Jason Mraz, who recently released his dance-music album titled “Mystical Magical Rhythmic Radical Ride,” has surprised fans with his unexpected musical direction in response to middle age. The two-time Grammy winner, now 46, humorously contemplates whether he has experienced a middle crisis, stating, “I don’t think I’ve had a midlife crisis just yet… or maybe I have, but I haven’t lived long enough past it to recognize it as such.”
While Mraz’s new album excludes a lively and upbeat atmosphere, it diverges greatly from the melancholic country single “Middle Age Crazy” by Jerry Lee Lewis, which was released in the year Mraz was born. Despite this contrast, there are thematic similarities between Lewis’ introspective track and some of the songs on Mraz’s album, as they both touch upon the experiences of navigating middle age.
Mraz initially believed he would retire from music at the age of 40, but he has now taken a surprising turn in his career. Half of the songs on “Mystical Magic Rhythmic Radical Ride” embrace dance-pop and vintage disco, drawing inspiration from Mraz’s favorite artists such as Chic, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, The Bees Gees, and Jamiroquai.
Reflecting on his perception of age as a child and teenager, Mraz admitted that being in his 40s seemed like old age when he was young. However, upon reaching 40, he found it exciting and even celebrated his 40th birthday with a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Yet, he humorously remarks that turning 42 doesn’t receive the same level of attention or significance.
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Navigating the Uncertainties and Possibilities of Aging
Jason Mraz’s vibrant and dance-filled new album, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride,” was released on Friday, accompanied by a photo of him in his San Diego Country recording studio. Interestingly, Mraz reflects on turning 42 in the lyrics of “Little Time,” a gentle ballad from his latest album. Within the same song, he also contemplates what the future holds for him “If I reach 65.”
The promotional materials for “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Ride” frequently emphasize Mraz’s presence in his 40s. The album opens with three pulsating tracks —”Getting Started,” “I Feel Like Dancing,” and “Feel Good Too”— which exude an energetic and celebratory atmosphere, capturing the essence of dancing the night away with youthful joy or even unbridled abandon.
In a statement released when “I Feel Like Dancing” became the album’s lead single in February, Mraz described how songs emerge from personal necessity, citing the struggles he faced with identity and self-worth in his mid-40s.
When asked if he has experienced a midlife crisis, Mraz pauses to reflect before responding. He suggests that while he may not have had a definitive midlife crisis, he acknowledges that he has constantly shaken things up in his life, and repeatedly rediscovered himself through the power of songwriting. With each upheaval, he reassures himself, saying, “I’m okay”.
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Jason Mraz’s Journey of Self-Discovery
The experience of aging varies from person to person, as Jason Mraz openly acknowledges. superficial concerns that once consumed his youth have gradually faded, replaced by the wisdom gained through life experiences. However, for a Vateran artist who has been in the spotlight for over two decades, navigating the ever-changing music industry can present challenges when it comes to maintaining a sense of security.
“As I get older, certain worries and stresses just fade away,” Mraz admits. “I don’t stress as much about my appearance or surface-level things like fashion. In my youth, I cared about fitting in and how I looked. There was a lot of vanity back then.”
Yet, there are drawbacks to growing older, particularly in the realm of music. Mraz, now in the middle age category, recognizes that pop and dance music, which he explores in his latest album, are predominantly associated with younger artists aged 18-28. He finds himself floating between the youthful and older demographics, no longer fitting into either category.
However, middle age isn’t the sole inspiration for Mraz’s new dance-infused songs. He credits his mother, June Tomes, for encouraging him to create a pop-oriented album while he still had the chance. Recognizing his age, she urged him to seize the opportunity before it passed him by. Mraz agreed, dedicating the album to his mother in the liner notes of “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.”
Speaking from his Oceanside farm home, Mraz emphasizes his desire to make a dance-pop album that retains human elements rather than relying solely on electronic sounds and drum machines. He intended to create music that evokes the essence of dancing, generating a lively atmosphere both for his audience and himself during live performances.
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While at least half of the songs on “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” draw inspiration from the music of the 1970s and early 1980s, Mraz delves into the work of artists such as Boz Scaggs and Michael Jackson. Reflecting on his subconscious influences, he acknowledges the impact of these artists on his musical journey. However, while making the album, he focused more on studying records by Nile Rodgers with Chic, Giorgio Moroder’s “Flashdance” soundtrack, and the works of Donna Summer and The Bee Gees to grasp the artistry behind great dance music.
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