Sub#4: New Mayer vs. Old Mayer

John Mayer's music has been full of intricate guitar solos and bluesy harmonies for his past few albums. He recently underwent throat surgery last September, and then started recording his new album, Born and Raised. John Mayer commissioned Martin to create a custom guitar which Mayer says makes "organic cowboy guitar sounds." It seems as though John Mayer's new guitar sound will be completely different from the way it sounds in his previous albums.

The sounds of John Mayer's new teaser for Born and Raised are twangy and bright which contrast his music on Continuum. This teaser, "Shadow Days," hints at a drastic genre change from bluesy rock to country or southern rock which might be a way for John Mayer to modestly brag about his musical talent. "Shadow Days" seems to be just as intensely impressing as previous songs, but some fans are so critical that a country sound may be a wrong turn. Mayer's throat surgery could have just caused him to decide on a new life path, but judging by Mayer's egotistical reputation, he probably wants to prove his aptitude. Mayer's song, "Bigger Than My Body," might just be describing his larger than life ego.

In "Shadow Days," John Mayer seems to be contradicting most peoples' opinions of him when he sings,

"I'm a good man, with a good heart
Had a tough time, got a rough start
But it finally learned to let it go
Now I'm right here, and I'm right now
And I'm hoping, knowing somehow
That my shadows days are over
My shadow days are over now."

John Mayer's raw, raspy vocals give his previous albums a sense of freedom and independence, which can also be contributed to a career in country music. Mayer still incorporates complicated musicality into his new song, so truly musically enlightened listeners will understand his change, even if it is drastic in others' opinions. He could just be recording a country album to explore different genres. Many artists through the years have strayed from their original sounds to attract more fans or give themselves a little variety.