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“Continuum”
John Mayer
Sony
John Mayer released “Continuum” on Sept. 12, not even a year after sending out his musically mature album “Try!” I was forced after “Try!” to recognize Mayer’s evolved talents as a musician, but I was skeptical about his latest effort. Two of the tracks listed on “Continuum” also appeared on “Try!” Had Mayer exhausted his musical morphing capabilities after one creative flash of energy? I had to find out.
The album kicks off with “Waiting On The World To Change.” The song has been on the radio now and then, and the tune is repetitive but catchy. The lyrics have strong political undertones, such as those of “Belief,” in which he sings, “What puts the folded flag inside his mother’s hand/Belief can.” Mayer fearlessly exhibits his anti-war sentiments.
The tracks cover the topics of fear, loss, and moving on, not only in times of political strife, but also in relationships. In “Slow Dancing In a Burning Room,” the harmonies are strikingly beautiful, guitar and vocals gentle and nearly mournful, but the lyrics brutally honest. The lyrics read, “You’ll be a bitch because you can.” The contrast of sweet sounds and harsh meanings creates a cutting, regretful, and ambivalent tone.
“Gravity” and “Vultures” are the most disappointing tracks on “Continuum.” They are minimally different from their previous recordings on “Try!” The only changes are that they weren’t recorded live for this album and now have some subtle backing vocals. They detract from the otherwise fresh feel of this bluesy compilation, and I would’ve rather seen fewer songs on it instead of including these tired repeats.
The album features Mayer’s trademark deceptively simple riffs, which he plays with flawless technique. Overall, they are far more successful than on his earlier recordings. With the few tracks that are excessively predictable in melody, Mayer redeems himself with pensive, honest lyrics.
-Abbey Greslick
Bangor Daily News