Worldwide Praise for Luke’s Jackson’s …And Then Some continues to pour in…
“…an eloquent, expressive set that exudes both confidence and an enthusiasm that’s downright infectious. Jackson’s drive and desire race at full throttle. And yet, in those moments of sublime repose, where the strings swell and the emotions soar, he demonstrates an intrinsic taste, craft and intelligence that affirm his natural pop pedigree. “It’s only January, but it’s not too early to declare … And Then Some one of the most significant discoveries of the year.” 9/10
– Lee Zimmerman, Blurt
“I had never heard of Luke Jackson before but today he is the smartest man alive!”
– What To Wear During An Orange Alert
Interview
“The sweet guitar fills, the cascading harmonies, Jackson’s happy as heck vocals — it’s all here, a complete pop package.”
– Mike Bennett, Hablo Ennui
“Wer auf knackigen Pop-Rock und atmosphärische, melancholische Kleinode steht, der wird hier bestens bedient.”
– Markus Kerren, rocktimes.de
“Sounding something like Teenage Fanclub if they were lost in Scandinavia and developed a taste for string sections …And Then Some is power pop paradise that’s as lush as it is poppy. With lush, delicate arrangements, the tender moments on …And Then Some become even more poignant and emotional…”A Little Voice,” is a perfect example of this as Luke Jackson gently plucks his guitar to a harmonizing string arrangement that makes the song so hauntingly fragile that it sounds as if the song might just break. Songs like these are intimate heartfelt breathers that show Luke Jackson to be in touch with his soul; they truly are stunning songs.”
– Paul Zimmerman, First Coast News
“Från de här förtsättningarna får vi helt enkelt en snygg, nittiotalsinspirerad britpopplatta med snygga arrangemang”
– Petter Seander, Red Hot Rock Magazine
“Instantly catchy choruses and plenty of dreamy harmonies. This is a expressive album that wears it’s heart on it’s sleeve. Fans of Bleu, Jeff Lynne, Canadian or Swedish power pop will flip for Luke Jackson. Just an excellent album that touches the spectrum of emotions. 8/10
-Aaron Kupferberg, powerpopaholic.com
“A Little Voice is the kind of affecting rumination that would resonate widely (instead of just deeply) if only some enterprising song wrangler were to place it over the closing scene to a Grey’s Anatomy episode.”
– John Sakamoto, Toronto Star
“All the comparisons that could easily be made with the likes of Neil Young, George Martin and Brian Wilson become obliterated by the sheer songwriting strength of Jackson’s musical personality by the end of the album. He has effortlessly created his own sophisticated pop-rock sound that breathes a musical passion, allowing him to stand outside the shadows of his predecessors. …And Then Some is everything you could ask for: passionate and uncomplicated feel-good music, and then some.” 8.8/10
– Alexander Jasperse, The Muse’s Muse
“one of this year’s most joyful and instantly lovable pop albums.”
– Jason Gladu, Popjournalism
Canada’s next biggest and brightest star has generated an album that feeds off of Beatles-esque poppiness, unpredictable and catchy key changes, and a big, sentimental sound that drives an exceptional, distinctive style. …And Then Some flirts with country, thrives on pop-rock, brims with emotion, moves with a purpose, and evokes a genteel respect from the pickiest critics. Jackson’s assortment of influences blends itself into an entirely unrecognizable object, fully intact and seamless. …And Then Some is a peaceful collision of indefinable worlds, adventurous and new, relying on the tradition of well-crafted, catchy music as its only recognizable foundation.” ****/5
– Mark Sherbin, Pensatos
“ Jackson är en driven låtskrivare med fingertoppskänsla och koll på musikhistoria. Det här är helt enkelt klassisk, tidlös pop framförd med ivrig entusiasm och är klart smittande.”
– Niclas Gustafsson, musiklandet.se
“I truly enjoyed the simple fact that I couldn’t predict where the progressions and the melodies were headed based on an intro, and Jackson’s writing displays ample savvy and cunning – the kind that come only with maturity. The pillowy-soft orchestral arrangements? Good songs are made even better. George Martin would definitely approve.”
– Simon Harrison, Wainwright Edge
“Ten tracks of expressive elegant pop, both well-rounded and equal in melodic density. There are plenty of highlights on …And Then Some, though the unrepentant glory and letting go of “Goodbye London,” surely reigns supreme.”
– Parasites & Sycophants
“…And Then Some” will have your head swirling with pure pop rock goodness…“Come Tomorrow” is a perfect example of the type of music you’ll find on this excellent release. With an instantly catchy chorus and plenty of oohs and aahs backing things up, this track hits all the right buttons.”
– Bill’s Music Forum
“Luke Jackson could become this generation’s rock/pop superstar, and his album …And Then Some (Popsicle) has him sounding like a cross between The Clash, Weezer, and Ben Folds with his energy, passionate vocals, and jingle-jangle spirit that makes this a very moving power-pop album.”
