Full Review: John Mayer – Battle Studies
Like a superhero with the powers of a talented musician, I’m never quite sure if John Mayer is putting the powers to good or infamous use. While ‘Continuum’ was riddled with themes ranging from political to ones of belief and thoughts on the world, ‘Battle Studies’ seems to get stuck in rut of, to borrow a song title, heartbreak warfare.
“Heartbreak Warfare” does well to foreshadow the album’s theme and feeling of lost love adequately. Those content in relationships may have a harder time continuing to, or wanting to, relate to the album over and over on repeat visits to the songs. Of course, songs like “Half Of My Heart” which produce such an immediately addictive grove, are easier to hit repeat on.
Even while rubbing up next to “Perfectly Lonely”, “Who Says” still takes the cake as the album’s most somber, possibly sad, song with its guitar picking and lyrics in which individual lines try to mask themselves as ones of relationship rebounding, but don’t convey that same message on a whole.
“Assassin” does start off attractive, boasting a thick bass line and strong vocals to match, but the storyline tries to be too clever for its own good, falling victim to the chorus which is predictably boring. “Friends, Lovers Or Nothing” also starts out interesting enough, only to get caught up in a classic, read: overused, John Mayer style with the repeating of the song’s title as the chorus. It’s easy to see why the silky beginnings of “Assassin”, or the sway of “Friends, Lovers Or Nothing” would hook a listener, but neither seem to have the stamina of tracks like “War Of My Life” or even the Cream style cover of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads”.
Sure to sooth the hearts of those able to relate to the feelings of lost love, ‘Battle Studies’ falls somewhere between ‘Heavier Things’ and what I perceive to be John Mayer’s best album, ‘Continuum’.
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Tags: battle studies, john mayer
November 11th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I agree with your review. I’ve been a big fan of Mayer’s since I started playing music.
You can give the man kudos for using what sounds like a ‘kalimba’ on ‘Assassin’ and it’s pretty hard in general to use that word in a song. The writing in ‘Assassin’ feels more like ‘Your Body is a Wonderland’ than it does something fresh. It’s a little corny to compare you love life to a hit man.
‘War of my Life’ is slowly growing on me.
November 11th, 2009 at 9:21 am
your*
November 11th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I don’t even know where to begin. As a big John Mayer fan I found this album to be complete junk. It seemed like there was no real effort put into this album. The first 3 tracks were completely boring, the crossroads cover was horrible, and “Who Says” sounds like something a 16 year old wrote who just discovered The Grateful Dead for the first time. Listening to Battle Studies made me want to go back to songs like 3×5 and Stop This Train just to hear songs with meaning and quality.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:14 am
That makes sense too. My problem is that, he has all this money, turned a house in LA into a complete recording studio, plays with incredibly talented musicians — and this is what he comes up with. Comparisons to Continuum aside, it’s just not what I thought would be the product of his new ‘process’.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:00 am
This album was such a let down for me. Usually I’m pretty up to speed on knowing release dates of albums but JM snuck up on me, so the anticipation was low. The start wasn’t horrible for me but it was a little boring. “I thought it was a joke” was what a friend said when they saw the release of “Who Says”. The one thing the constantly sticks out in my mind when I think about anything John does is that he has constantly been on this “plan” to bring back blues to our generation, and with each album I felt like he was inching his way into that. With this album he has taken a giant step back. This album is a small step above ‘Heavier Things’ but I actually prefer ‘HT’ over this album. He wasn’t creative with any of his ability, and people have been saying his lyrics have been slipping since ‘Room for Squares’. Continuum was a break through but I honestly thought that he had more in him. “Assassin”, six songs in gave me hope because it started out interesting but let me down as soon as I heard the chorus. The whole album just seemed like one big pout of his love life. Disappointed.