J.E.Borgen's The General Store is a perfect example of how an album can totally hook you in less than 10 seconds. With Wilco-inspired, alt country quaintness occasionally swirled together with dreamy, atmospheric backdrops, exchanged by temporary travels into something more jammy and reminiscent of distant Jack Johnson, J.E.Borgen has a way of fully exploring each and every world he musically explores, leaving listeners fully satiated, like full bellies of sound. In its simplicity, the album is merely a guy with a guitar, supported by varied instrumental color but that certain something possessing this ten-track album makes it stand out among hundreds.
CDBaby.com
April 25, 2006

Possibly one of the most promising albums of the year comes from from one of the most promising musicians in the independent scene today. Mixing equal parts Dispatch and Jack Johnson, throwing in a little bit of country and a lot of folk music, J.E.Borgen has developed a sound that is very much his own. This album, his second independent release, is a springboard of possibility and opportunity and no fan of independent singer songwriter music should be without a copy.
Tony Gisondi, Thisismodern.net
April 25, 2006

Rather than calling The General Store relevant, it would be more informational to say that The General Store is the work of a budding artist who has the potential to be one of his generation’s best in pop music.
Joel Dunham, CDreviews.com
April 16, 2006

Mulling over the various subgenres of rock music, it’s hard to find one that carries a more negative connotation than soft rock. And rightly so: when I think of soft rock, staid waiting rooms, elevators, and Walmarts come to mind. Music that’s so unambitiously bland that corporations use it to subconsciously convince people to browse a little longer. Despite the general rule of thumb that soft rock is wretched, however, there are a very, very few diamonds in the rough even here. Before this album, I think I could only point you towards the fine soft rock of The Sea and Cake and the quieter material among early (early, mind you) Dave Matthews Band. Jon-Erik Borgen, however, manages to join these thin ranks with this wonderful album: it’s one of those few records that is neither a note too short or too long but is just right.
Joel Dunham, CDReviews.com
August 30, 2004

With his debut record, Outside, released independently in January 2004, Jon-Erik Borgen emerges as a talented up and coming singer songwriter. The album's ten original works showcase Borgen's eclectic alternative folk-rock sound that is inspired by the music of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Beatles, Bob Marley, 10,000 Maniacs, Mark Knopfler, and Dave Matthews. Borgen's songwriting eloquently draws upon his life experiences with honesty, introspection, and emotion. Through reflective lyrics and contagious melodies, Outside truly draws widespread appeal.
CDBaby.com
November 30, 2004

Borgen's guitar and vocal work blend together nicely on his new CD. His voice is light but mature, and fans of John Mayer and Mason Jennings will be pleasantly surprised.
Tom Boyd, Vail Trail Issue
June 3, 2004

It was a pleasure to work with Jon-Erik on his first album Outside. Not only is he a great guy, but he is a talented writer and performer. He has a cool and unique sense of rhythm evident in his phrasing, and his lyrics are poetic and original. His jazz influences are reflected in the swing of the songs and originality in the melodies and harmonies. Each song on the cd has depth and strength to makeup quite an outstanding debut album for this budding artist.
John Mailloux, Engineer/Owner of Bongo Beach Productions, Fall River, MA

Jon-Erik and his band brought the energy. Everyone was into the scene the whole set. It was one of the best turnouts we’ve ever seen here for a new artist.
TT the Bears’ Production Manager, Sean D

Borgen has a natural stage presence that permeates throughout the room. He loves to perform and it shows in his energy and his music.
Erik Privert, Booking Agent, Ed Keane Associates