John Mayer - Battle Studies

[Gregory Robson]

John Mayer - Battle Studies
Record Label: Aware/Columbia
Release Date: Nov. 17, 2009

These days separating John Mayer the musician from John Mayer the celebrity is quite a chore. Since the release of his major label debut Room for Squares, the New York-based songwriter has had dalliances linked to actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, singer/actress Jessica Simpson, actress Minka Kelly and most notably A-list actor Jennifer Anniston. The latter coupling has kept Mayer at the forefront of the public eye for the better part of the last two years and made him a household name for various tabloids, TV shows and the like.

But his romances alone aren't the only reason Mayer seems to attract a buzz with whatever he does. With a self-deprecating, borderline egocentric manner, the singer has to date, posted an incessant and endless amount of nonsensical tweets and YouTube videos putting him squarely in the heart of the blogosphere. He's also penned various columns for Esquire; and pulled off a much-publicized sartorial atrocity onboard his Mayercraft cruise. To put it simply, he's a long way from his days playing coffeehouses in Atlanta.

As a musician however he has amassed a whopping seven Grammy Awards, all before the age of 33 and has landed considerable success with his three studio albums, all of which have gone two-times platinum or better. So it comes with much hope, excitement and trepidation that Battle Studies is released to the world. From the album artwork to the concise track listing, everything about Battle Studies seems to hearken back to a bygone era. Sure, there's a firm grasp on modern trends, but most of this disc is eerily reminiscent of the singer-songwriter fare from the 1970s.

The album's opening number "Heartbreak Warfare," is arguably the most complete and most engaging song of his career. Referencing a late night fight fueled by red wine and Ambien, it chronicles the difficulties of romance in such an honest and normal manner, as if to prove that despite his celebrity, he truly is just an average guy, with all the same struggles and difficulties as the rest of us. Smoky, gauzy and buttressed by light falsetto, "Heartbreak Warfare," is a powerhouse. In an odd move, a ballad, "All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye," follows and its a sprawling work aided by a somber piano, lilting guitar line and an undeniably crestfallen Mayer, who sings with as much conviction and clarity as any point in his career.

In an effort to lighten the mood, the playful Half of My Heart," appears next and its an ode to the sunny California rock of the 1970s. Beginning with the confession, "I was born in the arms of imaginary friends," the song bounces along in an airy, carefree manner as he wrestles with the idea of giving his whole heart to a woman. Country-pop superstar Taylor Swift dives into the mix at the two minute mark to enhance the chorus and offers some cooing at the song's conclusion. Insofar as tempo, it's one of the album's more upbeat numbers and easily one of the most indelible. A long shelf-life at radio seems to be a foregone conclusion.

Lead single "Who Says," is a cerebral, slightly symphonic meditation about personal freedom and being true to oneself. And while Mayer ardently admits the line "Who says I can't get stoned?" has little to do with marijuana, the confession seems to be more of a public service to save face than a ruminative declaration about life in general. While there is a pronounced maturity in the song's tone, aided mostly by a steely piano and his assured vocal clarity, the song doesn't exactly do much in the way of sophistication. The song seems in part like a cousin to his last single, the Bucket List soundtrack song, “Say,” which of course posits the question, who exactly is John Mayer? Is he a new generation blues man with a penchant for acoustic pop, or is he still that same Atlanta coffeehouse singer/songwriter from the late 90s?

Mayer answers the question exquisitely on "Perfectly Lonely," a song which once again seems firmly rooted in the trappings of the late 70s/early 80s classic pop arrangements. Having gone on record as admitting that the album was going to be incisive, from-the-gut and simplistic, "Perfectly Lonely," is one of the disc's best examples of those ambitions. An organ flourish towards the end helps bolster the argument that Battle Studies begins with five utterly irresistible pop gems.

And then things get a bit muddled.