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I understand where most of the negative reviews are coming from, as a guitar player and blues lover there are certain things I want from JM that this album doesn’t deliver. There are however some things at work here that I’m starting to appreciate, firstly it’s rare for a guitar virtuoso to be able to deliver such an understated pop album. Most definitely JM’s love affair with pop melodies is at play here and I don’t think you can fault him for that. Also, the process of writing, demoing and recording in one step has led to his most personal album lyrical speaking (although not necessarily his most relatable). Secondly (and this can be argued) for an artist such as JM (multi Grammy winning, eclectically inclined) there’s a constant battle between what’s interesting, honest and ‘right’ at any given time in his life. I think this album is more about him doing what he feels is ‘right’ and honest then about trying to live up to the ’savior of blues’ title.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I agree that this is definately not his best album, but what we’re trying to do is compare it to continuum. Now that album was the one to get our head’s bobbing and toes tapping, but the opening moments of ‘Heartbreak Warfare’ just gave me goosebumps. If you listen to the album as a musician it seems very contained and laid back, and I feel that is what makes it perfect. For once I dont have to focus on each instrument and see what cool things they’re doing. Instead I can just relax and listen to the song, something I rarely achieve.And I disagree with the previous comments, ‘Assasin’ is easily the best song of the album.And before you ask no it’s not because my gf has just left me!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Although I agree this album isn’t as strong as Continuum, I think John achieves everything he wanted too with this one. “Assassin” is a monster, I think he paints a perfect picture with it. Then again, I’ve always enjoyed Johns darker stuff. Personally can’t wait to see how he stretches these songs out when he plays them live, because as any Mayer fan can tell you, he’s 10x better live than he is on CD.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:05 am
I’m a bit dissapointed to. I really love Assassin and Edge of Desire. Who Says and Heartbreak Wayfare are a little bit cheasy. I really thought Who Says was a joke. And i’m not the only one. If you see the live version on youtube the people start laughing at the beginning of the song.
The album is to ‘mainstream pop’ for my taste. I fell in love with his music because he was no mainstream popartist and just loves music. Battle Studies is good but not great. But I can’t wait to see how he plays the songs live. I think he’s a better artist live than he is on cd.
November 14th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I agree with the masses about “who says”….I didn’t think it was a joke….but rather “stop this train part 2″…very dissapointed…but thats all behind us…Battle Studies is John Mayer’s worst album..but it’s still a good album.. I am a huge JM fan and was looking forward to what was next after Continuum, Mayer was on fire..increasingly getting better with every album..but this one strays…not sure what direction he is going in..It souns like room for squares and heavier things had a slightly retarded child. I dont know what everybody else is saying tho…Assassin is a great track…Crossroads makes me want to scream it is soooo bad..leave the covers alone John. (please) and I would review the rest, but i feel like I already did? oh thats right…when I reviewed his first two albums. Bottom line John Mayer is great…Everybody makes mistakes…and even his mistakes are silver (just a step down) I’m already looking forward to his next effort
November 14th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Alright.. so yes continuum is in truth (in my mind) one of the best contemporary music albums of the 21st century. IT WAS the perfect combination of song-writing, pop sensibility, and blues talent. songs like “slow dancing in a burning room” “dreaming with a broken heart” and “belief” were incredibly profound and beautifully executed. Someone mentioned Mayer shouldn’t do covers.. listen to his version of “bold as love” or “wait until tomorrow”.. genius
Having said that, while it pains those of us who’ve followed JM’s career closely to this point, and while every part of our body wants to fight the reality… this is a letdown. When you look at how much John’s progresssed with every cd, I expected to be mesmerized by the album but it fell short. Even though I’m a huge fan of the srv/clapton/overdriven blues stuff, I still fell in love with Heavier Things, where there’s more going on then most give him credit before. This one’s kind of a dud. “Crossroads” is painful for a blues fan, and while I do think “Who Says” is a cute head-bopper that is infectious and grows on you, this album just doesn’t have the staying power. still, maybe after the 10th listen I’ll finally start to get it.. lets hope :P
November 15th, 2009 at 7:20 am
