Anybody who was initially confused by singer/songwriter John Mayer's foray into lues with 2005's Try! John Mayer Trio Live in Concert could only have been further confounded upon listening to the album and coming to the realization that it was actually good. And not just kinda good, especially for guy who had been largely labeled as a Dave Matthews clone, but really, truthfully, organically good as a lues album in its own right. However, for longtime fans who had been keeping tabs on Mayer, the turn might not have been so unexpected. Soon after the release of his 2003 sophomore album, the laid-back, assuredly melodic Heavier Things, Mayer began appearing on albums by such iconic lues and jazz artists as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, and Herbie Hancock. And not just singing, but playing guitar next to musicians legendary on the instrument. In short, he was seeking out these artists in an attempt to delve into the roots of the lues, a music he obviously has a deep affection for. Rather than his lues trio being a one-off side project completely disconnected to his past work, it is clear now that it was the next step in his musical development. And truthfully, while Try! certainly showcases Mayer's deft improvisational lues chops, it's more of a lues/soul album in the tradition of such electric blues legends as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and features songs by Mayer that perfectly marry his melodic songcraft and his lues-slinger inclinations. In fact, what seemed at the time a nod to his largely female fan base (the inclusion of "Daughters" and "Something's Missing" off Heavier Things) was actually a hint that he was bridging his sound for his listeners, showing them where he was going.
That said, nothing he did up until the excellent, expansive Try! could have prepared you for the monumental creative leap forward that is Mayer's 2006 studio effort, Continuum. Working with his lues trio/rhythm section of bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan, along with guest spots by trumpeter Roy Hargrove and guitarist Ben Harper, Mayer brings all of his recent musical explorations and increasing talents as a singer/songwriter to bear on Continuum. Produced solely by Mayer and Jordan, the album is a devastatingly accomplished, fully realized effort that in every way exceeds expectations and positions Mayer as one of the most relevant artists of his generation. Adding weight to the notion that Mayer's lues trio is more than just a creative indulgence, he has carried over two tracks from the live album in "Vultures" and the deeply metaphorical soul ballad "Gravity." These are gut-wrenchingly poignant songs that give voice to a generation of kids raised on TRL teen stars and CNN soundbites who've found themselves all grown up and fighting a war of "beliefs." Grappling with a handful of topics -- social and political, romantic and sexual, pointedly personal and yet always universal in scope -- Mayer's Continuum here earns a legitimate comparison to Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. Nobody -- not a single one of Mayer's contemporaries -- has come up with anything resembling a worthwhile antiwar anthem that is as good and speaks for their generation as much as his "Waiting on the World to Change" -- and he goes and hangs the whole album on it as the first single.
It's a bold statement of purpose that is carried throughout the album, not just in sentiment, but also tone. Continuum is a gorgeously produced, brilliantly stripped-to-basics album that incorporates lues, soft funk, R&B, folk, and pop in a sound that is totally owned by Mayer. It's no stretch when trying to describe the sound of Continuum to color it in the light of work by such legends as Sting, Eric Clapton, Sade, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Steve Winwood. In fact, the sustained adult contemporary tone of the album could easily have become turgid, boring, or dated but never does, and brings to mind such classic late-'80s albums as Sting's Nothing Like the Sun, Clapton's Journeyman, and Vaughan's In Step. At every turn, Continuum finds Mayer to be a mature, thoughtful, and gifted musician who fully grasps his place not just in the record industry, but in life.
Music to me is something indescribable. Music is a whole other world. Its something that's inable to describe with so many words and to talk about here. Each song carries a story that needs to be defined. Music is a huge part of my life, and i just cannot get enough of it. Im always searching for an unexplored artist or a song i've never heard of. It really is incredible to feel the strength th...
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I came across this duet the other day, between John Mayer and Colbie Caillat, who are both currently on tour together. This is one of Mayer's songs, a slow bluesy tune, and it really lends itself well to both singers.Gravity - John Mayer & Colbie Caillat~~
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Wanna know why? Because of this man:and this album/DVD:As many of you who have read my previous posts can attest to, I am an unabashed HUGE John Mayer fan. I can really say that with pride, and can really say that I have been a huge fan of his since "Inside Wants Out" was played for me by my brother many years ago. While his blues stuff makes things shift in my shorts more than anything, I l...
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While I've got a couple of his other albums, they really dont compare to his latest, Continuum. It's the ideal Sunday afternoon, kick back album. It starts off with one of the singles, Waiting On The World To Change, which most people have heard at one time or another on the radio or tv. Personally I dont see it as being the strongest starter track, though I'll admit that its upbeat feel makes ...
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This weekend was historic. My last single friend got married this weekend. Man, it's amazing how fast time passes. I was the first person out of all of my friends to get married. I have been married now for 4 1/2 years. My friend Rob, with whom I have been friends now for at least 8 years, got married on Saturday to the girl that he has been after since 8th or 9th grade. It was seriously ...
