From humble beginnings, spending endless days and nights reciting the works of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Charlie Hunter and other blues and jazz greats, John Mayer has become a household name.
After dropping out of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, he began playing solo acoustic gigs at clubs in Atlanta, Georgia. Thanks to headlining gigs at famous clubs such as Eddies Attic and the 40 Watt Club, Mayer scored a record deal with Aware, and hasn't looked back since. His latest offering, Heavier Things, was released on September 9, 2003 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
1.
Clarity (4:32)
A brilliant opening track, and the second single to be released from the album. Showcases all of Mayer's music influences, from blues and jazz to hip-hop and soul. The song begins with a keyboard riff, supported by a constant electronic beat. Enter jazzy guitar strumming and falsetto vocals and now the song begins to overflow with pop hooks. The song was written about Mayer's need to know if
this (relationship) will last forever. Great use of horns to give a bluesy feel. Mayer at his finest.
5/5
2.
Bigger Than My Body (4:26)
The first single from the album, which is radio-friendly, but ultimately too safe a song to really get attached to. Again, the use of electronic sounds throughout the whole song. No real change in mood or tempo means the song never becomes incredibly interesting, but survives solely on it's pop hooks and format. Catchy, but not much more.
3/5
3.
Something's Missing (5:05)
An excellent song, with lyrics we can all relate to. Written about the feeling of emptiness inside, even though everything is in it's place. Mayer says calmly:
Something's missing.
And I don't know how to,
fix it.
Good guitar work and simpe but excellent lyrics make this song what it is. Interesting side note; the song is played in open Esus tuning, E B E F# B E.
4.5/5
4.
New Deep (4:09)
Another song that relies on hooks to be a success. A decent song, nonetheless, with an interesting guitar intro and thought-provoking lyrics. The lyrics poke fun at those who analyse their lives too much. A typical pop/rock song that sounds somewhat like a modern day Police song.
3.5/5
5.
Come Back To Bed (5:25)
Described by John as "his blues", Come Back To Bed is a pop/blues song similar to Eric Clapton's 'Old Love'. Excellent blues guitar work show just a tiny piece of Mayer's blues virtuoso on the guitar. Typical blues lyrics about John wanting his woman to get back into bed. A smooth, 6/8 beat allows this song to travel along aimlessly, until two excellent, fiery guitar solos add flavour to the song. When played live, this song turns into an absolutely blues-shred monster. Pure bliss.
5/5
6.
Home Life (4:13)
Starts off with a strange Asian-influenced melody, with mostly electronic instrumentation. Similar to something modern-day Sting would write. Again good lyrics and extra points for trying something a bit different.
3/5
7.
Split Screen Sadness (5:06)
I must say, don't judge this song after 1 or 2 listens. It's definitely one of those songs that needs to grow on you. And when it does, it's a beautiful song. Sounds almost like gospel at the start, with John singing quite monotonously. The song grows into a story of heartache, a real tearjerker, especially backed up by violins.
4.5/5
8.
Daughters (3:59)
The most recent single of the album, which unfortunately, endorses his 'wonderland' image. An acoustic song about girls who come to you already broken, due to their relationships with their fathers. Though, it is a great song, and very worthy as a single. Again, played smoothly in 6/8, it flows along nicely with a nice little piano interlude and good acoustic guitar work.
4/5
9.
Only Heart (3:50)
An 80's influenced song. Nice electric guitar work in this song, but the song fails to deliver any strong emotion. The chorus has Mayer singing;
You, you've got my only heart
Catchy, yes, but the song has little more going for it.
2.5/5
10.
Wheel (5:32)
Wow. This song is beautiful. 5 and a half minutes of beautiful vocals, harmonies and electric guitar work. The lyrics reflect the cycle that is life and great blues/jazz guitar is prominent throughout. Mayer plays a beautiful solo and this song is written perfectly. A must-listen for any skeptics or those new to Mayer's music.
5/5
Final Comments
Heavier Things is a great introduction to John Mayer. It really does cover most of what he is as an artist and great production and songwriting help this album become what it is. A must for Mayer fans and a worthy buy for those new to his music.
4/5
