To the Sea

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Summery, smooth surfer sounds the whole family can enjoy.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a low-key album that's all about good times and good vibes. There's nothing really to worry about here, as Johnson weaves a laid-back collection of songs together full of sincere emotion and tender thoughts. It might not be the first choice on your tweens' playlist, but the general appeal of Johnson's vocals might mean this is an album the whole family can enjoy together.

  • Trying to keep a positive outlook is a major theme of this optimistic album. "How can I look you in the eyes, and tell you such big lies? The best I can do is try to show you, how to love with no fear."
  • Johnson tries to inspire listeners to stay true to themselves and embrace the good in the world. "Let's all laugh so that we don't cry, let's all lift our glasses up to the sky."
  • One song is titled, "Red Wine, Mistakes, Apologies," but the song doesn't really focus on the concept of drinking or getting drunk; rather, it centers around a general celebratory theme.

What's the story?

Perennial favorite Jack Johnson once again shows that nice guys can finish on top. TO THE SEA debuted at the number one spot on the charts, but that's nothing new for this popular surfer/singer who has had two other albums debut at the top of the charts in the last five years as well. Recorded in Johnson's eco-friendly solar-powered studios, Johnson’s album is about going down below the surface to discover things of value and depth.


Is it any good?

 

Like the smooth waves of a crystal-clear sea, Jack Johnson's harmonious vocals are crisp and refreshing. Sure this album remains firmly planted in Johnson's trademark mellow sound, but if it ain't broke, why fix it? Luau riffs and amusing observations on the human condition make this release, like so many of Johnson's previous works, a shining example of how great pop music doesn't have to be shallow; it can go as deep as any sea. 


Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about music lyrics. One song here mentions wine in the title. How is this different from other songs that include references to alcohol?

  • What types of music do you like to listen to with your family? Do you listen to different music with them than you would when you're alone? What musicians seem to cross generation gaps and appeal to a variety of ages?

  • Families can talk about wanting to fit in with the crowd. There's a line from "At Or With Me" that says "Are they laughing at or with me? Why can't we just say what we mean? People are just trying to fit in..." How does fitting in change when the socializing is done online? Is it as easy to tell someone's message or tone when it's just words on a screen?


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Kid, 12 years old
January 17, 2011
 
Great For ANYBODY!
Wow, I can't believe I finally found somebody who I can listening to and not say one bad thing about it! No curse words, not one inappropriate thing... nothing! Plus the songs are catchy!

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 15 years old
September 27, 2010
 
Great for Everyone!
On for all ages, no problem. Ex-pro surfer Jack Johnson keeps his music clean, as always, and mixes in great lyrics and messages. This is some of his best, no problem, and is an essential for all families. Enjoy.

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Jack Johnson
Release date:June 15, 2010
Label:Brushfire
Genre:Pop
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

 

vote now

Will you add To the Sea to your playlist?


Already listened to it? What do you think?

 

Been There? Tell us about it