i like it…but i know this album will sound good live and thats all that really matters to me.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Interesting… Remember before you knew who John Mayer was? You heard his single “No Such Thing” on the radio, or a friend passed you “Room For Squares.” You didn’t expect anything of him, because you didn’t know anything about him. Now that you’re familiar with him, everyone wants to tell him which direction to go. You need to realize that when you say “I don’t like Battle Studies,” that you’re not talking about Battle Studies, you’re talking about you. Your expectations have led you to picture an album before you even heard it. How tough is it for John Mayer to try and please you on each album? He can’t, his audience is too vast. John Mayer creates music for himself, so instead of blaming him or saying he made a mistake, enjoy this album, or don’t. Either way, it’s how YOU feel. When people don’t like an album, they blame the artist, instead of themself. The only way to listen to a new album by John Mayer is to LISTEN. The second you start having expectations, you’re not listening with open ears, you’re listening with biased ears. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and my opinion of Battle Studies happens to be good. I just can’t stand to see people blame somebody else for something that they don’t like. I think that Battle Studies is a transitional album, transitioning to a new direction. It’s a mellow concept album, and if you put yourself in John Mayer’s shoes, and try to imagine how he feels about the album, you will look at it in another light. I can’t wait to see him perform these songs live, and can’t wait for his next album as well.
November 17th, 2009 at 4:39 am
I really didn’t like this album. I loved continuum and was really hoping this would take it up a notch but listening to it in the car it just made me feel really drowsy. Apart from 2 or three of the tracks it just feels really half assed
November 17th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I think Alan Schmitt brings up the best point. I feel like Continuum was so good because JM stayed true to HIS musical interests, as opposed to being concerned with what people will enjoy. As music lovers in general, we should all take heed to Mr. Schmitt’s advice. Just listen. No expectations, no bias.
November 17th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I should preface what I write by saying that I haven’t heard the album yet. I have however been following some of the videos and blogs posted on John Mayer’s website throughout the creation of the album. Many people are comparing this album to Continuum (which is in my opinion one of the most flawless records of pop music), but I don’t think that it is a fair comparison. Battle Studies is a completely different album, written recorded and produced in a different way, with a different goal in mind. From what I have read written by John Mayer himself, this project was sort of an experimental album aimed at producing a creative work representative of where he was at that point in time. It is more of a creative expression than a super polished piece of gleaming pop art or a blues revival. As John Mayer states, the album is not meant to necessarily be a step forward from Continuum, but a sidestep. I don’t want to go into too much detail, so go ahead and check out his website for more info. I think Alan Schmitt really brings up a good point as well, we should really try to just listen to an album with as little bias or expectations as possible.
November 17th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I like Alan Schmitt’s point – it’s an important point. But I just keep coming back to how feeble these new JM tunes are. What has been encapsulated in so many of the above comments is the sense that this album just doesn’t live up to the potential of the man. It’s great that someone might take a more introspective love-laden turn. It’s also great that someone might go for a chiller concept. But these tunes are so far from fresh. So they leave fans feeling almost duped. If you listen to Mayer’s comments one the “making of” he himself says he struggled with coming to terms with besting Continuum. My sense, is that JM himself holds that album in such high regard, that he decided to care less about this one. For better or worse (I think worse), John just simply cared less. And this effort of luck-lustre indulgence is the result. One can only hope that after a year of playing these songs live, they morph into more realized versions.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:09 am
This is pathetic. Why is everyone hating by saying “Well this isn’t a thousand times better than CONTINUIM” or “I like Heavier Things and uh and uh the live albums better, oh ya they are clearly better.” You conceited music snobs need to get over how this doesn’t live up to contrived and painfully myopic viwes of what it should sound like, take a step back and think about the last time you ever even wrote a song someone liked. Oh wait, thats right, you’ve never done that, you cant even play the kazoo. And if you still think this is such a let down never listen to a single track on it again and you’ll prove me wrong. Ya, so a lifetime of listening to pitiful copy cats like Ryan Cabrera and Jason Mraz doesn’t look so good huh.
