Jack Johnson, fresh off the success of a platinum-selling album and two Grammy nominations, embarked on a unique musical journey: creating the soundtrack for the animated film Curious George, produced by Ron Howard. This wasn’t just another project for Johnson; it was a chance to blend his laid-back musical style with the whimsical world of a beloved children’s character. In a conversation with Glide, Johnson unveiled the fascinating details behind the creation of these memorable curious george song compositions.
From Surfboards to Soundtracks: Johnson’s Curious George Connection
When approached about the film, Johnson’s initial reaction was one of enthusiasm, partly fueled by childhood nostalgia. “Yeah, I liked him a lot,” Johnson admitted, recalling his early fondness for Curious George. This personal connection made the project more appealing, aligning with his desire to work on something his young son could enjoy. The timing was perfect, as Johnson had just become a father, making the Curious George soundtrack a harmonious blend of professional endeavor and personal life. He saw it as an opportunity to “keep doing music, but at the same time, spending time writing songs that are in that energy of kids and stuff.”
However, the Curious George of the silver screen wasn’t a direct replica of the books from our childhood. Johnson noted the studio’s modern adaptation, explaining, “They changed the story quite a bit. They kept it similar, but some of the stuff [from the original books] wasn’t very politically correct.” He cited the original premise of the Man in the Yellow Hat bringing George from the jungle to the zoo as an example of outdated themes that were revised for contemporary audiences. In the film, George’s arrival in New York is more accidental, reflecting a shift towards a more sensitive narrative.
Crafting the Curious George Songs: A Collaborative and Iterative Process
Initially asked to contribute just a couple of songs, Johnson’s creative passion took over. “At first they were like, ‘Will you write two songs for this film?’ but I told them that I’d write as many as they wanted,” he recounted. Ultimately, he composed around seven or eight tracks for the movie.
The songwriting process was a unique collaboration between musician and filmmakers. Johnson received “just drawings with little explanations of each scene that they wanted songs for” as initial inspiration. He would then create musical sketches, providing the filmmakers with a sonic landscape to begin animating. This back-and-forth was iterative, with animation being developed alongside the music.
As the animation progressed, Johnson would refine his songwriting. “After, they’d show me more detailed pictures, I’d write more detailed lyrics,” he explained. The challenge was to create lyrics that resonated with the film’s narrative without being too literal. Johnson aimed for “metaphors that describe the scene better than trying to exactly match what was going on,” adding depth and emotion to the animated sequences through his music.
This collaborative approach, while rewarding, was also time-consuming. Johnson acknowledged the iterative nature of the project, “It was really fun. I liked it because I had the time to do it. I think it would’ve been a drag if I didn’t have enough time to put into it, because it wasn’t like I’d just finish a song and give it to them. A lot of times they’d send it back with notes.” The songs underwent revisions and rearrangements to perfectly synchronize with the evolving film, demonstrating the dedication to seamlessly integrating the curious george song elements into the movie.
Balancing Act: Music, Surfing, and Family Life
The Curious George project occurred during a period when Johnson was contemplating taking a break from the relentless cycle of touring and recording. He mentioned warnings from his business team about potentially losing fans during extended breaks, but Johnson remained unfazed. “That doesn’t worry me too much. I never expected all this to happen anyways, I’m pretty damn excited about how far it’s all gone. If I take a break and come back, it’s not a big deal and doesn’t worry me.” This laid-back attitude, a hallmark of his persona, extended to his songwriting process as well. “If songs come, they do, and if they don’t, they don’t. I’m not going to try to force them. That’s how I keep the whole machine running.”
Johnson’s passions extend beyond music to surfing, a significant part of his lifestyle and often intertwined with his touring schedule. He humorously compared the demanding nature of professional surfing to being a musician, concluding that surfers “have it a lot harder, mainly because of the kinds of places they travel to.” He appreciates the relative ease of musician’s tours, which allow him to bring his family and offer a degree of predictability, contrasting it with the more unpredictable and remote travels of surfers. Despite his busy schedule, Johnson prioritizes surfing, especially when he’s home in Hawaii, finding balance between his creative pursuits and personal well-being.
Humor and Perspective: Saturday Night Live and the Price of Fame
Johnson’s down-to-earth nature is further highlighted by his reaction to being parodied on Saturday Night Live. Initially apprehensive upon hearing the news, “my heart just sunk, I was just like, ‘Ohhhh shit,’” he was relieved and amused by the gentle ribbing he received. “I felt like, as far as being on there and getting parodied, that was about as easy as you can get off, you know, getting teased for not wearing shoes much, and being a bit of a hippie or whatever. It was pretty funny, I was cracking up.” His mother’s approval sealed the deal, confirming the lighthearted and good-natured nature of the parody.
Reflecting on fame and fortune, Johnson offered a grounded perspective, echoing the themes in one of his earlier, lesser-known songs. “They say that money made him change, but I don’t really think so. I think the money gave him the means to be exactly what he wanted, and maybe that means we gave him a little too much credit, and the person he was before, was the only one he could afford.” He connects this idea to the White Stripes song “Little Room,” emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s creative core, regardless of external success.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Jack Johnson’s Curious George Songs
Jack Johnson’s soundtrack for Curious George is more than just a collection of curious george song tracks; it’s a testament to his artistic versatility and genuine approach to music. Crafted with care and collaboration, these songs perfectly capture the spirit of the beloved monkey and resonate with both children and adults. The project exemplifies Johnson’s ability to seamlessly blend his signature sound with diverse themes, creating music that is both enjoyable and meaningful. His involvement with Curious George remains a highlight in his career, showcasing his talent for creating universally appealing melodies.
