Battle Studies is John Mayer’s newest album released back in November. I’ve just been torn on this album ever since I got my copy so I never bothered writing a review. My liking it just depended on the time of day and the alignment of Mars and Neptune it seemed. I couldn’t figure out why that was, until I watched an interview of John. He was asked why he doesn’t shred or really get funky on any of his albums that lots of his fans know him for. His reply was so simple, and made more sense than I could have ever deduced on my own.
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should.” – John Mayer
It made total sense, and ever after I heard him say that, the album grew on me more every time I listened to it. John Mayer is a true musician, songwriter and artist. He does what he feels, not what he thinks others want. The album is sleek and smooth, a totally refined experience when you actually listen to it and pay attention.
My favorite tracks are “Who Says” and “Perfectly Lonely”, songs about a new found independence and control over one’s own life. Another favorite is “Assassin”… which is a bit more serious, but so well written and produced it’s rather piercing to anyone who can relate. ”Edge of Desire” is 5 minutes and 32 seconds of baring of Mayer’s soul, which builds up to an amazing wall of sound that if it doesn’t move you, you’ve never been in love.
It’s without his over bubbly pop songs (so glad for that), so teeny boppers need not apply. Unless you’re a Taylor Swift fan, she’s on the album on “Half of My Heart”. Not a true duet, but a good track.
This album is heavy, and I will admit at times it gets a little too serious for those not in his shoes. As John puts it, “The album is called Battle Studies and that’s because it incorporates a lot of the lessons, a lot of the observations, and a little bit of advice. Like a handbook, like a heartbreak handbook.” It plays just like how he described it. I, like some of the critics, wouldn’t have minded some more of his signature guitar riffs… but that isn’t what the album is about and I can respect that.
I was glancing over some other reviews of the album, and surprised how some reviews were negative simply because the album wasn’t what the critic wanted it to be. They wanted gratuitous guitar solos and less seriousness. Well, of course you won’t like an album if it’s not the album you wanted to be listening to.
So I’m one of those types that enjoy electric and slow blues more than most others my age, and also one of those that know John Mayer is an absolute monster on the guitar. Sadly though, people who listen to only his studio albums and radio hits will never know the same John Mayer I know.