Music snobs ahhhhh, I wish we could vote all you tight bunched pannies ppl of the island!!
November 17th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
John Mayer can write whatever the heck he wants. He has nothing to prove to anyone and I appreciate a little ‘simplicity’ in a music world that is still trying to make a buck off of anything else but good songwriting. And speak for yourselves…I didn’t think
‘Who Says’ was a joke…anyone who has lived with incredible expectations thrust upon them understands this song, and enjoys it. Lighten up.
November 17th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I have also been a JM fan for the better part of what seems like going on a decade now (has it been that long since RFS?) and Battle Studies, is well, a seeming letdown. There are 3….yes I said it 3….songs that have grabbed me (Heartbreak Warfare, Assasins, Edge of Desire). And the rest is, mind you the other 8! are just boring acoustic folk pieces, and not whole compositions (even Taylor Swift didn’t get a full shot at showcasing herself!) I mean come on, John. Is this a farewell record? Is this a Fleetwood Mac throwback? I’m leaning towards the affirmative. And then asking, “Why?!” JM has so much money, so much time and freedom (as evidenced on “Who Says”) then why is THIS the highly polished “pearl” of a studio album that he delivers to his millions of loyal fans? I have no problem with artistic freedom, just own up to it and release your “sidestep” album as a SIDE ALBUM. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the great songs on this album, and they are great. But at least give us a little more. My money is hard earned, ain’t yours? Sorry for the rant. And by the way, Who Says was a joke, on pop radio, and commercialism’s expectations of what is deemed appropriate on Top 40 radio. I just wish some of the other songs on the album didn’t possess the same cheesy feel that Ryan Seacrest embodies. Congratualtions Johnny, you are showing your age. Quit it with the fluffy prog-folk rock and meet your potential!
November 18th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Charlie, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
This album was such a letdown, I want to give it away to someone for free.
Pretty much just reiterating what almost everyone else had said, the songs on this were just so disappointing. I realise it’s unfair to compare it to Continuum because that was in my opinion the best by John Mayer (or anyone else for that matter) but a part of me did hope that this would be different in a good way, not in a lame mainstream pop way.
This album really lacks the melancholy that I love about Mayer’s music – it just seems lazy and bland. And what’s with all the repetition in some of the songs? I don’t feel it adds anything to the quality of the songs whatsoever.
I didn’t even like half the songs on the album. I guess if I had to pick a few that I find okay, they’d be Heartbreak Warfare, Assassin (although this is so typical and cheesy) and Edge of Desire but these are only good in comparison to the other rubbish on the album like Crosscroads; they’re mediocre at best on their own.
When I think of these songs and remember Stop This Train, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room etc, it just makes me sad to think of what a huge step back this is.
I realise where Alan Schmitt is coming from but in my opinion, by releasing these albums to the public, John Mayer’s not just creating music for himself. He releases them, does tours, promotional interviews etc…it’s clearly not just him creating music for himself; he’s expecting something from the public as well, just as they are from him.
