Written by Susie Salva
Singer songwriter, guitarist, comedian and celebrity John Mayer releases his fourth studio record, “Battle Studies,” on Columbia Records. The album title was derived by the title name of a book that Mayer stumbled upon when working on this new record. Intelligent, industrious and well spoken, Mayer is the consummate songwriter and this seven-time Grammy Award winner never disappoints. This time he relies on his contemporary’s timeless music by artists such as Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and Neil Young in mind to produce his unique and engaging sound. Mayer is both sensitive and authentic.
Incorporating the warmth, melodies and simplicity of ‘70s and ‘80s California Rock/Pop “Battle Studies,” is a confessional, relaxed and liberated album recorded in a private home in California where Mayer lived and worked over the course of six months before wrapping up at the famed Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.
“Who Says,” the album’s first single has hummable harmonies and a catchy chorus and the tune itself challenges conventional standards of what one can accomplish or undertake – despite society’s constraints. “Battle Studies,” also showcases universal themes on “Heartbreak Warfare,” “Assassin,” and “War of My Life,” while Mayer flexes his guitar chops on, “Rock Song,” and a reinterpretation of the blues standard, “Crossroads.”
The famously collaborative guitar player also has invited the recently crowned Country Music Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift to appear on, “Half of My Heart.” While not quite a duet, Swift lends her incomparable sound on this melodious song. “Friends, Lovers Or Nothing,” rounds out the disc putting forth poignant lyrics about relationships that have to be either friends, lovers or nothing.
“I approach music like a director doing a period piece,” explains Mayer. “Where “Continuum,” was R&B and Soul, “Battle Studies,” melodies and message are concise and from the gut with efficiency of simplicity.” Mayer acknowledges that the sound is more edgy this time out and something one would experience in their living room instead of the more produced sound found on “Continuum.”
The consistency with which John Mayer combines wordcraft and melody has earned him rarefied status in popular culture as a genuine and respected songwriter and musician. In 2007, Time Magazine placed John Mayer on their Time 100 list of the most influential contemporary thinkers, leaders, artists and entertainers. For two consecutive years, Rolling Stone Magazine featured Mayer on their cover of their annual “Guitar,” issue – first with the May 2008 “Living Guitar Legends” issue and then as part of February 2007’s “Guitar Heroes” round-ups featuring Mayer with peers and icons alike.
From rock to blues, hip-hop to jazz to country, Mayer has performed and/or recorded with Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Burnette, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Jay Z, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift. In 2005, Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as John Mayer Trio, whose live album “TRY!” featured searing blues and rock. A John Mayer North American tour is currently being planned and will follow the release of “Battle Studies,” in early 2010. For more on Mayer please go to www.johnmayer.com
