By Deandra Hoppe
Continuum’
John Mayer
Released date: In stores
With the release of “Continuum,” John Mayer has transformed from a pop heartthrob to a blues singer. The tracks on the album are not typical, but rather a touching insight to the artistís soul. The album may seem a bit dull to some, but the lyrics provide touching insight to everyday problems of life.
The theme of the album vacillates between that of love and life. In “Waiting on the World to Change,” the first track, Mayer reveals a sense of total helplessness that many feel. That helplessness is again heard in “Stop this Train.” Other tracks, such as “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” and “Dreaming with a Broken Heart,” show the harsh side of love. Everyone can sympathize with Mayer when he talks about how hard it is to heal after love has gone awry.
The music itself is quite good. It is reminiscent of the earlier blues greats, such as Eric Clapton, Steve Vai or Jimi Hendrix. The track “Bold as Love” is, in fact, a cover of Jimi Hendrix, proving that Mayer can keep up with the best of guitarists. The other guitar solos in other songs add subtle touches that make the tracks that much better, although they are easy to tune out if not listening with a careful ear.
All in all, I can safely say that this is the most mature and developed album Mayer has made so far. The assured vocals ring true on all the songs, and it is easy to see his development as a blues artist. Even though he seems to be getting away from the cookie-cutter style pop tracks of previous albums, I am sure that his former female fans will still find his new open-hearted style just as alluring.
– Deandra Hoppe
