Jason Mraz: Embracing the Rhythm of Middle Age

In the landscape of music, Grammy Award-winner Jason Mraz, now 46, is in a phase of life that another musical legend, Jerry Lee Lewis, once reflected upon in his 1977 country-music single, “Middle Age Crazy.” In his new album, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride,” Mraz takes a vibrant dive into his midlife, marking a stark contrast to Lewis’s introspective exploration of the same stage.

The ’90s saw Mraz grow up aspiring to the adventures of his twenties, viewing the age of forty as a distant milestone. Upon reaching his forties, however, he felt a wave of excitement, marking his 40th birthday with a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Yet, it was the following years that spurred introspection and a reimagining of his musical career.

In “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride,” Mraz embarks on a musical journey that draws inspiration from artists like Chic, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, and Jamiroquai. The album sees Mraz fuse dance-pop and vintage disco into a blend of rhythmic tunes that evoke a spirit of youthful abandon and a desire to dance.

Indeed, the themes of middle age, self-discovery, and renewal thread through the album. In his ballad “Little Time,” Mraz candidly addresses aging and muses about what life might hold at 65. In contrast, songs like “Getting Started,” “I Feel Like Dancing,” and “Feel Good Too” radiate an exuberant energy, encouraging listeners to dance away their troubles.

The influence of Mraz’s mother, June Tomes, is evident throughout the album, urging Mraz to craft an album that echoes the beat of pop music before it was “too late.” The album dedication to “Mama June” is a testament to this.

The production of the album saw Mraz reunite with Sweden’s Martin Terefe, known for his work with Train, Mary J. Blige, Yungblud, and Coldplay. The duo had previously collaborated on Mraz’s 2008 album, “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things,” which boasted two of his biggest hits, “I’m Yours” and “Lucky,” and sold nearly 5 million copies.

“Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” marks a thematic departure from Mraz’s sensitive singer-songwriter image, delving into a sound that resonates with the spirit of dance-pop. This bold move speaks to his versatility as an artist, illustrating his ability to adapt and grow with time. It’s a project that feels familiar yet new, embodying the essence of his 2008 work but crafted for the year 2023.

With three albums under his belt since turning 40, Mraz shows no signs of slowing down. His summer tour with his Superband and his concert at Fivepoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California, demonstrates his continued commitment to his craft. He echoes this sentiment, recalling a moment with Willie Nelson that affirmed his belief in the unending potential of music and creativity.

In the end, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” is more than just an album – it’s Mraz’s musical testament to embracing the rhythm of life, even in middle age. The playing field may change, the trends may evolve, but the heart of the artist, rich with ideas and songs, remains resolute.

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