John Mayer is Back. Not New, but Improved.
NEIRAD enilno edition
“Clouds of sulfur in the air. Bombs are bursting everywhere. It’s Heartbreak Warfare.” No, it’s Battle Studies by John Mayer!
John Mayer has just recently released this new album. Battle Studies includes titles such as “Half of My Heart,” “Edge of Desire,” and “Perfectly Lonely.” I found that these ‘new songs’, weren’t really that new at all. Mayer didn’t stray far from his usual mellow upset theme. However, the album was something I enjoyed listening to.
At first glance, I thought that Battle Studies was somehow going to be tied to the war in the Middle East and Afghanistan. However, instead Mayer opted to employ word play by connecting his love life to the war. He did so by using titles like: “Heartbreak Warfare”, “War of My Life” and “Assassin.”
In the opening chords of ‘Who Says’, Mayer starts with, “Who says I can’t get stoned?” Throughout the song, he continues with that question in a recurring theme. However, “Who Says” has a catchy tune even if the lyrics are a little scattered. To me, it seems more like random thoughts on paper. It wouldn’t be the type of song I would pick when I first turn on my iPod, but I wouldn’t mind if I “Who Says” started playing.
In the song: ‘Half of my Heart’ featuring Taylor Swift, Mayer opens with, “I was born in the arms of imaginary friends. Free to roam in a home out of everywhere I’ve been.” The song keeps at a steady beat. I really enjoyed “Half of my Heart.” It was enjoyable and I didn’t mind when I found it stuck in my head.
Taylor Swift is not a strong presence. She wasn’t even in half of “Half of My Heart.” Swift had a mere five words, which she sings just twice: “I can’t stop loving you.” This sparse addition is still strong; I think that Swift’s performance makes it a whole. Without it, “Half of My Heart” would be a little off.
In “Perfectly Lonely”, Mayer turns a song that would seem really upsetting at first glance, into a cheerful upbeat effort about enjoying loneliness. I liked this song because it conveyed the haunting aura of being alone. “Cause I don’t belong to anyone and no one belongs with me.” Mayer turns loneliness into a somewhat positive effect: “I see my friends from time to time when their ladies let em’ slip away.” However, the chorus was ruined when he starts to make the syllables long. Despite this shortcoming the lyrics melted together, and this was a fun song to give a listen.
Truthfully, it is up to you to decide, because everyone has different music taste. I would have to warn you though, don’t buy the entire album at once, pick and choose.... you may not like all of Battle Studies but there are elements of this lovelorn album that may form a catchy connection.