And I have to say, this just did not deliver.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:29 am
These are all good and valid comments…and each should be taken with a grain of salt (as should mine). As a musician, I listen for lots of different things…from wanking geetar solos, to light turns of a musical phrase. My wife and I like to listen to songs and pick where the past musical inspiration comes from (Wilco “You Never Know” = George Harrison, etc). With every song on Battle Studies, we could pick out the inspirations…Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Steely Dan, etc. If John Mayer wanted to transport himself back to the 70s and craft a light pop album…he has done it. Is that good? Bad? That’s for your ear to decide. For me, I was hoping Mayer’s musical brain would have challenged me more than his musical heart…
November 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I am a HUGE John Mayer fan and I am definitely a big fan of this album. “Crossroads” is definitely my least favorite track and “Who Says” hasn’t really impressed me, but I believe “Heartbreak Warfare”, “Assassin”, and “Edge of Desire” are all really great songs. Putting the theme aside, which I agree does seem to be one of heartbreak, no one can deny that he is a great lyricist. For those who can relate to his music, he really is poetic in the way he arranges his songs.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:58 am
And another note, I know it is nature to compare all of his albums to each other, but if you look back on his studio albums, all are very different. “Room For Squares” is more of a pop album, while “Heavier Things”, which is one of my personal favorite, seems to relate more to “Battle Studies”. I think the issue that many people can’t get past is how different “Continuum” was to the rest of his work. It is a great album, and it channels his roots more so than the others, but that doesn’t mean we need to disregard “Battle Studies”. It is more like most of his work than others think. And I know that hearing some of these songs live will be great, because he always knows how to take it to the next step. It took me a few listens but I can differentiate the songs and I think with a good listen, “Battle Studies” can really be appreciated. Like it has been said before, it’s nature to compare this album to his past albums, but I like to look at each of his albums individually, because he is always trying to say something different.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
People are calling this album fluffy folk rock and saying that’s bad when they liked Your Body Is A Wonderland and so many other fluffy folk songs of Mayer’s? I must be crazy. Either way, I understand that he made this album for more than himself, he just obviously didn’t make this album for you. I got news for you, though, there are thousands and thousands of people out there that are enjoying this album. Instead of saying John Mayer screwed up, just accept the fact that your tastes don’t align. Obviously you’re not on the same page as so many other fans of his, because this album has been very well-received.
November 18th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I really enjoyed this album. I’ve always felt an album is like a glass of wine. At first glance, it’s either red or white, but once you start to let yourself enjoy it, you start to taste all the hidden flavors and aromas within. That’s exactly how this album is to me. I LOVE that it is the total opposite of what I expected. It allows me to put away the guitar, the air drums, and the head banging, and really listen to the music, the lyrics, and the message. John is able to pull from so many classic sounds and tones, and make them his own. I love that in a John Mayer album, I hear U2, The Police, The Beatles, and so many other flavors that I feel he has never shared with us on an album.
My advice for those who don’t like the album is to keep listening. I think it will start to grow on you. Way to go John, please keep us guessing like you always do.
November 18th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
After mellowing out a bit and suffering from one or two pangs of guilt, I have allowed more of the songs to sink in. I still stand by my original comments left above, but am enjoying each piece for its own musical (although sometimes quite simplistic, repetitive, banal, value). Am I lowering my standards? Not sure. Are some more of the tracks growing on me? Perhaps, yes. I still cannot bring myself to listen to Crossroads and am quite dissappointed by the repetitive nature of another. And Alan, you can’t deny that this is highly folksy Fleetwood-esque material! Furthermore, I would certainly not and have never felt for a minute that anything on Room for Squares was remotely folksy. Quite the opposite…those songs are real, lyrically and musically crafted reflections of John’s and so many of our similar experiences as young adults (3×5, Why Georgia, No Such Thing). I would never call these jewels folksy! But everyone is entitled to think what they want. And for the record, I am also enjoying the album, will pass it to my dad (with the Fleetwood Mac tie in) and will still remain a true JM fan. A little critique hear and there just lets him know that we love his music, believe in him, and will stand by him, despite everything else. By the way, #3 is reeaally growing on me. I hope he and Taylor Swift get to perform this live and really tear it up!
November 18th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Charlie, you’re absolutely right. This album is very folksy. I just think that fluffy describes a lot of other JM songs in the past. Your Body Is A Wonderland is pure fluff pop, and that’s not a bad thing. Also, I think Why Georgia is folksy, and I think that a couple other tracks on Continuum are folksy as well, perhaps not as folksy as some of the tracks on Battle Studies. I really like James’s analogy to a glass of wine, that really sums up Battle Studies. The first taste of it left me, like many others I think, unsure of what to think. I really had to listen through a couple times to get the flavor, and I know that where will be more flavor to pull out of this album as time goes on. Cheers!
