Since 2002, Jason Mraz has been overlooked and under-rated. His music covers vast experiences and emotions. It is no secret that the only songs of  his that top the charts are the poppy, mind numbing tracks that are over played on all the local radio stations. After the 500th time I heard “I’m Yours”, I was no longer singing along, but turning the station only to find it just beginning on another.

This truly saddens me. Of all the songs Jason has to offer, the radio popular are not of the highest caliber. There are the beautiful songs such as “Love for a Child”. There are the sexually driven songs like “Butterfly” and “Geek in the Pink”. There are also super serious songs like “10,00 Motherfucker” and “Song for a Friend”. The fact that all of these are missed by the masses is a tragedy.

Over dramatic?? I think not. His music can be fun, but it can also move people in a way that is rare.

Recently, Facebook informed me that Mr. Mraz was working on some new music. I sat patiently waiting this new aural virus that was sure to infect my ears. And then it finally hit iTunes and I snatched it right up. But, I do this thing where I buy new music, get really excited, and then I get hungry or sleepy so I forget about it. I bought the new EP on the 5th when it was released, and by the 8th I had yet to listen to it.

Well, I finally got around to it and I must unsurprisingly say, I am thoroughly pleased.

The album’s lead song “Freedom Song” is infectious. It is a mix of funk, reggae and Mraz-y goodness. The album continues on in that fashion. It seems that Mraz will be leaning closer and closer to a reggae feel. This may have to do with his increasing global awareness. He has, over the past years, tried to use his fame for good. He is forever posting blogs about the newest organic smoothie he made, how wind energy can save the planet or that you should be nice to strangers. He is getting more and more earth—and people—friendly and it resonates in his music.

It amazes me that with all that he says lyrically, his instrumentals stay simple. His backing band is nothing complex. There is no auto-tune. There is no computer generated loops. It’s all Jason and it’s all good.

I am not a live album fan but Jason Mraz sounds good live and recorded, and the audience’s reaction to him is something special that should be captured and distributed. I am seriously saddened that of all the concerts I have seen, I have not been able to witness the great Mr. A-Z in person. I guess I will get there some day.