Jacob Johnson: "Surviving The Dream" (2024) CD Review

Jacob Johnson is a singer and songwriter based in Greenville, South Carolina. He released his first album, Est. 1986, in 2007, and followed that with Wild And Sweet: A Christmas Album in 2013, One-Take Jake in 2014, and Gospel Sessions in 2021. His most recent release, last year's Surviving The Dream, features mostly original material, written or co-written by Jacob Johnson, along with two really good covers. Joining him on this album are Aaron Bowen on keyboards, Wayne Mason on upright bass, Mark Eshenbaugh on electric bass and backing vocals, Stephen Campbell on bass, Shane Nelson on drums, John Henry on drums, Jack Ryan on drums, Rory Hoffman on accordion, Mickey Raphael on harmonica, Gray Lee on backing vocals, Ella Hennessy on backing vocals, and Emily Landrum on backing vocals.

The album's opening track, "The Sketchiest Motel In Fayetteville," begins with some impressive work by Jacob Johnson on guitar, and soon features some cool work on bass. But when I really begin to love this song is when Jacob sings the lines, "The stars are shining, but only out of pity/As I pull into the Carolina Motor Inn." I love that idea of the stars shining, but only out of pity. There is also an Aerosmith reference, including a nod to "Walk This Way." I appreciate the humor of the song, the playfulness. "But I'll see you in the morning/If I don't get lost again or killed/I just wanted you to know/There is someone who loves you/In the sketchiest motel in Fayetteville." Ah, so sweet. Anyone who has been on the road will be able to relate to this song. We've all stayed at motels like this. I bet anyone who listens has at least one particular motel in mind. Usually we knew right away, before even getting into the room, that it was going to be less-than-deal, but these days even the worst motels are not cheap. There is more wonderful guitar work later in the track. This song was written by Jacob Johnson and John Norwood. "F. Scott Fitzgerald" likewise begins with some good work on guitar, then very quickly kicks in to become a fun number. It's about a couple on the road, storing change for the tolls in the ashtray (just as many of us did). There is a great joy to be had in being on the road with that special someone, singing songs, and this song expresses that feeling so well. "We’re gonna sing all those songs about highways and freedom/And make up a few of our own/And make up a few of our own." Yes, this is a good song to add to your road trip play list. It is giving me that itch to get on the road. This is one of my personal favorites. Adding to its charm and good vibes is Rory Hoffman on accordion. "And the road says, 'Welcome home'/You've got an old soul, but you're not alone."

Jacob changes gears then with "So Far Away," a different sort of love song, one of distance. There is an intimate feel to the vocal delivery, and a bluesy vibe to this one. Check out these lines: "The stars are beginning to twinkle and shine/Until they’ve each found their place/I’m still looking for mine/But they’ll all disappear when the night turns to day/Why are you so far away?" A song for all of us who have had or are currently in a long distance relationship. Life is much too short to be separated from that special person for too long. That's followed by "Old Soul," a delicious guitar instrumental track. The vibe is somewhat laid back, with a cool attitude. And because of its title, we think back to "F. Scott Fitzgerald," with that line "You've got an old soul, but you're not alone" connecting the two songs. We certainly don't feel alone while enjoying this guitar work.

The first cover of the album is "Still Is Still Moving To Me," which was written by Willie Nelson and included on his 1993 album Across The Borderline. This one is not among the most frequently covered of Nelson's songs, and it provides Jacob Johnson with another opportunity to shine on the guitar. I especially love that lead in the middle. This track also features some really nice work by Aaron Bowen on keys. There is a strong energy to this one. It is followed by the album's other cover, "Jessica," the Allman Brothers tune, which is also this album's second instrumental track. Jacob Johnson delivers a tender and pretty rendition. It contains wonderful work by Mickey Raphael on harmonica, followed by a short but nice lead on bass by Stephen Campbell. There is a such a good feel to this version, and, who knows, that might have something to do with the fact that Jacob Johnson's wife is named Jessica.

"Surviving The Dream" (the album's title track) is a title that stands out for me. In the television and film industry (and elsewhere, I imagine), people will often remark that they are "living the dream." It's generally offered in a less-than-sincere tone, but there is still some truth to it, whether they mean it or not. It's just that the dream is not what others, or they themselves, had imagined it to me. Surviving the dream is something else again. It is more about enduring, and perhaps gives a darker, negative connotation to the dream itself. On this track, Rory Hoffman again delivers some nice work on accordion. This song too includes the phrase "old soul": "I’ve been an old soul since the day of my birth/But life’s just as short, so what is it worth/If I’m not surviving the dream?" It is about persevering, and there is humor to this one too. It is one you might find yourself singing along to, especially on its rousing chorus. Maybe that would be best with a glass of beer in your hand. There is also some great stuff on electric guitar. It is another of the disc's highlights. The album then concludes with "The Goodnight Chorus," a song that takes place in those early hours of morning, after a night of music, a night of drinking. It was written by Jacob Johnson and Gray Lee, and, yes, there is some excellent guitar work on this track too. This one builds beautifully, powerfully. I love getting caught up in its momentum. "Goodnight to the voice/Of a lost generation/Singing for tips/In a dark railway station."

CD Track List

1. The Sketchiest Motel In Fayetteville
2. F. Scott Fitzgerald
3. So Far Away
4. Old Soul
5. Still Is Still Moving To Me
6. Jessica
7. Surviving The Dream
8. The Goodnight Chorus

Surviving The Dream was released on October 11, 2024.