November 20th, 2009 at 6:29 am
I’ve always thought that John Mayer had 4 or 5 songs on each album that were excellent, and the rest were forgettable. Continuum being the best, having 6 or 7 songs that are timeless.
His new album kinda fits the mold, so far I hear 3 or 4 good songs, but time will tell.
Of course Crossroads was not what i expected. I was immediatly turned off by the guitar tone, or whatever that sound is, and then the harmonizing in the verses ruined it.
But at the same time, this album is like having coffee with an old friend.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
This album is great . Its simple and very mellow . Not anything like his previous albums but the new sound is extremely good. His guitar playing skills are not really showed in this album but you can bet money in concert and in the live album he puts out for these songs he will exhibit his guitar. just like he did in where the light is , as/is albums and as he will do in this one. when i first heard the album i didnt know what to think . But quickly the songs grew on me , especially Assasin , and Edge of desire . JM has always changed his style probably by life experience i mean the guy is so versatile that he can do the pop sound showed in heavier thing , blues in continuum , acoustic inside wants out , and now the 70s western rock mellow and relaxing sound . the man is a genius and dont live in the past people , move along .
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
To get to the point, I don’t much like it. At best, I’d give it a 2½ out of 5, and here’s why:
To its credit, the album is very diverse. Offering 2 or 3 songs that sound like traditional JM, which at times sounds lke Seal (Heartbreak Warfare, Edge of Desire), there’s also a little bit of John Mellencamp/Tom Petty (Half of my Heart), Jimmy Buffet (Who Says), 70’s-era Chicago (All we ever do is say goodbye), a few hints of Fletwood Mac (War of my Life), Don Henley (Perfectly Lonely), and a disturbingly HORRIBLE cover of Crossroads. The last half of “Friends Lovers or Nothing” is reminiscent of The Beatles circa “Hey Jude.”
But… since you can’t please everyone, this diversity is also its downfall. This contrast makes some songs sound very bare, like he put all his time into some tracks, and just threw the rest together. Trouble is, folksy songs typically have a stripped down sound, so those are meant to sound that way. It’s likely that most fans of any one genre will only like a few select songs off this CD. John’s a smart guy, so I’m sure he realized that while making it. At least he did what he believed in instead of cashing in and just mimicking his other albums.
I decided before listening to this that I would judge it on its own merits, not as “the next John Mayer album.” I’ve listened to it in that mindset four times now, and I still don’t like most of it. Then again, I don’t like all the musical genres represented.
Lyrically, it’s what we’re used to, but I don’t feel that the music doesn’t convey the emotion the way that songs like “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”, “Dreaming with a Broken Heart”, or even “Bigger than my Body” did. For me, that makes it a pretty boring album.
Just my 2¢.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Oops! I meant to type:
“Lyrically, it’s what we’re used to, but I *_DO_* feel that the music doesn’t convey the emotion the way that songs like “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”, “Dreaming with a Broken Heart”, or even “Bigger than my Body” did.”
November 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
First off I am a big fan of John Mayer, and as a lot of people are I am disappointed with how the album turned out. Sometimes I feel like he sets things up to fool people. On his dvd he talks about how he wants people to understand the whole picture and not just part of it. That being said when people expect to hear a blues album, I think he is inclined to throw a curveball to show people that he is not just a blues guy and that he is going to play what he feels. Also I think that people tend to forget that blues was born on smooth rhythm and it was all about the lyrics and the message, not fretboard shredding,
November 24th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Jm always had something to say in his album viewed by him on a matter.. Like life, woman, politics, heartbreak and what he’s really feelings. I loved and enjoy all of john’s album, he’s getting mature and as always keep simple just like what he feels about things, it shows in his lyrics especially in battle studies, the songs in this album had many flavour more deep and intimate on john’s inside that’s want out (like his first album titled) , the songs on the album just like were communicating with self and I sometimes smiled when I hear the melody and lirycs that’s snap to my self. That’s what I call intimate with this album.. I loved this battle studies album..just relax,enjoy and smile .. Well done JM ” I hope that’s the way that you want it”
November 24th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I believe that “who says” is simply delicious for two reasons:
a) It comes from a man that bears an enormous pressure on him but wants to reassert his freedom and forget about what the world expects from him. It makes complete sense. I sometimes feel that way.