On the cinematic and creepy "Assassin," he crafts a sexy number with a sensual movement, terrific verses and an inspiring bridge. The only problem is the chorus is too busy and the entire exercise feels a bit heavy-handed. Aided by a blazing guitar solo, it's sonically one of the album's densest and most visceral, but in terms of impact it falls a bit short.

Rather wantonly, he tackles the Robert Johnson blues staple "Crossroads," in a manner not unlike Eric Clapton and Cream, and while drummer/producer Steve Jordan offers some funky drumming and Mayer sets fire to his guitar, the entire effort feels far too self-indulgent and askew. With a running time of less than three minutes it's not exactly a major disappointment, but one would hope the disc would have had something of more substance to counter the lackluster "Assassin."

Thankfully three of the last four efforts on Battle Studies are stirring and resounding works that cement the album as something truly special. The sangfroid "War of My Life," has been described by Mayer as this album's "Gravity" and its smooth, easy-to-please vibe makes for one of his most supple and tender ballads to date. Supported by a warm and rich vocal timbre, "War of My Life," perfectly executes the inherent need for solace, support and security in battling life's maladies.

"Edge of Desire," features circular guitarwork and a layered arrangement as his sultry vocals gives into lust in a rhythmic and dense epic that's confident, passionate and strong. The penultimate offering "Do You Know Me?" is a bit too twee and even with a resonant guitalele it's not exactly one of the album's peaks. Having admitted he wrote the song in an hour, it's proof positive of just how naturally Mayer can write amiable pop melodies. The album rests on the cerebral, "Friends, Lovers or Nothing," a reaching piano ballad that bookends the disc effectively and ties up the entire effort with pointed simplicity, sterling grace and soaring honesty.

Mayer and producing partner Jordan penned the disc in the hopes of making a straightforward album that was bare-bones, authentic and accessible. From start to finish, Battle Studies is exactly that. Now four albums into a much celebrated career, Mayer is indeed writing circles around his competition. Few if any are at his caliber and his Grammy wins are proof of this. Battle Studies extends that argument.

Coherent, concise and intricately crafted, this is an album that is certain to make others try harder and is most definitely an effort that will inspire others further on down the line. Equal parts an extension and a detour from Continuum, the anthology digs a bit deeper, mining difficult emotional territory in a manner that makes for an absolutely resplendent listen. The bar has once again been set and Mayer, even with his larger-than-life celebrity persona, seems well on his way to garnering a couple more Grammys later this winter.

1. Heartbreak Warfare
2. All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye
3. Half of My Heart
4. Who Says?
5. Perfectly Lonely
6. Assassin
7. Crossroads
8. War of My Life
9. Edge of Desire
10. Do You Know Me?
11. Friends, Lovers or Nothing

Hall and Oates, Steely Dan, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac

Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/johnmayer)
Official Website (http://www.johnmayer.com)
Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/johncmayer)

[Tead42]

Perfectly stated.

[popdisaster00]

album is so good.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

You hit it on the head with this one Greg. By far my favorite review you have written. Amazing job.

[Gregory Robson]

You hit it on the head with this one Greg. By far my favorite review you have written. Amazing job.
Aw thanks mate. I'm humbled by such praise. Truly so kind of you.

[jallred11]

great review....vocals should be rated higher...this guy has one of best voices live and on record

[the1]

Never listened to him.This review has pushed me to check him out though.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Love this album as well as this review. Well done.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

good stuff.

[Jet Set Paul]

I'm not sure if I like this album more than Continum, yet. But I'm appreciating it more and more with each listen. Great review.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.

[owiseone35]

I've always enjoyed Mayer and have everything he has done, as does my father. This is a really well executed pop CD or whatever you want to classify it as. One day I hope he will build on his bluesy side but this will definitely do. I actually like this a lot more than I thought I would.

[brianpaulie]

This CD is untouchable. Probably my favorite out of his catalog.

[Jamos4184]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
Agreed

[deezee]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
This times a million!! I agree with everything else but that, and I don't know where the creepy part came from haha

[trappedintime]

I still need to check this out...

