In recent weeks, there has been a fair amount of music released. Multiple genres have artists releasing new singles, or albums, with one being particularly interesting to me. John Mayer released The Search for Everything on April 14th, which was part three of a three-wave release. I had been patiently awaiting his newest work, and I found the album to be rather interesting.
1. "Still Feel Like Your Man"
A great start to the album. Mayer’s blues vibe from guitar playing drives the main riff, as well as the breakdown of the song. Lyrically the song talks about a post-relationship mindset, and references aspects of the past relationship. Overall, a fun song to listen to.
2. "Emoji of A Wave"
The title of the song has a humorous element, referencing emojis; although lyrically, I enjoy the song. It’s filled with metaphor and hints at trouble in a relationship. The acoustic instrumentals create a great atmosphere for the song.
3. "Helpless"
The third track is one of my favorites from the album. An upbeat, blues riff drives the song, as does Mayer’s intricate guitar playing during solos. Self reflection fills the verses while the title of the track is repeated in the chorus.
4."Love on the Weekend"
The first single released from the album and the song that got me excited for a new John Mayer album. This song feels playful and has a pleasant tone that enhances the lyrics about being in love.
5. "In the Blood"
This track is my favorite song off of the album. Lyrically, I find the posed questions to be insightful, as well as self reflection in the chorus. Personally, my favorite lyrics from the album. Mayer maintains some of his country sound in this track and also delivers a simple but powerful guitar solo.
6. "Changing"
Changing has a feel to it that seems reminiscent of Mayer’s 2006 album Continuum. Most of the lyrics talk about growth and how we all change as we go through life.
7. "Moving On and Getting Over"
In the same vein as "Still Feel Like Your Man," the core of this tune is about an ex-lover and how thinking about them won’t allow him to keep moving forward. The instrumentals revolve around a funky riff, with a great rhythm section, and a delicate guitar solo near the end.
8. "Never on the Day You Leave"
A beautiful ballad with more poetic lyrics and my favorite vocal performance from Mayer on this album. Though this is another love song, it takes a more serious look at a past relationship. There’s a simplicity in the piano that drives the song and keeps the tone positive.
9. "Rosie"
A funky song, that talks about a girl, Rosie. The main guitar riff is a delicate melody that parallels the vocal melody. Assuming this was a past relationship, the lyrics reference how he wants to still be in a relationship with her -- hence a lyric in Spanish where Mayer states “I learned those words for you.”
10. "Roll It on Home"
Mayer revisits his country sound from Born & Raised, as well as Paradise Valley. Mayer also revisits the post relationship theme from other tracks, this time focusing on the choice one can make -- whether they find a positive, or a potentially negative catharsis.
11. "You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me"
A delicate ballad to wrap up the album, and lyrically, a very emotional song. To me, I see the lyrics talking about the fact that the physical world will change, and things will come and go, but the bond between two people will endure.
Overall, I’m a fan of the album. John Mayer delivered the kinds of songs I had hoped he would. I found it interesting how this album seemed to be a combination of his entire career. I’m glad to see he’s still creating substantial material, and I’m already looking forward to what he does next.
