John Mayer Knows His X's And O's

Beyonce wouldn't mind. Imitation being the highest form of flattery. He's managed a reassuring cover of her "XO". Everything about the way he's playing guitar here is designed to put the attention squarely back on the moment. The moment, such as it is, begs for an easier pace to life's carnival. As usual John's voice sounds like well forged bronze. There are rasps in all the right places. His ability to get femmes to swoon hasn't lost its pull. An added attraction would be his harmonica. Let's size up John's technique with Stevie Wonder, a guy who clearly knows his way around the instrument. John's content to stay in one arc of the rainbow, that of affectionate yellow amber. I'd argue that one of Stevie's best harmonica solos wasn't even on one of his records. In 1985 The Eurythmics had a mid top 40 hit with "There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)". Stevie let it rip. The playfulness Stevie embodies on stage was on full, incredible display. Other instances found him programming different moods into the harmonica. For instance "That's What Friends Are For" puts the harmonica in a porch swing frame. On the other hand "Isn't She Lovely?" makes it as playful as the courtship ritual itself. One size does fit all for John, though which is nothing to quibble about. John's bluesy while Stevie is prime R&B. Beyonce's urgent pleas for making hay while the sun shines get a bigger mike presence when John lends his touch to it. The hourglass sands keep trickling out therefore maximizing opportunities for love is not only prudent, it's a top choice reward in and of itself. This remake is light years away from the ball of confusion characterization of "Paper Doll" Instead of intimacy at bay there's open encouragement lest the chance slip through their fingers. Love's brightness is positioned to cut through any storm that gets unleashed. No crowd will keep him from seeking her beauty and companionship "Daughters" washed the raw edges away like a bubble bath you might have enjoyed as a kid. In "XO" that daughter has grown to respectably buxom proportions. What puts John Mayer in the pantheon of exceptional vocal talents is the soothing balm his voice constitutes tends to boost whatever background instruments he blends in. He makes "Daughters" sound like a reflection on paternal love. "Your Body Is A Wonderland" becomes even more playful in his care. He gave "Waiting On The World To Change" a super sized spring in its step. His take on "XO" heightens the sex appeal for both the song and the man. It'll be a long while before folks of either gender grow weary of his golden brown tenderness. When he draws these X's and O's on the chalkboard a triumphant night of passion is sure to follow. You'll be winners in this game of love.