[xScrewed@Birthx]

Assassin is deff a highlighht of the album. Its IMO the centerpiece of the album. Besides it being in the middle of the tracklisting. But yea crossroads is meh for me. It just doesn't fit cohessivly on the record..taking on water should have been put there instead. If it was ever recorded ( I belive on wikipedia it was a confirmed recorded track). But any ways I agree with the review otherwise.

[Blakebear]

Not impressed yet. Hasn't hit me like Continuum.

Need to listen a few more times I guess.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

It would have been a lot better without the backing track.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Assassin is deff a highlighht of the album. Its IMO the centerpiece of the album. Besides it being in the middle of the tracklisting. But yea crossroads is meh for me. It just doesn't fit cohessivly on the record..taking on water should have been put there instead. If it was ever recorded ( I belive on wikipedia it was a confirmed recorded track). But any ways I agree with the review otherwise.
Crossroads is my one complaint. I realize that it switches the album up but it just seems awkward to me.

[laxcrs]

great review although i also think assassin is better than its given credit for

[katieissweet]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
Agreed. One of my favorites.

[Until The Bombs]

Pretty sure Mayer is like 31, 32, not 35.

[sweetforever]

Love this album, well written

[Gregory Robson]

Pretty sure Mayer is like 31, 32, not 35.
He is 32, you are correct. So my point about him garnering Grammys before the age of 35 is technically correct, since he hasn't hit 35 yet. I will change it to 33, if you think it would read better.

[EastCoastKid]

I love new John Mayer releases, it seems like a break from all the mediocre music that comes out these days, especially his guitar playing. Thoroughly enjoying the new disc, but then again I've never disliked one of his songs except for Say.

[brianpaulie]

If you listen to Friends, Lovers or Nothing's beginning and then listen to the end of The Beatles song The End, the guitar riffs sound prettttty familiar.

[joeyjoey]

Great review, Greg. One thing to correct would be the "Edge Of My Life" bit. "Edge Of Desire" would be more it. :)

[txmusic]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
This. Assassin IMO is the best song on the album. By far.

[Gregory Robson]

Great review, Greg. One thing to correct would be the "Edge Of My Life" bit. "Edge Of Desire" would be more it. :)
Nice copyediting, I thank you kindly.

[xNC1212x]

Great read man. Great review!

[ICEMOUNTAIN]

crossroads is awesome

[threepunchjim]

excellent review. love the line off Half of My Heart - "Half of my heart is a shotgun wedding to a bride with a paper ring, and half of my heart is the part of a man who's never really loved anything."

[Until The Bombs]

He is 32, you are correct. So my point about him garnering Grammys before the age of 35 is technically correct, since he hasn't hit 35 yet. I will change it to 33, if you think it would read better.
Unless 35 was relevant; such as if a legendary artist didn't obtain those accolades until that age, I think it reads better with his actual age. Otherwise, nice review.

[spezialk]

I'd agree completely with this review if it weren't for the thoughts and views on "Assassin."

"Lackluster?" Far from it. "Assassin" is one of the many gems on this album, and in my own opinion, it falls short of best on the album to "Friends, Lovers, or Nothing," and "Heartbreak Warfare."

I can see where the reviewer is coming from by saying the chorus is too full, too much going on. But, how the chorus erupts makes you focus more intently on the verses and what's stemming that fuel. When Mayer leaves the second verse, en route to the bridge, Mayer leaves the distorted guitars and leaves you with the swooning vocals, toy-box, heavily reverb'd drums, and the build up waiting for those same distorted guitars to come back and take the listener to the end of the track.

"Assassin," lyrically, is complete, and as I stated before it's right behind Heartbreak Warfare. Try imagining "Assassin" with lightly distorted guitars and a few minor tinks in the chorus, with a less worded vocal performance... it doesn't work. I'm sure you could find something to fit, or sound right.. but for the song's sake, it's the explosion, the compliment, and the high point of this gem.

That being said.. Fantastic review. Truly encompasses what the album has to offer perfectly.

