheless, a strong seven out of ten!

Favourite lyric: "This is a song to give you hope".

CALIFORNIA PT. II:

Similarly to "Nothing" this is a happy, even quirky song. I think I like this song for the lyrics as much as the tune. The first few lines are "I tell you what I'm gonna do, I'm gonna lighten up", which ironically is exactly what he does. Mason tells of how he is going to buy an old house where he will never have to mow the lawn. A dream most people can relate to! Simple guy, simple dream, simple song. A solid eight out of ten.

1997:

I've been really looking forwards to addressing this song in particular because it absolutely blew me away. If there is any song more relaxing, more sweet I would love to hear it. Mason does not do any vocal acrobatics that modern pop singers seem to love, he just sings the song as it is intended, straight and brilliantly. If you are only to listen to one of Mason's songs, make this it! Mason recounts a story as the song progresses about an event in Southern Minnesota, which is highlighted by his vivid lyrics. His voice really does wash over you: an absolutely priceless song, which I think wins the title of the best song I know. Ten out of ten.

Favourite lyric: "I was so concerned with the welfare of the woman standing nearest to me"

DARKNESS BETWEEN THE FIREFLIES:

The album is rounded off with yet another beautiful song, this time about Mason's lack of jealousy about a girl (I think!). The lyrics really are intellectually satisfying, almost to the extent that the song is musically satisfying, if you get me! In my opinion, the strength of this song is that it is not clinically calculated like most pop songs. It is not a meaningless melee of noises, but a deep, even philosophical song. The guitar riff in the middle fits in perfectly with the mood of the song, and complements it perfectly. Well done Mason, you've earned a 8.5 out of ten this time.

Favourite, and longest lyric: "Honey, I'm sure that you've been in love before,
And plenty of men have held high places in your eyes.
Jealousy has got no use for me.
The past is beautiful
Like the darkness between the fireflies.

TO SUM UP:

You can probably gather from the length of this review that I am in complete awe of this guy. This man is a real musician, and I can think of nothing more entertaining than someone with a great voice accompanied by guitar. In fact, Mason played all of the instruments on this album! His lyrics are like those of an old man looking back on the lessons he has learned from his life. I only hope that I have encouraged some more people to listen to his raw talent, and you never know: if enough people do, he might come to the UK one day!

Mason, admirably writes all of his own music, and today he has somewhere in the region of 300 songs to his name. You can buy this CD from Amazon.co.uk for £12.00. Worth every penny!