TUCSON, Ariz. — Known more for his guitar than his surfboard, Jack Johnson’s latest album, Sleep Through the Static, seemingly attempts to blend his two passions, while also doing what he can for the environment.

Johnson utilized a studio that was 100 percent solar-powered while recording Static.

But the solar panels weren’t the only thing that was green. The early 1900s house that acted as his studio is complete with Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs, dual-flush toilets and energy-efficient appliances.

Johnson, coming off his successful In Between Dreams CD, his third album which sold over two million copies, mixes his familiar upbeat yet also chill sound with a slower, more deliberate beat throughout his most recent album.

Songs such as “All at Once” and “Monsoon” both shine at certain parts, yet drag through others. Even the second song, “Sleep Through the Static,” which the album is aptly named after, follows this trend.

His first single off Static, “If I Had Eyes,” is the lone outcast — it’s no wonder why that song is one of the few that radio stations across the country play.

And while it certainly shines in parts — “Monsoon” comes to mind — Static is certainly a step back from Dreams, if for no other reason than the latter album may have raised the bar too high for a successful follow-up.

Songs like “Banana Pancakes” and “Breakdown” from that album each have an original and individual sound to them. Other than “If I Had Eyes” from Static, the album has a common sound that takes away from its ability to be played over and over — a major draw to many of Johnson’s listeners.

In all, Static is certainly another fine work from Johnson, but in perspective, a downer from what he’s possibly capable of.

Have a listen of "If I Had Eyes":