Mayer's Made a Masterpiece

For anyone who thought John Mayer's 2009 effort "Battle Studies" amounted to a hiccup in the accomplished blues rocker's catalog, "Born and Raised" is more than good enough to assuage their fears of a continued slide in quality. On more than one occasion he demonstrates that a well-placed harmonica is the bluesman's best friend. The title track gets elevated from being a pretty good song to a great one on the basis of how shrewdly John employs this instrument. It returns in "Whisky, Whisky, Whisky", which addresses the get drunk, sober up by morning, repeat tomorrow lifestyle that veteran alcohol users and abusers likely have down pat is entrancing. John's unflinchingly honest voice only makes the anguish more real. "A Fool To Love You" is downright sexy, followed by downright gritty, bluesy, sassy, and ultimately sweaty. Once again the harmonica ups the vividness of a night spent in a smoke-filled bar making dumbstruck eyes at that chick who just rocked your immediate future world with her naughty cocktail dress. Not bad for a song that's a mere 2 minutes, 24 seconds long. "If I Ever Get Around To Living" serves up a cornucopia of limitless harmony. This rush towards a dreamer's state of mind which takes a sharp turn towards reality is sensational songcraft that deserves mention amongst John's all-time best work. "Queen of California" belongs on the car stereo of anyone hurtling towards a West Coast, sun-dappled way of life. John's versed in the language of several instruments, among them the guitar, piano, and yes, the highly touted harmonica. In a perfect world music lovers would say they've grown spoiled listening to the artistry of John Mayer, that there are scads of male performers just as good if not better at this kind of blues rock schtick. Alas this is not true, but on the upside John Mayer's back to keep the flag flying proudly throughout this, and what many of us hope are many other years full of intense evenings to come. When he sings, all of the universe's surrounding chaos seems to melt away. His listeners are the only ones he's casting his notes towards. No matter what the season intimacy between audience and performer is always in style.