– John Book, ThisIsBooksMusic.com
“Imagine a collection of lost Kinks songs recorded in Sweden by a Canadian artist with a full orchestra guided along with a British film soundtrack sensibility, and you are only a third of the way in capturing the essence of ‘..And Then Some. These songs are timeless…each play is a delightful surprise.
“…And Then Some” combines the very best elements that great pop music albums offer: lyrics that not only resonate with listeners but also leave them caught up in hook-laden choruses, brightly chiming production values that buff everything up to an (almost) perfect sheen and, most importantly, the ability to either bring a smile to your face as the faster numbers unfold or snare your emotions with finely-wrought medium-tempo balladry. One of the best of 2008. Performance: A /Production: A
– Rod Nicholson, Scene Magazine
“genuinely Swedish sounding power-pop gems”
– Garwood Pickjon, Popism-music.com
“Come Tomorrow” might be one of the songs of the year: an insanely catchy chorus, great melody and just overall pop perfection…Don’t let this one slip by you.”
– Steve Ferra, Absolute Powerpop
“Jackson’s clear voice and reflective lyrics emphasize the amount of talent he possesses, and the strings add a distinct depth and flare to every track. Hopefully fans won’t have to wait another six years until he records again.”
– Kim Hutchison, Ponoka News
“Ik moet denken aan Jason Falkner, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe en zelfs aan Alan Parsons. Jackson trapt echter nergens in de valkuil door al te duidelijk te laten horen waar hij de mosterd vandaan haalt. And Then Some is dan ook een aangename plaat.”
– Ewie, File Under
“This album features soaring, glistening pop recorded entirely on analog equipment which may explain the nice warm sound…Luke Jackson’s music is both commercially accessible and artistically credible. Cool pop cuts include “Come Tomorrow,” “Trouble,” and “Half a World Away”. (Rating: 5/5)
– babysue®
“Jackson knows his way around a musical hook and there are enough of them built into the 10 tracks here that even the most cynical musical sad sack will smile when hearing them for the first time. Goodbye London would be a perfect fit for a film soundtrack with its sassy bounce and happy vibe. Even the ballads are buoyant. B+
– Jeff Monk, Uptown
“Jackson proves he can take the whole pop spectrum and make it his own. This is really a solid piece of pop rock from a performer who’s come to terms with life and his music. The genre-bending style and string arrangements add something of the Beatles to the mix, and there’s no doubt Jackson channeled some Abbey Road or Revolver for this album.”
– Thierry Black, hour.ca
“…And Then Some features a healthy dose of great pop songs that sound like instant classics. They’re big, bold productions that have a presence beyond just the sheen on a glossy production.”
– quickbeforeitmelts.com
If you’re going to make a power pop record then it is best to sound like the pop has been shaken and is fizzing, fit to burst out and shouting with happiness. So begins this record. “Come Tomorrow” is a musical 1,000 watt smile. … Jackson offers much more than power pop. The nearest I can think of is the musical wanderlust of Peter Bruntnell and Jackson isn’t shamed by the comparison; he’s got talent… and then some.
– David Cowling, americana-uk.com
“I’d likely hear Come Tomorrow as part of a montage in some sort of movie that might star someone like Owen and/or Luke Wilson. One of those quirky type movies where the characters are going thru something that changes their lives. That’s a great use for a song like this. A positive type of message with a driving force on it.”
-Jody Whitesides, singleoftheday.com
“Jackson writes solid lyrics, and delivers them smoothly against a backdrop of the lush string work. The combination is amazing at times, in particular on the cut The Fear. This CD is compelling as it draws from rather distinct musical backgrounds, adds the richness of strings, and the solid writing of Jackson.” 8/10
– From the Desk Of Calvin Daniels
“The opening cut, “Come Tomorrow” is a nearly perfect, unabashed pop song with killer melodies and a near-perfect chorus.”
– Tim Hinely, Dagger Zine
“Jackson’s guitar playing is masterful and distinctly him. This is pop-rock that is seamless in its creation but at the same time sophisticated and passionate. It just feels good.”
– Rob Moore, The Village Idiot Magazine
“Trundling along the path of mediocrity, he reeks of ‘old’. The songs that make up Jackson’s newest release, …And Then Some, not only seem to saunter along at a mid-90’s anti-grunge ambulatory pace, but the lines sketched out by the unremarkable melodies are constantly filled in with annoyingly kitsch harmonies and a variety of pointless instrumental inclusions.”
– Steve Scully, Wireless Bollinger
“The majority of these ten songs are breezy and infectious, sprinkled liberally with seriously juicy hooks. Opener “Come Tomorrow” makes for a solid midtempo pop single, though I’m particularly impressed by tremendously catchy “Longest Day” and feel-good anthem “Goodbye London.”
– Matt Shimmer, indieville