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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A winning new direction, 24 Sep 2003
Following up to the mighty success of "Room for Squares", and the earthy quality of "Inside Wants Out", was always going to be a challenge for the incredibly talented John Mayer. He's come a long way from the raw, accoustic sound honed during his many years on the club circuit, and the progression into a proficient studio artist who can still retain credibility in live performances is a tough one. I'm relieved to report that while his sound has most definitely evolved on this latest offering, it is by no means an abrupt departure from the sound that made him so successful in the first place. I would like to particularly commend his use of falsetto vocals, especially on the stunning opener "Clarity", and I was pleased to hear a greater variety in the instrumentation, such as an increased role for the piano and brass instruments. His unashamedly dreamy, baritone voice is vastly appealing on all of the songs, and makes listening to this album a sheer pleasure. However, the essence of John Mayer's appeal really does lie in his ability to write lyrics that are ordinary enough for the average person to relate to, and yet so ingenious that sometimes all you can do is just sit back and say "yes!". The gentle refrain on "Daughters" could be construed as somewhat cringeworthy, yet simultaneously carries a touching message. Similarly, the lyrics on "New Deep" are somewhat mocking, yet strangely affirmative. Should you buy this album? Whether you're familiar with John Mayer or not, this is, in my opinion, a must-buy. Fans and strangers alike will most certainly find this winning collection of songs intruiging and hugely likeable. It is, without a doubt, a testament to the immense success that he most definitely deserves. Enjoy!
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~ John Mayer
~ John Mayer
~ John Mayer
~ John Mayer Trio
~ Jason Mraz
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