[cako86]

Love this album!
Also, am I the only one who thinks that Assassin sounds a bit like a Sting solo song?

[Chemical Love]

Good album. I can't wait to see him live again.

[DanielJames]

I've held out listening to the leak and it's been a long, long time since I've done that with any record. I want my first listen of this record to be perfect. Very good review. I'm excited to pick this up tomorrow.

[xName Takenx]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.

This times a million!! I agree with everything else but that, and I don't know where the creepy part came from haha

The Bridge to that song is just incredible, something that is truly amazing in my opinion.



Anybody else think Half of My Heart is reminiscent of a lost Tom Petty Song? I think of the song "Learning to Fly" everytime I hear it....

[overdrive91]

assassin...lackluster? you have got to be joking.

[ijbet59]

amazing amazing record. great especially coming off of continuum, one of my all time favorites

[provethatIexist]

very, very well written review. been anxious to hear this album since he first started "tweeting" about it.

[Gregory Robson]

I'd agree completely with this review if it weren't for the thoughts and views on "Assassin."

"Lackluster?" Far from it. "Assassin" is one of the many gems on this album, and in my own opinion, it falls short of best on the album to "Friends, Lovers, or Nothing," and "Heartbreak Warfare."

I can see where the reviewer is coming from by saying the chorus is too full, too much going on. But, how the chorus erupts makes you focus more intently on the verses and what's stemming that fuel. When Mayer leaves the second verse, en route to the bridge, Mayer leaves the distorted guitars and leaves you with the swooning vocals, toy-box, heavily reverb'd drums, and the build up waiting for those same distorted guitars to come back and take the listener to the end of the track.

"Assassin," lyrically, is complete, and as I stated before it's right behind Heartbreak Warfare. Try imagining "Assassin" with lightly distorted guitars and a few minor tinks in the chorus, with a less worded vocal performance... it doesn't work. I'm sure you could find something to fit, or sound right.. but for the song's sake, it's the explosion, the compliment, and the high point of this gem.

That being said.. Fantastic review. Truly encompasses what the album has to offer perfectly.
I totally agree that lyrically its a fine song. And I'm glad you admit that the chorus has too much going on. For me that's something I can't get past. I love the verses, I love when he says "that girl was an assassin too," at the end of the chorus, but that first half of the chorus just really gets to me. I've listened to this album almost 15 times now and that song and "Crossroads," just leave me underwhelmed. That being said, I didn't exactly rip the song apart. I said it was a bit heavy-handed and that it fell short. I didn't call it a disaster or a major disappointment. Lackluster may have been too strong a term, but I can't just sit there and praise the guy left and right. It's my job to be critical. So I found a point of criticism that worked for me. The last thing I wanted to note is that all of the positive comments in support of the song makes me wonder if that is so far the early winner for fan favorite.

[SungDuck88]

been so hard to resist downloading this early. getting my copy bright and early tomorrow morning and looking forward to doing nothing but listening to it for a long long time.

[littlebeav]

Grag, I will probably never understand your reviews and how they translate into scores. You put some of the most lavish praise on bands/individuals that only seem to garner B-'s and C+'s from you, and say some absolutely mediocre shit about bands that get ridiculously high scores.

Its almost as if in one breath you can say something is "awesome, but I don't like it" or something is "not really unique, but omg I love it." Not that that's wrong, perfectly human, but wow. I just don't get it. Well written review though. Just expected the numbers to once again be higher than they really were.

[Gregory Robson]

Grag, I will probably never understand your reviews and how they translate into scores. You put some of the most lavish praise on bands/individuals that only seem to garner B-'s and C+'s from you, and say some absolutely mediocre shit about bands that get ridiculously high scores.

Its almost as if in one breath you can say something is "awesome, but I don't like it" or something is "not really unique, but omg I love it." Not that that's wrong, perfectly human, but wow. I just don't get it. Well written review though. Just expected the numbers to once again be higher than they really were.
Name a band/individual that received praise from me but got a B-/C+. My memory isn't that good, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if you can find some, please send me a PM. Same story for the "absolutely mediocre shit." To me, your assertion is completely unfounded. But most importantly, what you think is "absolutely mediocre," may not be what everyone else thinks is mediocre.

