Straight On till Morning (album)
Straight On till Morning is the fifth album by American jam band Blues Traveler. It was released in July 1997 (see 1997 in music). The title of the album, and the accompanying cover art, are from the directions to Neverland, as given by Peter Pan in J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" (1904/1911): "Second star to the right and "straight on 'til morning"." It is the last of the band's albums to feature bassist Bobby Sheehan, who died of a drug overdose in 1999. Critical reception. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine found some criticism in  the band's loose musicianship and John Popper's vocal delivery but gave praise to the "succinct and eclectic" track listing containing multiple genres and catchy pop hooks that appeases both the band's "jam-oriented cult following" and their newly gained "hook-happy fans", concluding that: ""Straight on Till Morning" is the first studio record that captures the essence of the band." "Entertainment Weekly" writer Jim Farber noted the band's jam guitar riffs and percussion beats being more grounded into "appealingly long melodies", Popper's signature harmonica playing and "blithe delivery" of "cute and self-deprecating" humor remain  as highlights and the "overall perkiness" throughout the album avoids the musical quirks of Phish and Dave Matthews Band, concluding that: "Like the modest period pieces they recall, Blues Traveler’s boogies offer a happy little buzz." Don McLeese of "Rolling Stone" called the album "sprawlingly ambitious", highlighting "Great Big World" for showcasing the band's trademark instrumentation to its fullest, saying that "such high-powered musicianship supports the sort of melodic momentum that'll grab the ears of those more interested in songs than jams." Conversely, Pat Rooney of the "Chicago Tribune" said: "With complex arrangements, lush melodies and  dreamy imagery, "Straight On Till Morning" supports the group's reputation for upbeat vibes and improvisational jams. But though the musicianship runs deep, the songcraft comes up short." Personnel. Adapted credits from the liner notes of "Straight On till Morning".