John Mayer: Battle Ready

Hey everyone, let us know what you think about the new John Mayer record, then tune into this space to see what everyone else is saying.

Assassin is the best song on the album. John really took some risks on this album. The vocals on every track, between leads and harmonies are unreal. So clean and pure.
Everyone asked him how he'll top Continuum. I don't know if it tops it, but I'm not sure it really matters. The important thing is he allowed himself to grow musically and truly do what he wanted, not what the radio wants, or the record executives. Hell, recording an album in your house? You can't get much more personal than that, and the tunes reflect that.
Congratulations John, you will again be at the top of the charts.

This album exemplifies John Mayer. It's saavy, smooth, musically beautiful, lyrically clever and most of all it has a genuine, heartfelt story.
Amazing job! Congrats.

John Mayer is a prime example of a true, enduring artists for our times. I hope he continues tapping into the wellspring of truth and honesty that he has always written from. I see him making serious effort to not fall into the mainstream cliche' sound that some people in the industry would have boxed him into. As a musician and songwriter myself I am thankful for John Mayers talented courage as an artist. He inspires me!

There really are some incredible songs on this record. Assassin is easily the best song on the album - It is like nothing we have ever heard from him before. I really think Perfectly Lonely should've been the single. I hear a lot of George Harrison in that and friends lovers or nothing. No doubt Tom Petty and Eric Clapton influence is there as well. Extremely risky in terms song choices for the album. Taking each song as its own, its pretty amazing. As an entire album, it seems weird to me because it seems to lack a flow. There is my quick response after first listen...

I'm only three songs into the new album and I'm lovin' it. It has an initial feel that he's taken elements from BOTH Heavier Things and Continuum... Is it a new sound for him? No. Do we WANT a new John Mayer? No. Is he growing? Sure. Am I excited about picking up this cd? You bet.

I've listened to this twice. I was nervous about this release.. not that I dont think he has it in him... but how does one top himself time after time again.

JM NAILS IT ONCE AGAIN!
Its different from what hes done in the past however its so him.

My first listen was preparing to not like it much but I was blown away.
The 2nd time around was pure love. There is not one song that isnt perfection.

He is the BEST guitar player of our time

Yes. I like it. Gotta give it a few times around to really appreciate it, but my first impression is that it's another good one. Way to go JM. Keep on breakin' up and movin' on so we can all bask in your broken heart.

Thank god it's here! Greatness. I'm a musician myself and JM is our generation's SRV, Prince, Bob Dylan and Miles Davis all put in one.

Love it. Wasn't sure if I would love it as much as Continuum but John Mayer is incredible and this album does not disappoint. He is one of the few real musicians out there. Assassin is an amazing song, probably my favorite from the album. I cannot wait to see him in concert this winter.

Have to say I loved Perfectly Lonely. Battle Studies in it's entirety is a reflection of hard work, dedication, perseverance, talent and plain old passion. Every song I see as a piece of John. Reflections of who he has proven to be are everywhere and that is what a true artist is. Fascinated by the album and ready to hear some live performances.

Best songs on the record are "All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye," "Assassin," and "Friends, Lovers, or Nothing." He really went in a new direction with this record. I feel its a musical combination of all his previous records, and a way of showing his growth as a songwriter.

glad we get the chance to see John's style on another recording. Good stuff.

AMAZING!!! ....have waited SOoooo long for Mayer to come out with some new stuff...this is so great!!! Anyone else notice a Beatles influence here??? I do... reminds me of *across the universe* and some others by the Beatles. GREAT JOB, JOHN!!! Bringing back some great music!

I have listened to this full album 4 times. Everytime the first few noted of Heartbreak Warfare start, I get excited all over again and I am reminded why I am a fan of John Mayer.

This album will be playing on my radio for weeks and weeks to come.

Great job!!

I love this album already! I think it's almost like a continuation of Continuum (which was awesome). I was also worried about this CD since the last one was just unbelievable. But I'm not disappointed at all... which is such a relief considering how unsatisfied I was with some of my favorite artist's new releases this past year. (Excluding Maxwell, and Method Man & Redman... both had kick ass albums).

I agree with Michael about Perfectly Lonely... I also think it should have been the first single instead of Who Says. Who Says is a good song, but I just think ANY of the other songs on this album would have been a better choice as a single. Oh well... John still did a great job!