As for the score of this album. I realize that an 86 is underwhelming to many of you who like the album, but I was just going by what I heard. John is a great vocalist, but is he really worthy of a 9? I'm not so sure. Also, the lyrics, while strong in places, certainly leave a lot to be desired at times, so I won't budge from my 8.

The only place I could see giving him more points is in originality, but being that this album does still sound very much like John Mayer, and to that degree, Continuum, I don't know how incredibly inventive or original this is. That's just my ten cents.

Lastly, as many reviewers have said on this site numerous times. It's an effin' number. It is not meant to pair stride-for-stride with the writing. It is meant in some ways more as an attention grabber and to draw people in to reading the review. That is not to say we just throw up ratings without having a reason behind them, and I've never once done that. My point is, if the math comes up a little askew, that is most probably why.

Just read the review and let the content speak for itself.

[DXH]

Fantastic review. Really! Exactly my thoughts.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Name a band/individual that received praise from me but got a B-/C+. My memory isn't that good, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if you can find some, please send me a PM. Same story for the "absolutely mediocre shit." To me, your assertion is completely unfounded. But most importantly, what you think is "absolutely mediocre," may not be what everyone else thinks is mediocre.

As for the score of this album. I realize that an 86 is underwhelming to many of you who like the album, but I was just going by what I heard. John is a great vocalist, but is he really worthy of a 9? I'm not so sure. Also, the lyrics, while strong in places, certainly leave a lot to be desired at times, so I won't budge from my 8.

The only place I could see giving him more points is in originality, but being that this album does still sound very much like John Mayer, and to that degree, Continuum, I don't know how incredibly inventive or original this is. That's just my ten cents.

Lastly, as many reviewers have said on this site numerous times. It's an effin' number. It is not meant to pair stride-for-stride with the writing. It is meant in some ways more as an attention grabber and to draw people in to reading the review. That is not to say we just throw up ratings without having a reason behind them, and I've never once done that. My point is, if the math comes up a little askew, that is most probably why.

Just read the review and let the content speak for itself.
Great answer.

[SpyKi]

I pretty much agree with the score. That's about where I would place it, I also agree with pretty much all of the review. Assassin may be my favourite song on the album though.

[LessThan3]

Amazing review!

[Parabola1124]

1.) Heartbreak Warfare
2.) Assassin
3.) Edge of Desire

[what_ever]

Great record and even better review.

[11:11]

Awesome review. This is my AOTY for sure.

[Moral_Orel]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
Yes probably my favorite song on the album. Well either that or Half of my heart. It'll be a number one song for sure but I'm glad I get to enjoy it before it gets played out.

[HometownHero]

Album was so boring to me. Don't understand the praise at all. Did absolutely nothing for me. The man copies and recycles his own ideas

[Nick Le]

Great review. I'm liking the album.

[robat19]

really enjoy this album

[W/O a Parachute]

Album was so boring to me. Don't understand the praise at all. Did absolutely nothing for me. The man copies and recycles his own ideas

thank you. someone who shares the same sentiments as I.

by far his worst album.

[Ryan Gardner]

I've never been a John Mayer fan; however, my friend suggested this album to me. It came out of nowhere as a fantastic album. "Assassin" is one of my favorite songs.

[Ryan Gardner]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
I couldn't agree more.

[andyxstar]

sooo good

[Spenny]

I found the album underwhelming, to be honest.

[txmusic]

I think the reason some of the people find it "underwhelming" or "boring" is simply due to the fact that it's a quite a bit simpler sounding than Continuum, which isn't a bad thing. I love the simplicity and honesty he puts into it, while other would rather have the bluesy feel of his previous album.

My .02

[birtcho]

great album

[boxingwithstars]

great review, great album. Assassin is one of my favorite tracks though.