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For any John Mayer fan, this song is a must have. Conveniently, you can grab it at my blog:AM Music BlogArpit.
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I was sitting in the ORU worship office the other day... when some boys started jamming out with their own version of "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room." Then I was reminded of the new John Mayer album which I had listened to briefly, but hadn't been completely moved by. So i was inspired to listen to the Continuum album again... and i definitely fell in LOVE with it... i have never liked John...
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I've been a John Mayer fan for as long as I care to remember. My older brother, who is infinitely smarter and more cultured than yours truly, introduced me to his work about six years ago. I remember "Love Song for No One" being the first song I'd ever heard by him, even before his Room For Squares album hit the shelves; I knew this guy was going to make something of himself.I enjoyed Inside ...
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So...the more I hear tracks from John Mayer's latest "Continuum", the more impressed I'm becoming with him. I'm not such a fan of the earlier stuff, such as "Your Body Is A Wonderland", "Daughters", and that other song, I'm not sure of the title, but something about the real world....feel free to provide me with the correct title, anyone. A few weeks ago, I read Mayer's interview in the Septe...
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John Mayer's "Belief"I guess one way and another we are given our tasks, and coming to terms with violence seems to be one of mine, the thing I must continually break my head against, to say nothing of my heart. And even more maddening is the close affinity religion seems to have, seems to have almost always had, with violence, an affinity which, to any rational mind, would seem to contradict e...
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I came across this duet the other day, between John Mayer and Colbie Caillat, who are both currently on tour together. This is one of Mayer's songs, a slow bluesy tune, and it really lends itself well to both singers.Gravity - John Mayer & Colbie Caillat~~
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Slow Dancing in a Burning Room - John MayerIt's not a silly little momentIt's not the storm before the calmThis is the deep and dyin breath ofThis love we've been workin onCan't seem to hold you like I want toSo I can feel you in my armsNobody's gonna come and save youWe pulled too many false alarmsWe're goin downAnd you can see it tooWe're goin downAnd you know that we're doomedMy dearWe're sl...
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Wanna know why? Because of this man:and this album/DVD:As many of you who have read my previous posts can attest to, I am an unabashed HUGE John Mayer fan. I can really say that with pride, and can really say that I have been a huge fan of his since "Inside Wants Out" was played for me by my brother many years ago. While his blues stuff makes things shift in my shorts more than anything, I l...
More >
What’s worse than John Mayer thinking he is the greatest guitarist alive? John Mayer thinking he is funny enough to be a comedian. The musician took the stage at New York’s Comedy Cellar on May 19th. Why? We are not quite sure. But even Mayer was prepared for the video to reach YouTube. After watching there is one thing we advise…Don’t quit your day job Mr. Mayer! Especially if your day j
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LYRICSMODE.COMSong lyrics | In Repair lyricsJohn MayerIn Repair lyrics Too many shadows in my room Too many hours in this midnight Too many corners in my mind So much to do to set my heart right Oh, it's taken so long I could be wrong, I could be ready Oh, but if I take my heart's advice I should assume it's still unsteady I am in repair I am in repair Stood on the corner for a while To wait...
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It takes balls to cover Jimi.John Mayer doesn't care if you like him.But i still do :)
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i just needed to say how absolutely in love i am with this song.
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love him or hate him, you gotta admit he's got a sense of humor. Makin' Music with John Mayer on FunnyOrDie.com
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For the past few days, I've been wanting to get the John Mayer Continuum album. Why? I can't really explain why.I loathed "Your Body is a Wonderland" and thought that "No Such Thing" was one of the most annoying songs on the radio, but yet, I can't get some of the songs of Mayer's latest album out of my head - particularly "Dreaming with a Broken Heart," and "Gravity." I know that John Mayer is...
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Sorry I haven't posted in awhile...I've been going through some really rough stuff lately (a friend's suicide being the worst element), and tonight I find myself unable to sleep. Time to bust out the wine and listen to something reflective, eh?
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Music to me is something indescribable. Music is a whole other world. Its something that's inable to describe with so many words and to talk about here. Each song carries a story that needs to be defined. Music is a huge part of my life, and i just cannot get enough of it. Im always searching for an unexplored artist or a song i've never heard of. It really is incredible to feel the strength th...
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- This boy can sing dammit!- His latest album is soulful and bluesy (I kid you not)- I always (secretly) melted whenever i heard him sing the phrase "I'll never let your head hit the bed, without my hand behind it.." - I dig his current tresses :-_(ok not a good pic, but u catch my drift)_oh just check out this video if u're a cynic:-In or out?
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I've been a John Mayer fan for as long as I care to remember. My older brother, who is infinitely smarter and more cultured than yours truly, introduced me to his work about six years ago. I remember "Love Song for No One" being the first song I'd ever heard by him, even before his Room For Squares album hit the shelves; I knew this guy was going to make something of himself.I enjoyed Inside ...
More >
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 "Continuum")
