2008 Woodie Awards
John Mayer Grows Up
"Continuum" is the songwriter's most mature album yet. Has he lost a step as he gets older?
Nicole Curtis
Issue date: 9/20/06 Section: Entertainment
John Mayer's newest album, "Continuum," is unlike anything he has previously released. Mayer was once only known for his acoustic groove and pop songs, but he has grown, and so has the effect of his influences in his music.
"Continuum" is a strangely pleasant mix of bluesy jazz, which is at times reminiscent of Eric Clapton. The first single and opening track, "Waiting On The World To Change," is a pop-esque commentary on the world, and the current state of affairs. It includes (but is not limited to) commentary on the war in Iraq. This is a tired subject for pop music, and it makes for a clichÈ opening. The song feels a little forced as well as insincere, and listening any further may
suddenly feel like a mistake.
However, as soon as the second track, "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)," cues up, Mayer succeeds in conveying his intent for "Continuum." This album is part of this artist's search for "his" sound. It seems that John Mayer is reaching for his niche.
He soars with infectious bluesy ballads and songs, where his guitar often speaks louder than his words.
Unlike his previous albums, "Continuum" is not riddled with sappy lover's lament. Mayer instead reflects upon war, the importance of personal belief, the pangs of growing up, and of course, the occasional break up. Mayer also takes on the challenge of covering a Jimi Hendrix favorite, "Bold as Love." The results are surprisingly good. He also hits the spot with "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," a provocative break-up ballad.
Mayer fans may be shocked by this album's content, and it feels like Mayer is on the brink of reaching a completely new and more mature audience.
"Continuum" should come as no surprise to Mayer's fans though, considering the recent release of the live John Mayer Trio record, "Try!" "Continuum" features two songs first heard on that album.
"Vultures" and "Gravity" make their studio-rendition debut, and both of these songs outshine the majority of rest of the record.
While "Continuum" is considerably different from anything else Mayer has written, it is his most mature record.
Both Mayer and his fans should not give up on the search for this artist's sound.
"Continuum" is a strangely pleasant mix of bluesy jazz, which is at times reminiscent of Eric Clapton. The first single and opening track, "Waiting On The World To Change," is a pop-esque commentary on the world, and the current state of affairs. It includes (but is not limited to) commentary on the war in Iraq. This is a tired subject for pop music, and it makes for a clichÈ opening. The song feels a little forced as well as insincere, and listening any further may
suddenly feel like a mistake.
However, as soon as the second track, "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)," cues up, Mayer succeeds in conveying his intent for "Continuum." This album is part of this artist's search for "his" sound. It seems that John Mayer is reaching for his niche.
He soars with infectious bluesy ballads and songs, where his guitar often speaks louder than his words.
Unlike his previous albums, "Continuum" is not riddled with sappy lover's lament. Mayer instead reflects upon war, the importance of personal belief, the pangs of growing up, and of course, the occasional break up. Mayer also takes on the challenge of covering a Jimi Hendrix favorite, "Bold as Love." The results are surprisingly good. He also hits the spot with "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," a provocative break-up ballad.
Mayer fans may be shocked by this album's content, and it feels like Mayer is on the brink of reaching a completely new and more mature audience.
"Continuum" should come as no surprise to Mayer's fans though, considering the recent release of the live John Mayer Trio record, "Try!" "Continuum" features two songs first heard on that album.
"Vultures" and "Gravity" make their studio-rendition debut, and both of these songs outshine the majority of rest of the record.
While "Continuum" is considerably different from anything else Mayer has written, it is his most mature record.
Both Mayer and his fans should not give up on the search for this artist's sound.
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