b) It is one of those songs that seem so simple to execute and only sounds magical when a true musician as JM plays them
I do not care if the whole album is better or worse than any of the previous ones.
At the end of the day the only thing that matters to me is whether this album gives me pleasure every time I play it.
And it certainly does. Big time.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
So i think Mr. John Mayer up about 20 comments ago is pretty hilarous. I am pretty sure if u were really JM u would know how to correctly spell continuum. lol u r a completly ignorant person. So here is my 2 cents.
John Mayer is an entirely talened musician. Even more so as a song writer. I do feel that perhaps this album was a little rushed. But i do hear hints of the old JM. If he’s looking for a new sound he is doing good and i will still be buying his albums in the future. I’ve been listening for a week now and I love it more every time. This was definately not the JM we know but a new one that I can certainly mix into this already awesome sounding artist.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I don’t closely follow John but like most of you I loved Continuum. After hearing about his new album coming out, I then listened to Who Says which is the first single. I too thought it was a joke or at least not a strong track compared to any that he has *ever* done. I saw the reviews pouring in and saw that most people agreed it is not as strong Continuum but even John said it himself that it is a side step from that album.After getting the album, I have to say he is right. I don’t regard it as the worst album, but it is not the best. I also can’t compare it to Continuum because they are two distinctly different albums. Maybe my lack of excitement for this record paired with the not so great reviews didn’t have me as disappointed as you all. I still think this is a strong album though.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:16 am
I have mixed feelings with this album. Some very good songs like Heartbreak Warfare, Assassin, Edge Of Desire(=my favorite!) and Friends Lover or Nothing. But also a lot of mediocre songs like Crossroads, Do You Know Me, All we ever do is say goodbye, Who Says… and then some songs in between. But way to much mediorce songs. It’s an OK album, nothing less and nothing more. Continuum, Heavier Things and Room For Squares are all WAY better then Battle Studies. And btw, Friends lover or nothing sounds a bit like ’sorry seems te be the hardest word’ from Elton John.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:52 am
As usual, John lied. This album, as always, is for me and mostly about me, not Jennifer Aniston. Although, I must hasten to add that I wasn’t the one who said he couldn’t or shouldn’t do half a dozen things. And I wasn’t the other half of his many vulgar relationships. Just his former co-writer and muse. Please ask him when I’m getting paid. –www.LisaBreslin.com
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am
This album sucks. Crossroads is the worst “cover” EVER. Play the god **** guitar John. This album is a direct result of his bull**** with the paparazzi/tabloid obsession. CUT THE **** and get back to music.
