you might find yourself tapping your foot and humming along with Mayer's catchy tunes, probably because they all sound so familiar.
Released on September 12, 2006, John Mayer's Continuum is a recording full of reverential and derivative music. This is his third studio album following his multi-platinum Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003), and he is currently on a world tour promoting it — next stop, Dubai, the new Las Vegas of the Middle East.Any true rocker will quickly relegate Continuum to the dinner music category. Mayer's laid back white guy blues style, and his voice, reminiscent of Dave Matthews', can lull anyone into amiable conversation and an insightful view of the world. But if you give this album a few devoted listenings, you might find yourself tapping your foot and humming along with Mayer's catchy tunes, probably because they all sound so familiar.While Mayer's music on this release is obviously derivative of many fine singer songwriters, Mayer himself is all about the lyrics. While listening to Continuum, you might find yourself humming along to the first song on this recording, also the first single from this release, "Waiting on the World to Change", with the words "People get ready, there's a train a coming, you don't need no baggage, you just get on board," from Curtis Mayfield's 1964 brilliant hit song "People Get Ready."
When listening to other Mayer songs, you might find yourself thinking of Van Morrison, Leon Russell, and Paul Simon. Being compared to the cream of the '60-'70s singer songwriters is no low blow. But Mayer needs to develop his own sound, not favor the songs, tunes, and styles of others for his own material. With this issue in mind, this reviewer won't be surprised to hear Mayer's next release will feature a bigger horn
section a la Morrison, the addition of an acoustic piano player a la Leon Russell, or the collaboration with African and other World music artists a la Paul Simon. It would all be more inviting were Mayer to find his own unique musical style instead of borrowing from other masters of the singer songwriter genre.On many Continuum cuts you will find yourself wishing for just one ripping guitar solo, but once again, Mayer tightly constricts himself and refuses to open up his music for a little jamming. He takes a few two bar solos on a few cuts — and one song fades out to the only four bar lead solo on the album — but Mayer never lets loose with his guitar, leaving this reviewer aching for some true guitar leads. …
Article comments
26 - Kill
This Review is absolute Crap. Have you ever tried to compose a song, Janet, and put your FULL potential into it, and succeeded? Yes, almost all of these songs (on continuum) are brilliant! John Mayer is a brilliant guitarist, and still has many many many years to go before he can reach his full potential, but i assure you, when he does reach his full potential, he'll sure show your sad ass! and Mayfield, i'd like to point out that Frusciante (*), although he has his own style, has been around a LOT longer than Mayer. John Mayer is a COMPLETELY different style to Frusciante, so stop comparing the two. John Mayer doesnt always just "rip off" other notes from his childhood idols, i'd sure as hell like you to see compose, play and sing as well as he does. John Mayer sure as hell doesnt need to hire a "gunslinger" to impress the crowd, he sure as hell can do that on his own. I, personally, am not a big fan of "Waiting On The World To Change" but dont base your review, Janet, on that one song. He dropped out of his music college because he'd rather PLAY music and get out there and live his dream rather than study it. He's no Jimi Hendrix, obviously, not yet anyway, but he sure as hell will be. John Mayer is a brilliant guitarist.
27 - elizabeth
he rocks ive heard him hes awsome iam a piano player and a guitar player and i love his music my favorites are clarity,slow dancing in a buring room ,dreaming with a broken heart ,ect