Drawing from influences as diverse as Justin Timberlake, Portishead, Beck and Goldfrapp, "Shine Right Where You Are" finds Chicago singer-songwriter John Jones blending his love of pop, R&B and electronica. "Ride" was co-written by its featured singer and rapper, fellow Chicagoan Typhanie Monique, and there are covers of two of John's favorite acts: Wendy & Lisa ("Fruit at the Bottom") and Lalah Hathaway (her Grammy-nominated ballad "That Was Then" is reworked as a dance track here). The remaining 14 songs were written by John, and the entire album was recorded at home on a Mac.