John Mayer returns with a brand new album: Born And Raised, successor to 2009's deep, dark Battle Studies, which in turn followed 2006's Continuum. The latter was a bluesy affair, complete with pop infused guitarwork, poignant lyrics and that blues swing, which made it so memorably definitive. Continuum was the album that introduced me to Mayer and tempted me with his back-catalogue, which explored the mainstream pop realm of guitar based music. Continuum was 10/10 across the board, with every song offering a different experience to the last. A truly wonderful piece of work and a compelling start-point for any newbies to Mayer's music.
He then decided to step away from the bluesy Continuum and tapped into his inner remorse and frustration to produce Battle Studies, an album rich with intimacy and tales of love, loss and living.
Born And Raised sees Mayer a maturer musician, with his guitar-work returning to the swingier style of Continuum and the messages of Battle Studies resonating through but without such frustrated depth. Mayer seems to have learnt from passed mistakes, overcome his present-day obstacles and gotten on par with himself and what he has around him.
Reinventing his image as a lost countryman, his pre-album photography portrays Mayer in cowboy hat with long locks, the tash is back and the Texan attire sings in harmony with the outback in the background. He is a different man to the one he describes in Battle Studies' 'Assassin', and long gone is the imagery of 'Your Body Is A Wonderland'.
It's a week to the day since the release, already it's set for No1 in the states and I've given Born And Raised a week of listening. I made my purchase a week ago and listened intently to what I consider to be Mayer's most profound work. It's very hard, looking at the track list, to criticise. It's even hard to make specific recommendations, the album is a masterpiece from start to finish. I considered as I listened that my review of the album would be biased, such as my adoration for the music Mayer can create. But having listened more and more, nobody would be able to begrudge Mayer's work here. It's not the pop-sing-a-long of years gone by, but Born And Raised is honest and earthy.
Immediately, the intricacy of Mayer's flawless guitar work on 'Queen Of California' set's the tone. It's late evening, Route 66, sunset mood immediately establishes the mellow, country-rock we're about to experience.
'The Age Of Worry' remains my pick of the bunch purely for how deep the message resonates with me at a particularly fitting time of my life. Produced delicately and beautifully by Mayer and Don Was, The Age Of Worry is a sweet stab of wisdom Mayer has acquired over the years.
The album then weaves it's way through Mayer's previous misgivings, presenting a true and gritty acceptance of his past and reconciling it. Shadow Days see's a heavy weight lifted from Mayer's shoulders, If I Ever Get Round To Living is evocative in the search for fulfilment in life.
On par with Battle Studies, the rock'n'roll element resides with Something Like Olivia, instead of Cream's 'Crossroads' on the previous album.
It is Love Is A Verb though, that portrays the maturity of this album, which has seen Mayer delve into the sweet realm of old-school, honest, earthy American country rock. It's a truly magnificent album.