[dead_orchestra]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
i agree

[dead_orchestra]

Also great review, it is so spot on. Great album as well.

[Matt Chylak]

i like my review better. i hope they post it.

[dead_orchestra]

i like my review better. i hope they post it.
You should post it yourself. if you want people to read it.

[carcrashofahart]

ok, you're fucking nuts! assassin is the best track on the album and one of the best of his career. furthermore, why do you find it necessary to dig into his personal relationships? key word, personal, not professional. and yep, as if an in depth characterization of him is worth more. FAIL!

[tragedyco]

Great review, stoked for tomorrow!

[mariaggonzalez]

john mayer, you're a genius!!!

[tragedyco]

God Continuum is so good. Hope it lives up to that.

[Matt Chylak]

You should post it yourself. if you want people to read it.
? i sent it in

[musikjunky311]

Name a band/individual that received praise from me but got a B-/C+. My memory isn't that good, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if you can find some, please send me a PM. Same story for the "absolutely mediocre shit." To me, your assertion is completely unfounded. But most importantly, what you think is "absolutely mediocre," may not be what everyone else thinks is mediocre.

As for the score of this album. I realize that an 86 is underwhelming to many of you who like the album, but I was just going by what I heard. John is a great vocalist, but is he really worthy of a 9? I'm not so sure. Also, the lyrics, while strong in places, certainly leave a lot to be desired at times, so I won't budge from my 8.

The only place I could see giving him more points is in originality, but being that this album does still sound very much like John Mayer, and to that degree, Continuum, I don't know how incredibly inventive or original this is. That's just my ten cents.

Lastly, as many reviewers have said on this site numerous times. It's an effin' number. It is not meant to pair stride-for-stride with the writing. It is meant in some ways more as an attention grabber and to draw people in to reading the review. That is not to say we just throw up ratings without having a reason behind them, and I've never once done that. My point is, if the math comes up a little askew, that is most probably why.

Just read the review and let the content speak for itself.
Well said.

[brenByah]

I liked his last album, maybe I should give this a shot (not a fan of the album cover, but that really doesn't matter).

[rawspinner]

Name a band/individual that received praise from me but got a B-/C+. My memory isn't that good, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if you can find some, please send me a PM. Same story for the "absolutely mediocre shit." To me, your assertion is completely unfounded. But most importantly, what you think is "absolutely mediocre," may not be what everyone else thinks is mediocre.

As for the score of this album. I realize that an 86 is underwhelming to many of you who like the album, but I was just going by what I heard. John is a great vocalist, but is he really worthy of a 9? I'm not so sure. Also, the lyrics, while strong in places, certainly leave a lot to be desired at times, so I won't budge from my 8.

The only place I could see giving him more points is in originality, but being that this album does still sound very much like John Mayer, and to that degree, Continuum, I don't know how incredibly inventive or original this is. That's just my ten cents.

Lastly, as many reviewers have said on this site numerous times. It's an effin' number. It is not meant to pair stride-for-stride with the writing. It is meant in some ways more as an attention grabber and to draw people in to reading the review. That is not to say we just throw up ratings without having a reason behind them, and I've never once done that. My point is, if the math comes up a little askew, that is most probably why.

Just read the review and let the content speak for itself.

Thanks for taking the time to explain your thinking. Your patience with members on this site is awesome.

Also, stop writing great reviews. It's making me become a better writer, and I am very content with thinking I'm already the best writer in the world.

[xScrewed@Birthx]

Name a band/individual that received praise from me but got a B-/C+. My memory isn't that good, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if you can find some, please send me a PM. Same story for the "absolutely mediocre shit." To me, your assertion is completely unfounded. But most importantly, what you think is "absolutely mediocre," may not be what everyone else thinks is mediocre.

As for the score of this album. I realize that an 86 is underwhelming to many of you who like the album, but I was just going by what I heard. John is a great vocalist, but is he really worthy of a 9? I'm not so sure. Also, the lyrics, while strong in places, certainly leave a lot to be desired at times, so I won't budge from my 8.

