John Mayer 'Battle Studies' Album Review

In the time since Continuum was released, John Mayer has been better known for the hot ass he’s sporting on his arm at any given moment more so than the music he’s generating. Seriously, its like he’s in some sort of insane competition with Derek Jeter and Justin Timberlake to see who can bag the most tail off the Maxim Hot 100 List — Minka Kelly, Jessica Simpson, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jennifer Aniston. I mean come on this is getting a bit ridiculous being the real life Barney Stinson. They aren’t baseball cards man. It seems he did find some time outside his serial bed hopping to put together a new album called Battle Studies. Its a bit of a departure album from anything we’ve seen from him in the past, but that seems to be a theme he’s comfortable with. Dare I say this could be classified as Mayer’s Adult Contemporary album. As strange as it sounds, it works — most of the time.

After the very solid Continuum, all we’ve had to hang our hat on was the God awful “Say” off the Bucket List Soundtrack. It was the equivalent to a musical drive-by, and I really hope that was a take the money and run effort on Mayer’s part. I’d hate to think he really put any thought into it. Needless to say, I was a bit apprehensive of what “Say” meant for the forthcoming album. It seems there was reason to be afraid. The album’s second track “All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye” is syrupy, sickness in the same fold as “Say.” It sounds like some Carpenters song that furiously derailed into a canyon. I was half expecting Air Supply to chime in with background harmonies. Thankfully, that is Battle Studies at its worst.

Mayer has said Battle Studies is an extract from 70s and 80s pop, and this album plays like a homage to the brilliant musicians that sculpted his musical tastes in those formative years. “Heartbreak Warfare” sounds like it was swiped from the catalog of Alan Parsons Project with its dense atmospherics billowing in like a bank of fog. John’s duet with ‘IT’ girl Taylor Swift “Half Of My Heart” feels like something Tom Petty would have written. Its the only song that clearly stands out as a sweetheart of radio, and its enticing pop that has the slickness of Heavier Things. My only complaint is poor Taylor got short sheeted on this one. One line? Come on, she deserves more of a presence than that. While she may be no Stevie Nicks, she’s got those early Jewel pipes that could have really rounded this song out nicely.

Battle Studies solo cover, Creme’s “Crossroads,” is a nice touch, allowing John to funk out as he channels Eric Clapton. This track is for all those out there who long for a new Trio album. While I love Mayer allowing his inner guitar virtuosso to run amuck, it doesn’t really fit on this album. Nothing else here has that similar funky soul. I’d almost say set it aside and tab it for your Try! follow-up.

There are some largely throw away and generally lackluster tracks mingling amongst the rest. “Friends, Lovers or Nothing” falls flat and is largely forgettable. “Edge of Desire” feels like it really wants to exert an emotion but ends up just spinning its wheels.

Mayer is at his best when he is plying the smooth jazz angle. “Assassin” has a very cool vibe running through it remniscent of Sting’s “It’s Probably Me.” You half expect Chris Botti to slide in with his trumpet piping. “Do You Know Me” also takes the down tempo approach in a soft and exacting song. He discusses meeting up with a past lover, reconciling the couple they once were with the people standing before one other. Its one part stale heartbreak mixed with a shutter of hope. Beautifully executed in “Stop this Train” fashion.

Through the eyes of Battle Studies, we are witnessing the continued reinvention of John Mayer. It may feel a bit underwhelming coming off Continuum, but its a solid effort in its own right. Slow, mellow and laid back suits John’s talents, and he’s seems to be coming to terms with the trappings of his new life of celebrity. Thankfully, he isn’t taking himself too seriously, and his songs tend to be a mashup of his unique set of problems blended with the universality of heartache. Battle Studies definitely doesn’t give us the slightest clue as to the direction he’s heading as a musician which is ok. Mayer needs the freedom to explore his craft and while this album didn’t always hit the mark, we have to respect that he doesn’t simply cling to his comfort zone which has paid him handsomely over the years.

Grade: B

Album Release Date: November 17, 2009