Utilizing a strong pop sensibility and thoughtful lyrics that hark back to the singer/songwriter movement of the 1970's, John Jones refers to "Everything I Have" as "the album I was born to make. It's hard to imagine capturing any more of my heart and soul than I did on this record." The project was a labor of love. Recorded and mixed entirely at home in Apple's Garageband program, only 4 of the album's 18 tracks feature guest musicians. The majority of the music was played, sung, and programmed by John himself...and it wasn't a fast process. "On one hand, working alone is great because you only have yourself to answer to...all the creative decisions are yours," John reflects. "But on the other hand, there's no one to reign you in when you get lost on a journey of improvements. There isn't a song on this album that I didn't remix at least six times. I try not to overthink my songs because I don't want them to sound mannered...but when most of your lyrics come straight from your own life and beliefs, it's like you're paying tribute to all you've experienced and everything you stand for. So it has to be just right." Indeed, "Everything I Have" is full of stories John has lived. "Searching" was written during a battle with depression. "Find You Again" is full of the longing that only an absent loved one could inspire. "Karma Man" confesses to missteps on the road to being a better person. Most importantly to John, "there are two songs that sum up what I think life is really about. 'People That You See' is a call for kindness and consideration. 'God in Your Houses' is also, but built around the idea that if you believe in God, it's the same as with your parents...you're not them but since they made you, you're a piece of them. Mistreating or disregarding someone is, in my opinion, disregarding God. It's deep and simple all at once. I'm extremely proud of those songs; they're the best things I've ever written." John is quick to point out, however, that "Everything I Have" isn't a religious album and isn't always built on heavy thoughts. "Just Another Love Song" offers clever lyrics about wanting to avoid clichés as John writes "love song number million and five." "Talk to Me" reaches out to a friend in need, while the 60's-flavored "Not Again" chronicles the tug of war when you can't keep your hands off someone who you know isn't good for you. When asked about the sunny pop song "Better With a Friend," John laughs and says, "let's just say it was written in the midst of an extremely casual and hedonistic friendship." In fact, John says there are only four songs that were initially written without a particular person or experience in mind..."but when I listened to the finished versions, I realized even they were rooted in someone or something that crossed my path. I'd love to write a couple of abstract tall tales, but that's one thing I never seem to manage." What John does manage is to create catchy melodies, earthy production and heartfelt vocals for an 18-song tour de force...one with a very fitting title.