The only place I could see giving him more points is in originality, but being that this album does still sound very much like John Mayer, and to that degree, Continuum, I don't know how incredibly inventive or original this is. That's just my ten cents.

Lastly, as many reviewers have said on this site numerous times. It's an effin' number. It is not meant to pair stride-for-stride with the writing. It is meant in some ways more as an attention grabber and to draw people in to reading the review. That is not to say we just throw up ratings without having a reason behind them, and I've never once done that. My point is, if the math comes up a little askew, that is most probably why.

Just read the review and let the content speak for itself.

Very well put, and I very much so agree with the review. Good job.

[rob18244]

agreed.
Assasin is a strong song, my favourite on the album, but other than that it's a really great review.

where lazy tabloid reviewers have skipped over tracks like All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye and War of My Life, you've listened and then listened and then really listened.

great stuff, and for me, the best album of 2009 so far.

[Sherrice]

Such a great cd.

[Illuminate]

Edge of Desire ftw!

[Gregory Robson]

Edge of Desire ftw!
Hell yeah. Wish he would have played it at the Beacon Theatre on Tuesday.

[Illuminate]

Hell yeah. Wish he would have played it at the Beacon Theatre on Tuesday.
Agreed. Were you at the show?

[DivisionStreet]

Not enough blues for me. Seems like a regression.

[DivisionStreet]

Name a band/individual that received praise from me but got a B-/C+. My memory isn't that good, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if you can find some, please send me a PM. Same story for the "absolutely mediocre shit." To me, your assertion is completely unfounded. But most importantly, what you think is "absolutely mediocre," may not be what everyone else thinks is mediocre.

As for the score of this album. I realize that an 86 is underwhelming to many of you who like the album, but I was just going by what I heard. John is a great vocalist, but is he really worthy of a 9? I'm not so sure. Also, the lyrics, while strong in places, certainly leave a lot to be desired at times, so I won't budge from my 8.

The only place I could see giving him more points is in originality, but being that this album does still sound very much like John Mayer, and to that degree, Continuum, I don't know how incredibly inventive or original this is. That's just my ten cents.

Lastly, as many reviewers have said on this site numerous times. It's an effin' number. It is not meant to pair stride-for-stride with the writing. It is meant in some ways more as an attention grabber and to draw people in to reading the review. That is not to say we just throw up ratings without having a reason behind them, and I've never once done that. My point is, if the math comes up a little askew, that is most probably why.

Just read the review and let the content speak for itself.

I agree with a lot of what you said, but I think this album sounds more like Heavier Things than Continuum. The blues foundation, guitar tones, vocal melodies, and overall feel of Continuum are not present on Battle Studies. However, "Who Says" sure does sound a lot like "Stop This Train."

[Gregory Robson]

I agree with a lot of what you said, but I think this album sounds more like Heavier Things than Continuum. The blues foundation, guitar tones, vocal melodies, and overall feel of Continuum are not present on Battle Studies. However, "Who Says" sure does sound a lot like "Stop This Train."
You sir are right on the money. I think you're actually dead-on accurate about it sounding a lot like Heavier Things, and about the lack of blues foundation, guitar tones, melodies and feel. I also agree with you that it is in many ways a regression. I like your insight. Do you write for a living?

[fightinirish217]

assassin is better than you give it credit for here.
Agreed. This whole album is great.

[Trevor Sostarich]

Love this album. Great review.

[Theher3tic]

You hit it on the head with this one Greg. By far my favorite review you have written. Amazing job.
I'd have to agree. Great job. Almost my thoughts exactly on every level.

[fran.182]

"Half Of My Heart" is simply beautiful!

[dinniedraco]

awesome. I am in love.

[DivisionStreet]

You sir are right on the money. I think you're actually dead-on accurate about it sounding a lot like Heavier Things, and about the lack of blues foundation, guitar tones, melodies and feel. I also agree with you that it is in many ways a regression. I like your insight. Do you write for a living?