As soon as I heard Perfectly Lonely I immediately thought it would be perfect for a movie soundtrack. I absolutely love Crossroads! It's 4:24am and I want to get up and move to the beat. Love it!!! Edge of Desire is really good. My favorite keeps getting replaced by another favorite. Friends, Lovers, Or Nothing speaks to my heart. I can't help but think of the description of this cd as soulful since it sure sounds like JM really poured his heart and soul into these lyrics. Awesome cd, as usual! I can already tell I will play it to death. Every one of his cds is so different, but each one amazing, including Battle Studies!

I saw John in Sydney Nov 5th, It was without doubt the best live performance I have ever seen him do, The music from the album was amazing. Perfectly Lonely should definitely have been the single release. As nice as Who Says is, it is a little boppy for a single from such an amazingly talented musician

Why can't we stream this in Europe???? what a missed chance... booohh

I have listened to the album twice now...some songs more than twice:) Definitely a favorite is Heartbreak Warfare and Half of My Heart! I can't believe such an open, honest record. Sat on the couch last night and just closed my eyes and listened to each song. Awesome, awesome record. I'm excited to start a new chapter in my John Mayer music collection.

The first impact was strong, I did not expect that this album could be so different from what we heard you play until this moment. But listening again several times, I realized how "Battle Studies" is brilliant. I love you so much "Assansin" "Edge Of Desireudies" - "War Of My Life." I will be in Glasgow, look with great anticipation to see you in concert. Thanks John.

The first impact was strong, I did not expect that this album could be so different from what we heard you play until this moment. But listening again several times, I realized how "Battle Studies" is brilliant. I love you so much "Assansin" "Edge Of Desireudies" - "War Of My Life." I will be in Glasgow, look with great anticipation to see you in concert. Thanks John.

Perfectly Lonely is awesome... I have listened to the whole album 2x and found Assassin is a song you can grow to love but Perfectly Lonely struck a cord in my life or should I say the lyrics did. I think many of us have felt that way and some do right now.
Awesome JM!

What did ya'll think of Crossroads ??

All I have to say is "Assassin"

Never let down! Another amazing album to add to my John Mayer collection.

Perfectly Lonely is my favorite. I listened to it probably 8 or 9 times already lol It was also great to hear a studio version of Crossroads. I've heard it LIVE many times, and while I still prefer it that way, the studio cut is awesome :) Would've preferred a little more Taylor Swift on Half of My Heart, but I can't complain too much. It's still a great song. Can't wait til next week!

I've listened to the album 5 or 6 times now and all I can say is, "wow." Like many others here, I was really nervous--"Who Says" scared the crap out of me when I first heard it. However, I find that I like it much more as a part of the album; it fits in there. There are so many stand out tracks. "Assassin" and "Edge of Desire" are on constant repeat. The clarity and strength of the harmonies is amazing; such great blend! I can't wait to see John at the NYC show on Tuesday. Those $80 tickets were definitely worth it. Now if only I could see him while I'm abroad in London!

John does it again.
It's good to see someone like John grow.
Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino are the s**t. ( what grooves)
Great stuff here !!!!

Like everyone else, I was a bit iffy on this album. I heard short samples of each song, and I was a bit confused and worried that Mayer traveled in the wrong direction.
When I first heard the album, I had to chew on it for a day. But once I took it in, I was craving it more than ever. There's not much of the catchy song aspect as opposed to his previous catchy songs, but there is in fact some other aspect in the songs that slowly draw you in...
It's a very subtle album. The songs are set for contemplative alone-time thinking moments.
This album is wonderful, and I have to admit, Mayer never ceases to amaze!

Some of the songs seemed unfamiliar at first listen, but it wasn't long into this album that I found myself silently mouthing "Thank You" for writing such heart felt, beautiful music that clears out the cobwebs of the current mainstream music.

I agree - "Who Says" was a little sketchy. Nice song, but I was expecting JM to change in a different way and grow more musically. Hearing the rest of the album blew my mind and expectations out of the water. I fell in love with every song the first run through. He's already a classic, and it's neat to watch him grow.

Really liking this album. Liked the live version of "Heartbreak Warfare" from Mayercraft 2 much better, but the song is good. Wish "Half of My Heart" had more Taylor Swift. Also, sounds country in the beginning. Same for "War Of My Life." Loveee Assassin. Love the guitar break toward the end. "Crossroads" is sort of unexpected, but I like it. Favorite lyric is from "Edge of Desire" ("I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe. There i just said it, I'm scared you"ll forget about me.") "Do You Know Me" is more stream on consciousness interlude than song. "Friends, Lovers or Nothing" is the best concept for a song. I like the story aspect of it circa "City Love." Will definitely add at least 5 of them to my iPod.

