Jason Mraz, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.”

Cleverly crafted and melodically mesmerizing, the new album by Jason Mraz, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, beams with authenticity.

Mraz’s relaxed and upbeat hits like “I’m Yours” or “Lucky” from the early 2000s may be familiar to most, but these lovey-dovey and acoustic songs don’t define his constantly evolving sound. Starting in the alt-rock space before dabbling in folk, soul and even reggae on 2020’s Look For The Good, Mraz now explores disco with Martin Terefe, who also produced 2008’s We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

Surprisingly, Mraz’s smooth and warm vocals work very well with this modern take on the era of uptempo dance.

As a ringing bowl introduces “Getting Started,” listeners are placed into a self-aware space that usually accompanies the sound meditation or music therapy tool.

“But because where we’ve been/ I get the feeling that this isn’t the end,” he crisply sings. From there, the song speeds up. Its layered arrangement becomes melodic grandeur. The orchestral and choral elements enhance the sense of an epic adventure.

What follows are upbeat disco songs, of course. “I Feel Like Dancing” has a strong brass section creating infectious grooves and an air of confidence. As Jason Mraz delivers his uniquely fast-paced and clever wordplay, the song feels authentic to the singer’s carefree and positive attitude.

Just as dance-inducing is “Feel Good Too,” with the string swells and rhythmic stabs characteristic of ’70s disco. However, the song does introduce a rock element at one point. With harmonizing in the chorus, the sound is Mraz’s own textured twist on the genre. It’s not the only one on the album. “Pancakes & Butter” begins with acoustic guitar-driven melodies that meet a sensual beat and lush instrumentation. Though the seductive sound makes sense for a love song, there’s an air of playfulness given the love comparison to the literal subject matter.

While “Disco Sun” continues embodying disco, there’s an urgency and seriousness to it. Its low-intensity sound differs greatly from the other tracks’ joyful and celebratory atmosphere.

“Show me how your garden grows/ Is it kept or do you let it go?” Mraz sings to the fast tempo.

Jason Mraz pairs disco with the ’60s counterculture movement. In doing so, the song radiates with the two eras’ shared celebration of self-expression.

With a shift in mood, “Irony of Loneliness” carries a gentle and subdued tone that creates an intimate and tender atmosphere. Soulfully resonant throughout, its warmth and Mraz’s slow singing evokes vulnerability.

“I feel it too,” Mraz sings at the end. As the first mention of his own experience, the song erupts.

He continues his vulnerability, reflecting on his life in “Little Time.” The acoustic strumming sets the rhythmic foundation, guiding us through his introspection. Going through milestone ages, the song takes an intriguing turn with a modulation before the singer’s current age.

“Time be kind to me/ Yes, time is all I need,” he sings out a desire many share for achieving all hopes and dreams in this lifetime.

“You Might Like It” immediately soothes any self-doubt that may come with reflecting on those dreams. Returning with the grooviness of earlier tracks, it carries  assurance and excitement. Sitar playing adds mystique and transcendence.

“Living your dream is hard work/ Go on and try it/ You might like it,” Mraz encourages.

“Lovesick Romeo” feels like a direct example of how Mraz has lived out his artistic dream thus far. Returning to his alt-rock sound, the energetic song sounds like a jam session as it begins, adding brass as it goes on. As the album closes, “If You Think You’ve Seen It All” represents the hopefulness and wholesomeness Jason Mraz represents.

“We’re just getting started,” Mraz sings as the slow tune ends just how it started, with the ringing bowl.