John Mayer "Born and Raised"

      Either he was on his way toward this direction, after his blues influenced Try and Contiuum, or he had no clue where to go after his Battle Studies; either way he needed a break. He moved to Montana, and took in some of that fresh air; maybe listening to some Neil Young. This may be a new direction for Mayer, but it has been done before, as many critics would say. Either way, I will say this, no matter how far you try to go, you will eventually come back to your roots, and even if his major label debut didn’t sound like this; the influence was there.
    “Queen of California” likes her solos short and memorable, and her exits without convoluted words. “The Age of Worry” is a tragic epoch to live in, but the music is spectacular : from the subtle rhythm, the harmonies, and the keyboard finale. “Shadow Days” may have been the first single, but it is not void from following the shadow of other tracks; however, it is the best song to serve as a bridge between his last album and this one. I think it would be easier if I just let this song “Speak For Me.” HAAA! Cop out. It seems as if Mayer has found the perfect girl , except she is taken, but at least he has an idea. “Something Like Olivia” will serve as the blueprint for his next love, and the song will reveal that (wo) man in the mirror. The title track sounds bitter, but also sounds pretty relatable to almost every young adult who has a dream; they either realize it’s not what they wanted, or they give up before they get there. I guess it’s how one is “Born and Raised.” The next song is something I can relate to “If I Ever Get Around To Living.” The lyrical aspect, and the instrumentals are the ingredients to create a forced flashback of Mayer at 17. 
     These four letters make a combination that can mean many things, but to others it is just a word. I think it absurd, because “Love is a Verb.” The lyrics say it best, but if you say this word, you better mean it. “Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967” happens to be one of the most interesting cuts, and best examples of synergy; from the story of Mr. Grace to the journey you take under the sea; when closing your eyes and focusing solely on the music. The lyrical aspect of “A Face To Call Home” is its major assets, and I don’t think he has sounded any better. A critic had said that this new album is more of an act over anything else, and I don’t deny that he could pull it off. He had us fooled with his debut, but as he became more well-known he began to flex more of his celebrity. No one is perfect, and that should not affect the critique of the music, but the artists often reveal parts of themselves through music, so it kind of does. I am not saying that the feelings are not real, I’m just saying it could be a phase of the “Born and Raised (Reprise).”