Jason Mraz continues to impress listeners

I listen to public radio all the time. Because I like it? No. Because plugging my iPod in for a five-minute drive is a hassle.

Rarely, though, do I hear something that I absolutely love and will turn up to sing along with at the top of my lungs, but on rare occasions, I do. And when Jason Mraz’s single “I Won’t Give Up” comes across 103.3, it’s one of those rare occasions.

Mraz released his new album, “Love Is a Four-Letter Word,” on Friday, which includes “I Won’t Give Up,” and honestly, I cannot get enough.

I usually find myself wondering how anything on public radio achieved popularity. With songs about sex, drinking and smoking weed, Mraz is a breath of fresh air, no matter how cliche that sounds.

Mraz is an artist who actually deserves to be popular. The man of 33 has mastered the art of music. His voice is gorgeous, and his lyrics are meaningful. It’s obvious that Mraz cares about things in life other than sex, drugs and rock and roll, and his lyrics speak of love in ways not often heard in pop culture these days.

If Mraz were to come into The Leader office right now, pull out his guitar and sing me “The Woman I Love” or “In Your Hands,” I would faint.

Love Is a Four-Letter Word not only exhibits Mraz’s phenomenal vocals, but it also features some impressive instrumentals. He’s moved from folk-pop to folk-pop with a slight reggae flare and jazzy beats, best shown on “The Freedom Song,” which is the only song of the album Mraz didn’t write. It showcases a wide variety of sounds, making Mraz’s new album one of his most diverse.

Mraz is mellow, chill and relaxed – the perfect music to lie in a hammock on a 70-degree day and drink lemonade to. Grab a glass, put on “5/6” or “Living in the Moment” and relax.

“Everything Is Sound” exhibits Mraz’s wide range of vocals. If it were sung acapella, it would be just as successful. Mraz communicates passion in a way I haven’t heard in a while. Even along with his passion, he communicates a positive message with lyrics like “’cause we all need the darkness to see the light.”

It’s no surprise that Mraz has recorded yet another successful album. Love is a four-letter word, and I love Jason Mraz.

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