Ramy Zabarah, Broadside Correspondent
In an era of pop where indie is the new punk and auto-tune has snuck itself into most radio singles, few artists are able to stick to their musical roots while maintaining a fair balance between quality and catchiness.
While it may not meet the blues-rock quota of his previous studio album Continuum, multi-platinum selling guitarist John Mayer has hit another home run with Battle Studies, his newest album.
Stepping away from the catchy riffs, virtuoso guitar solos and melodic blues-rock was a dangerous move for Mayer, but he pulls it off well.
From the introductory track “Heartbreak Warfare” to the folksy single “Who Says” to the soft bluesy conclusion of the album, “Friends, Lovers or Nothing,” Mayer appears to have applied more of his folk roots into writing this album.
The overbearing theme for Battle Studies seems to be heartbreak. The album serves as a guidebook in that field, as portrayed in the opening song, “Heartbreak Warfare.”
“I don’t care if we don’t sleep at all tonight/ Let’s just fix this whole thing now/ I swear to God we’re gonna get it right/ If you lay your weapon down.”
Those who know Mayer as “King Douche” or any of his other unfortunate nicknames would probably be better off not listening to Battle Studies at all.
For years, Mayer has been criticized for his attitude, silly sense of humor, and his personality off the stage and out of the studio.
But when it really comes down to it, he’s a musician, and a damn good one too.
Sure he has a slightly breathy voice, and his lyrics are often on the cheesy side, but he shines where most pop artists today can’t.
He delivers catchy melodies while maintaining a strong bluesy theme while still providing listeners with the quality music they seek.
Battle Studies is the perfect example of this balance.
He opens the album with an anthemic heartbreak pop song.
He then moves on to a ballad that’s perfect to sleep to and a nice country-themed song titled “Half of My Heart” featuring Taylor Swift’s soft background vocals and harmonies.
“Perfectly Lonely” and “Friends, Lovers or Nothing” are reminiscent of his previous studio album Continuum more than any other track on the album. They have that heavy blues influence.
Then, of course, there’s “Crossroads,” a cover made famous by one of his idols, Eric Clapton.
This is by far the bluesiest song on the album. The vocal harmonies are nearly as impressive as the guitar solo halfway through.
Think what you may. Criticize his silly sense of humor, and ridicule his “melty” face, but John Mayer is a musical genius, and though Continuum could very well be his masterpiece, Battle Studies is a close second.
It delivers the catchy songs the radio stations are looking for while providing his fans with the quality they look for in his music.
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