i will still be at the concerts with some hope he will rock this CD out in some sort of jam-session. Thats the only way this album has potential. To be honest most of JM’s cut albums are not all that good. His live performances are where he is the ****. just look at As/IS, Village Sessions, TRIO…
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Glad to hear I’m not off the mark with the rest of the reviewers in my not being impressed with this album. The album sounds like a bunch of b-sides that he wrote on the fly. I think his arrogance is really getting the best of him too; his lyrics are way too self-absorbed and I’ve heard enough about his sexploits in his lyrics. After listening to it 3 times, I don’t think I’ll ever be listening to this disc again.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Wow, lots of negativity over this album. To begin with I am not an “artist” or a “musician”. I’m just a guy who has grown up listening to Mayer and I happen to be about the same age. After having heard this album, I really liked it. Who Says may seem like a joke to some, but to me it’s a guy just questioning the status quo and asking why anyone is “expected” to be a certain way… half my heart really digs into that place where guys who usually keep their distance start to really fall in love, its a scary and fun ride and I think he nails the idea… perfectly lonely is another great song that explores that idea that one has to be in a relationship to be happy. One of the things I heard him say in an interview once is that these songs aren’t all about him. Now to be sure his personal life affects his writing, and of course you can see influences where it is quite obviously a song about his own personal feelings, but many times he is just exploring themes that everyone deals with every day. As far as him “progressing” as an artist, I just love to hear him wail on the guitar and he does that to my liking in this offering… I suppose given the temperature of most of the comments on this thread I am easy to please, and this is likely accurate, but in the end the album makes me smile, think, laugh and cry and I could not really ask for more.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:09 am
Hahaha totally agree il buy anythg wit jm’s name on it
December 9th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Not what I expected. No stop this train, but nevertherless, two listens so far & I love it.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Took me a couple listens but now that it has made its way under my skin a bit I am really enjoying this latest collection of JM music. No, not as masterful and instantly classic as Continuum and yes, I too have to bypass Crossroads (cringe worthy), but to me most of it feels very personal, understated and real. And melodic. He doesn’t pimp his obvious influences here (Beatles, Wings, Fleetwood Mac) but rather respects them and I think brings them to another level of experience. His guitar playing as always is virtuosic but even that feels somehow restrained (except for the god awful Crossroads) and thoughtful. Can’t wait to experience his live interpretations. We are lucky to have JM and his music…he is a true talent and it is a pleasure to watch him grow.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
He’s incredibly self absorbed, dull but his music is excellent
December 30th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Hi everyone,
I agree with Samuel Clark and I am a musician. Maybe the cause of this album is to come closer to the average person. I am happy with that idea. Who Says is his first real hit in Holland I think. Better than Waiting on the World to Change. And that’s a good thing. Because I prefer when people are listening to John Mayer than DiggyX and the Rap dudes or something like that. When people listen to the agressive texts from rappers they maybe will start to use violence. And when everyone in the world listens to John Mayer, they will be more affably and peaceloving… So I think the person Who Says Battle Studies is a bad album, is the person who has has to listen to Pat Metheny.
Have a nice 2010! With lots of lovely music!
January 4th, 2010 at 9:56 am
I would have to agree with you on this review. Well put. Continuum may never be matched by John Mayer in the way Rumors was never matched by Fleetwood Mac.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:09 am
First listen, in a roadtrip from Bandung to Jakarta with my friend (who really stunned by Mr. JM too).
Are unexplainable..
The Music is simple but rich and detailed..
The Lyric is honest and tell..
The Arrangement is heaven-said
You are God in your way, dude!
February 13th, 2010 at 10:05 am
The album does not compare to Continuum. Most can agree on that. Although that was intended, according to John Mayer. Listening to an interview, he stated that he did not want to write a follow-up, but step to the step, rather than forward, and start completely fresh. He didn’t want to let himself lie victim to a standard that he created for himself. The quality of the album is questionable, but he did achieve the goal vied for. The guitar work seems typical for Mayer, but not in a bad way. It’s his natural style. The only setback was how bare he became with his song concepts and overall production. The sincerity he was going for left the songs a little simplistic and unrelatable due to topic matter and overall listenability. Either way, I think three out of five stars is an appropriate score for Battle Studies.
February 13th, 2010 at 10:06 am
to the side*
February 20th, 2010 at 6:12 am
not worthed, i feel so sorry even for just downloading the album.
March 3rd, 2010 at 4:43 am
Alright, you think he may be slipping? Getting lazy with his songs?
Well, have you seen him in concert lately?
Phenomenal.
Case Closed.
March 4th, 2010 at 5:35 am
I downloaded this album and i love it. It isnt the same as continum but it’s definitely a good set of songs and i will definitely make sure to buy this album when i get the chance… The album is balanced and not boring, enough said.