The newly released “Continuum” is John Mayer’s third studio disc. Anyone on campus can recognize a John Mayer song when it is played on the radio, especially since many students are aware that Mayer grew up in Fairfield. Mayer’s virtuoso guitar playing, breathy voice, and sensual, poetic lyrics have made him a legend in the pop singer/songwriter world.
However, if you had been keeping track on him (like I so diligently do with my spare time!), you would know that John Mayer has recently turned over a new leaf in terms of style. In 2005, Mayer announced that he was “closing up his shop on acoustic sensitivity.” At this time, Mayer began to collaborate with some greats, including Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy. In November 2005, the John Mayer Trio Album, “Try!,” was released, which showed a more soulful side of Mayer.
It seems that after many artists reach a level of success, which Mayer did with hits like “No Such Thing” and “Your Body is A Wonderland,” they experiment with different genres of music. Of course, Mayer’s change from baby pop to sophisticated blues may cost him a few teeny-bopper fans.
However, he definitely proves with this switch that he is not only an amazing singer, but that he has innovative style and a true grasp of how prestigious music is made.
“Continuum” has Mayer’s precious chart-topper style along with a newer, more eclectic, spirit. John Mayer’s new single, “Waiting on the World to Change,” shows characteristics of his old style mixed with the new. However, other tracks, such as “Vultures” and “Gravity” which also appeared on “Try!,” delineate his newer, more twangy groove. This style could sometimes be seen under the surface of his previous albums, such as in the track “Why Georgia” in his first album.
Not only has John Mayer’s styling preference changed, these lyrics have grown more mature and they also provide more universal messages. In “Waiting on the World to Change,” he speaks about current issues. He sings, “Now if we had the power to bring our neighbors home from war, they would have never missed a Christmas, no more ribbons on their door.” Also in his song “Belief,” he expresses his emotions by saying “We’re never gonna win the world. We’re never gonna stop the war. We’re never gonna beat this if belief is what we’re fighting for.”
If you are a John Mayer fan and haven’t heard his newer, jazzier tracks, I recommend that you give it a listen. Many people our age aren’t even sure if they like blues and even less listen to it on a regular basis. Although you can hear a distinct difference in Mayer’s style on “Continuum,” you can still recognize that it is still John, underneath that twangy minute and a half guitar solo.
“Continuum” is about Mayer’s attempt finding himself through music, and being a witness to this innovator’s journey is truly incredible. “Continuum” is in stores now, so I ask all you Mayer skeptics to pick up a copy and give it a good listen. Plus, it’s our duty to pay respects to an ex-resident of Fairfield.
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