As the 20th century gave way to the new 21st century, the tone of music was decidedly optimistic as the general population looked excitedly to the future. This optimism gave rise to the popularity of singer/songwriters like Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton and Jason Mraz. Jason Mraz rose to prominence in 2002 with the release of his debut album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come. The single “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)” seemed to be on the radio every hour. Mraz hit new heights though with the release of his third album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. It is an album that’s like a breath of fresh air on a sunny day and ultimately became a four-time platinum-selling album. Released in 2008, it captures the essence of Mraz’s musical style at its peak and showcases his lyrical prowess and distinctive vocal charm. This album is a delightful exploration of love, life, and all the quirks that make existence a beautiful adventure. For the album’s 15th anniversary, Rhino Records is reissuing We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things as a 3-LP vinyl release with fourteen bonus tracks that have never appeared on vinyl.
The album opens with the catchy and soulful “Make It Mine,” a song that sets the tone for the entire record. Mraz’s signature acoustic guitar-driven melodies and smooth, breezy vocals are at the forefront. The lyrics speak of seizing the moment and making life your own, a theme that resonates throughout the album. One of the standout tracks is “I’m Yours,” which became an international hit and remains one of Mraz’s most iconic songs. Its ukulele-driven rhythm and heartfelt lyrics make it an instant feel-good classic. “Lucky,” a duet with Colbie Caillat, is another gem that exudes warmth and charm, exploring the idea of serendipitous love. We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things also delves into deeper emotions. “A Beautiful Mess” is a poignant track that reflects on the chaos and beauty of life, featuring heartfelt lyrics and Mraz’s emotive delivery. “Butterfly” explores themes of freedom and transformation with a sense of playfulness. While the album is predominantly upbeat and optimistic, it also touches on some more somber themes. “Details in the Fabric” is a contemplative song about coping with loss and finding strength in difficult times. Mraz’s introspective lyrics and soothing vocals make this track deeply moving. The LP also includes demo versions of “I’m Yours” and “Details in the Fabric” which find Mraz strumming out the songs and utilizing vocal loops to harmonize with himself. The bonus tracks also include quite a few live renditions of tracks from the album as well as the horn-driven B-Side “Kickin’ With You” and a previously unreleased acoustic track “Happy Endings” that Mraz introduces as being “for Jessica, for her 25th birthday.”
One of the strengths of this album is its versatility. Jason Mraz effortlessly shifts between folk-pop, reggae, and acoustic rock, demonstrating his musical versatility and ability to keep listeners engaged throughout. The instrumentation is always on point, with expertly arranged horns, strings, and percussion adding depth to the songs. We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things is an album that feels like a sunny day at the beach, capturing the essence of carefree joy while also delving into the complexities of human emotions. Mraz’s songwriting and musicality shine throughout, making it a must-listen for fans of feel-good music with depth. Whether you’re looking for songs to dance to, songs to sing along with, or songs to reflect upon, this album has it all. It’s a timeless addition to Mraz’s discography and a reminder that life’s greatest moments are often found in the simple joys of singing, dancing, and stealing a few precious moments of happiness.