I do not write for a living. I'm a college student. Thanks for the kind words, though!

[Oceanic]

love this album sfm.

[shrem]

More polished than Continuum. Some people just won't get it - Who says that every Mayer album MUST have a "Neon"? Who says that this album should have been just a mere sequel to the epic Continuum? Who says that he should not be trying to run from Pop to blues and back? Who says that JM must be bound to the legacy of his previous work? Some of his fans need to give the man some room to grow. Battle Studies stands on its own; without any threads attached to its predecessors. Awesome write, Greg.

[shrem]

... but, I just. Cannot. agree about the lyrics being underwhelming. Uh... What?

Edge Of Desire-
"... Or may be this mattress will spin on its axis and find me on yours"
Friends, Lovers or Nothing-
"Anything other than a yes in no, anything other than stay is go, anything other than "I love you" is lying"

Get some coffee, and then give it one more listen, may be?

[Until The Bombs]

Only song lacking lyric wise that I've noticed is Assassin. Which is just corny as hell, but yet I still don't mind the song.

[shrem]

Only song lacking lyric wise that I've noticed is Assassin. Which is just corny as hell, but yet I still don't mind the song.
I'll agree with you there. The metaphor has his been stretched a lil too much.

[Gregory Robson]

I'll agree with you there. The metaphor has his been stretched a lil too much.
That's an understatement and hence why it got such horrid marks from me.

[Gregory Robson]

... but, I just. Cannot. agree about the lyrics being underwhelming. Uh... What?

Edge Of Desire-
"... Or may be this mattress will spin on its axis and find me on yours"
Friends, Lovers or Nothing-
"Anything other than a yes in no, anything other than stay is go, anything other than "I love you" is lying"

Get some coffee, and then give it one more listen, may be?
Lyrically, "All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye" is so horribly trite and corny its nauseating.

[shrem]

=) May be you're right Greg.

[littlebeav]

Name a band/individual that received praise from me but got a B-/C+. My memory isn't that good, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if you can find some, please send me a PM. Same story for the "absolutely mediocre shit." To me, your assertion is completely unfounded. But most importantly, what you think is "absolutely mediocre," may not be what everyone else thinks is mediocre.

As for the score of this album. I realize that an 86 is underwhelming to many of you who like the album, but I was just going by what I heard. John is a great vocalist, but is he really worthy of a 9? I'm not so sure. Also, the lyrics, while strong in places, certainly leave a lot to be desired at times, so I won't budge from my 8.

The only place I could see giving him more points is in originality, but being that this album does still sound very much like John Mayer, and to that degree, Continuum, I don't know how incredibly inventive or original this is. That's just my ten cents.

Lastly, as many reviewers have said on this site numerous times. It's an effin' number. It is not meant to pair stride-for-stride with the writing. It is meant in some ways more as an attention grabber and to draw people in to reading the review. That is not to say we just throw up ratings without having a reason behind them, and I've never once done that. My point is, if the math comes up a little askew, that is most probably why.

Just read the review and let the content speak for itself.
Bah. I wasn't trying to bash you. I see how it came off a bit that way though. I just honestly don't get it. As for numbers that I didn't feel matched the writing? MAE, Dereck Webb, Imogene Heap, etc. Just to name a few. Again, that's just my interpretation. I also acknowledge that my opinion was very loose. Just know that I wasn't mad, I always enjoy reading your reviews, as I said "well written". I'm just a more mathematical/analytical person myself, so I kind of attribute numbers based on the amount of, or type of, positive and negative words and phrases in a review. I almost never can find a score in my head that's anywhere close to what you give an album, and it boggles the hell out of me.

An example would be Tate's reviews or Blake's. I can at least sometimes guess a number rage they've attributed an album based on the words they use for it. Idk, maybe I'm just weird. Whatever. Just wanted to say I didn't mean to rip on you at all, and hope you didn't take it that way.