I love John Mayer, and I love this album. It's got a little bit more of the "pop" sound than I had expected. Saying that, it only took 3 hours to grow on me and now I have an extra limb that I can never be rid of. Best songs are "Edge of Desire", "Half of my Heart" and "Friends, Lovers or Nothing". If I get to experience the concert in Vancouver, CAN on April 1st I will be scratching something off of my bucket list.

John Boy, you make my life a lot easier. I appreciate you!

So good. So, so good! Thanks John. Thanks for your music.

Having listened to John Mayer early on when his career was just gaining momentum, I found his musical blend of boy-next-door meets angst-ridden boy-wonder infectious and, at times, mesmerizing. These traits simmered on Heavier Things, then crystallized on Continuum--an album that pushed Mayer's image and creative stamp into the realm of "mature artist."

That said, I was curious as to what degree Mayer's current romance, coupled with his now trademark smart-aleck celebrity stance, would influence his latests batch of songs and their final presentation on the new recording.

Sweet, sugary, over-produced: These are the adjectives that swirl across my mind as I listen to the new Mayer product. The songs are plodding and float somewhere between "tired" and "sleepy." Mayer's wind-swept visage gazing out into the distance while gripping his lapels is obviously intended to brand this album as "big," "deep," and "important." And dragging Taylor Swift into this affair appears to have nothing to do with artistic integrity (her voice finally discernible around 2:42 into "Half of My Heart" and then only for about three seconds) but rather another obvious ploy to ride the latest teen gravy-train and grab a new market share. As has been previously mentioned, "Assassin" is probably the stand out song of the collection, sounding like a foster child of Continuum.

When one's album begins with the sounds of orchestral stirrings, it's either designed as an aural cue for "classic" or as a cover-up for "kitsch."

Unfortunately, I have to go with the latter.

Glad he kicked this album up a notch. Always look forward to buying his CD.

I've been a devoted John Mayer fan since about 2002, and I've had to defend his musical wisdom to many naysayers. While this album treads a bit too close to washed-out "adult alternative" for my taste, the genius is still there.

The thing about John is: he's a musician. A real one, and so he wants to show off his musical talents. I'm speaking here of the guitar, which he's a master of. But I don't want to hear him show off his electric chops so much. I want a little more of the OLD John, with more bite-sized melodies and lyrical wordplay. I don't need to hear Eric Clapton on every track. Ya dig?

The best thing about this album (after just two listen-throughs) is its comfort. It is a soft place to fall. This is an album best enjoyed in a still room, with the stereo cranked a little, and with nothing to do but lay back and enjoy. It'll draw you in, I promise.

Keep it up, Johnny Boy, but if I may offer my advice: give us a little more Top 40-esque stuff next time. Just a little. Sprinkle it. Like paprika.

Great album, but to my way of thinking pretty dramatically different than some of his past work...Much more of a contemplative, easy going depth that will no doubt upset some who want to hear the wailing guitar solos and grovely voice pushing it out.

Personally, I find it a great album to work by.

While the album is good,
it lacks the melody that made his past albums great.
It seems like he downplays his skill on the guitar
to fit this new, older sound...
yet, he should be embracing the ability!
However, like all of John's albums,
they are but rough drafts.
Little adaptations here and there can
make some of the songs incredible.
In concert, we will hear just what he wants us too.

John Mayer,

I admit, I was a little wary. I just recently became a fan with Continum and was a little scared of this. But after hearing this album in the order that you have, this is a great personal effort. I think you're the only artist who can down play the music and just listen to the words. Brilliant writing. Can't wait to hear the many variations that you will do when playing live.

I really don't think he could do anything I wouldn't like at this point. Except for invite Taylor Swift to sing on the album...

Awful. I'm really disappointed. I'll cut him some slack, you can't always make awesome albums. I'm looking forward to his next album to make up for this garbage.

Pretty good album but no where good as continum!! This album seems a little more laid back, mellow and chillaxed!!! Good record though, but was hoping for something more! We shall see if he can rebound from this pot smoking production!!!

John Mayer is my husband, beautiful album as usual i just joined rhapsody just to listen to this over and over again until i get the album on tuesday.

John, You had me at No Such Thing.

Keep up the magic!

