About 20 years ago, Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter, Jack Johnson, released his terrific 13-song debut LP, Brushfire Fairytales. With it, the professional surfer-turned-crooner immediately vaulted into an at times-bashful, and ever-present mainstream artist beloved by college students, pot smokers, and white wine drinkers, alike.
Since his first LP, Johnson has gone on to release a great deal of work, including seven more records, from On and On in 2003 to Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George in 2006 to All the Light Above It Too in 2017. In the five years, or so, between that last album and now, Johnson has largely stayed out of the limelight —save a few singles and charitable live streams.
Videos by American Songwriter
Nevertheless, we wanted to celebrate the artist-turned-activist-and-environmentalist with a remembrance of our top 10 favorite songs composed by his salt water-softened hands.
1. “Flake”- from Brushfire Fairytales
2. “Bubble Toes” – from Brushfire Fairytales
3. “A Pirate Looks at Forty” – Jimmy Buffet cover from The September Sessions soundtrack
4. “Taylor” – from On and On
5. “Rodeo Clowns” – from On and On
6. “Banana Pancakes” – from In Between Dreams
7. “Break Down” – from In Between Dreams
8. “Belle” – from In Between Dreams
9. “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” – from In Between Dreams
10. “We’re Going to Be Friends” – White Stripes cover from Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George
11. (Bonus!) “Change (featuring Ben Harper)” – from From Here to Now to You
More Features
-
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
Rock musicians Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen (1955 – 2020), both of the group Van Halen, performs onstage at the Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, March 15, 1986. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
IN CONCERT – Airdate: March 1, 1974. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) LINDA RONSTADT -
Singer David Bowie (1947 – 2016) being interviewed at his ground floor flat at Haddon Hall, where he has been redecorating the ceiling in silver paint, Beckenham, London, 24th April 1972. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
Rivers Cuomo wrote "Buddy Holly" for Weezer's debut album -
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 22: 31st Annual Grammy Awards. Broadcast February 22, 1989. Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California. Pictured accepting award is Bobby McFerrin. His song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. Also Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) -
Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) -
Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith (l to r) of the rock band Journey pose for a picture. (Photo by © Roger Ressmeyer/CORBIS/VCG via Getty Images)