In the past, I have ignored John Mayer. Besides having all the morals of an alley-cat, his music was just pure pop and I don't care much for it.
I did catch him on TV a couple of times in his blues phase and was pleasantly surprised. He is actually a very good blues guitarist.
The other day a friend told me that the new album, Born and Raised, was supposed to be a folk album and pretty good. So I sat down and gave it three listens on Spotify.
Short version: I might happily listen to the album again on Spotify, but I have no intention of buying it.
Longer version: Critics have been favorably impressed. They seem to think that this is a departure from his pop days and is a blend of folk and Americana. Some have even invoked the names Bob Dylan and Neil Young. I'm sorry, but it takes more than adding a harmonica to mix it up with that company.
It's not a bad record. It's just a little dull without any standout lyrics or melodies to cut through the mellowness. The name that most often came into my head while listening was Jack Johnson; it definitely has that kind of a vibe but, unfortunately, of his mellower cuts.
I don't want to talk about individual tracks because one is pretty much like another.
If you already like John Mayer, I think this album will satisfy you. If you like Jack Johnson, you will also probably like this album. If you want real Americana music, you will be disappointed.
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I like how Spotify can be a review standard. :-) It sounds like it would be good background music.
ReplyDeleteIt won't surprise you to hear that I love Jack Johnson; but John Mayer's been on my "don't listen" list since Daughters--it was sweet but horribly gender-biased.
I tend to think of Spotify more as my review copy.
ReplyDeleteI like Jack Johnson as well (you were the one who clued me in to him), but his music is not real exciting.
John Mayer gender-biased? After hearing his interviews, how could you say such a thing. lol