I can NOT wait until he develops these songs where his talent really shows: on the stage. That's where the guitar will really come into play. Here's hoping for a live album before too long.

I think I came into it not knowing what to think. It really is a beautiful album. Edge of Desire resonates with my heart. I've felt the desperation John does such a good job of describing.

Continuum is so much better! This actually feels like he took a step down from his last album. The only song that equals the genius of Continuum is the last track, "Friends, Lovers, or Nothing". This album is way too radio friendly...

I adore this album. John Mayer is fantastically talented.

He's definitely holding back on the guitar -- WHY? If you've heard the John Mayer Trio album, you know he can absolutely rip it up on his ax. And if you've heard Continuum you know he's capable of complex songwriting and bluesy riffs being incorporated into pop songs. ("Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" is a haunting, sad, GREAT song.)

So I've been waiting for more, especially more Trio-esque rock. Then he released that awful muzack tune for that AARP movie...The Bucket List? Ugh. And he just kept heading in that direction. Dude! You can rock. You don't need the money. Your concerts sell out. You're barely over 30, you have nothing to prove, there's no need to make music for the 40+ mom crowd. There's no reason NOT to rock.

I'm done defending you to my friends, Johnny, you are now easy listening and I'm not supporting you until you grab Jordan and Palladino and get your ass back to the Crossroads. The REAL crossroads, not the casio drum machine version on this album.

I definitely agree with the writhen above. I'm dissapointed with this album, because its sorta of a new thing but then again, he is going back, to the sound from heavier things, witch I think is the worse of all his albums. Im a big mayer fan, but this album has pop writhen all over it, and a more raw rock sound would have fitted him much better. Make simple, classy, good music, which we know you can (where the light is, trio, continuum), and lay of the dream sound from the pop tunes.

Ugh, this is 'easy listening'!

Hi John, Enjoyed your concert tonight. Question what happened to the other drummer, he was really cool. Thanks for your answer. I totally enjoy your music. BJ

I really like the quality of his voice. I like his music style. I heard him on a TV interview a little bit ago say he wants to find a city with good cupcakes and that can inspire his music. He should check out the Pearl District in Portland OR. It can provide both. There are some incredible new condominiums available...I can think of a couple that I saw during the open house tour this past July that would suit him wonderfully. If he wanted a casual nite out, he would want to go to the Tiger Bar near Chinatown. My son serves up the best Asian food. I just might have to go check John's show out when he comes to Portland next March. Hope it's not too expensive!! :-) V.

he is a good singer and has good voice

A little disappointed, I had been looking forward to this release for the past month, and its not what I was hoping for or expecting. I still think John is a great musician, just this is not the direction I would have taken! I was really enjoying him go in the direction he was heading with where the light is, and continuum albums. Especially the blues influences and playing more freely. There are a few songs I enjoy on this album, Friends, Lovers, Or Nothing, I think has a lotta soul and is probably the highlight of this album for me. I hope you continue work with your trio, and am looking forward to another album.

Some good stuff on the new album, but overall Continuum is light years better.

Brilliant! He's exercising 'restraint' -- very difficult to do with all that talent surging through his veins. I love his tongue-in-cheekiness on Who Says. Reminds me of Ben Taylor's Wicked Ways. John Mayer's the man!

I've been listenign to John Mayer since i was 7, now I'm im 17 and i doubt that i'll ever stop listening to him.

LOVE THE NEW ALBUM!!!
:)

Dear John,
We have purchased nose bleed seats to Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home in Detroit in February. My 15 year old daughter, my wife and myself would really like you to contact Mr. Keillor and ask if you could be a special guest star. Would you please?

I love the new direction! The tone of John's voice is perfect, his song writing skills are those that leave the audience in awe and everytime I listen to the album I love it even more. John's acoustic version of Edge of Desire
( posted here: http://www.johnmayer.com/blog )
is exceptional although the link to download this is not working at the moment...

I have fallen for Mr Mayer's musical talent once again.

Thankyou John for this wonderful album!

I went to your trio concert in san Diego last nite. After driving two hours, I was looking forward to hearing you sing some of your new songs. I've never missed ohne of your concerts in town. I was so dissapointed with your song selection and I really hope that you'll change it up for your apperance at the Staples center.

John "wow" thats all I have to say of all your music we need more. David

Wishing you an awesome birthday John (October 16th). Keep up the good music. I have 3 of your CDs.
===Steve===

Very soothing. In all, this album is a great musical experience. Some of this is like nothing I've ever heard before. He never disappoints.