CD Review: John Mayer

Continuum Ensures Continued Success for John Mayer

By Kelly Gray

Continuum, the lastest album from John Mayer, was a long time coming when it was released Sept. 12. His first studio project since 2003’s Heavier Things, Mayer presents a more sophisticated style in this, his third solo album.

On Continuum, Mayer is clearly moving in a new musical direction. Departing from his pop past, Continuum is loaded with bluesy tracks. In the song “I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You),” Mayer experiments with harmony. This track also exhibits an inventive use of studio techniques to create new sonic textures.

Similar themes from Mayer’s past albums, such as relationships, dominate Continuum. Songs such as “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” “Dreaming with a Broken Heart,” and “I’m Gonna Find Another You,” explore the many emotions involved in the deterioration of a relationship.

“Waiting for the World to Change,” the first track on the album, pairs the catchy music reminiscent of Mayer’s earlier albums with clearly political lyrics addressing the younger generation’s defeatist attitude. Although the message of this track is quite pessimistic, the appealing beats are sure to make this song a hit.

Mayer pays homage to Jimi Hendrix on the track “Bold as Love.” Imparting just enough of his own style on the track while maintaining qualities of the Hendrix version makes this song one of the best on the album.

The relaxed and mellow mood of Continuum makes this an ideal album to listen to from the beginning straight through to the end.