Tag: John Mayer

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John Mayer – The Search for Everything – Wave Two

John Mayer – The Search for Everything – Wave Two (Columbia Records – 2017)

John Mayer released the second round of tracks from his upcoming album, The Search for Everything. The album’s songs have been teased to fans in sets of four, Wave Two being the second set. In the opening track, “Still Feel Like Your Man,” Mayer confesses he has not let go of a past love. The song is full of groove and smooth vocal harmonies. The change of tempo in the bridge gives the blues-pop track an extra level of dimension. The ballad of the bunch, “Emoji of a Wave,” features a simple guitar melody. The echo-y oohs and ahs sung in the chorus can put you into a relaxing daydream. The energy picks right back up with “Helpless,” where Mayer’s electric guitar takes the lead—it lends itself to a few punchy solos that take up nearly half of the song. When looking at Wave One and Wave Two as one unit, it’s clear Mayer is staying true to his original blues-pop roots, but still adding a hint of country and folk here and there.

Trial Track: “Still Feel Like Your Man”

Rating: 8/10

 

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Music Quickspins

John Mayer – The Search for Everything – Wave One

John Mayer – The Search for Everything – Wave One (Columbia Records, 2017)

John Mayer recently released four tracks off of his upcoming album, The Search for Everything. It’s been over three years since Mayer released an LP and, based on these songs, it’s evident he’s going back to his original musical roots. The first single, “Love on the Weekend,” takes fans back to the days of Room For Squares—it’s reminiscent of the catchy, pop-bluesy hits Mayer first established himself with. The mid-tempo, the reverb-filled guitar riffs and Mayer’s silky, smooth voice come together to tell a love story. In “Changing,” Mayer reflects on growing older. It starts off with a simple piano ballad, but by the bridge, a killer blues electric guitar solo kicks in, signature to Mayer’s style. “You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me,” is a subdued, sad piano ballad accompanied by whistles and emotionally-driven lyrics. The Search for Everything – Wave One is a must-listen for all Mayer fans—prepare to get hyped for the full-length release.

Trial Track: “Changing”
8.5/10

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Music

John Mayer, reborn and resurrected

Rating: 9.1/10
Rating: 9.1/10
John Mayer has had his ups and downs in the media. After capturing our attention with his breakthrough album, Room for Squares, he continued to impress by dabbling in different genres, all the while sticking to his signature raspy vocals.

But when his poorly thought out comments hit the presses in both Rolling Stone and Playboy magazine, it heavily damaged his public image, and forced him to retreat from the spotlight. It did not help either that his previous album, Battle Studies, was considered one of his weakest efforts to date, as he churned more radio-friendly material.

In his latest effort, Born and Raised, Mayer has gone to the roots of American music, with  classic rock and country thrown in for good measure. The result is one of his best works, which draws heavy influence from Neil Young and southern rock legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd.

However, the greatest influence to the album is Mayer’s personal roadmap, and each track seems to offer an apology. Lead single, “Shadow Days,” asks fans and exes for forgiveness with the lyrics “I’m a good man with a good heart/had a tough time/got a rough start/but I finally learned to let it go.”

Though the record is an excellent listen, fans will be disappointed to learn that Mayer is suffering from throat granuloma, which has forced him to cancel his upcoming tour. Nevertheless, the album, set for a May 22 release, serves as an excellent comeback album, full of the songwriting and technical ability that fans have loved for the past decade.

Trial track: “A Face to Call Home”

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