John Mayer’s new CD “Heavier Things” probably should have been called “Room for Rectangles.” Mayer’s sophomore attempt plays like a more mellow sequel to his debut “Room for Squares” with a more uncomfortable shape.
On “Heavier Things,” Mayer gets deep but often drowns in his lyrics. Whereas his first CD was filled with fresh metaphors, here Mayer has to continually pull up the same comparisons and ideals.
He repeatedly references in multiple songs being bigger than his body, buying happiness, suburban lifestyles, and living in circles.
Mayer experiments with new sounds and with a heavier lyrical content.
Though the sounds are new for Mayer, they are not groundbreaking for anyone else. “Split Screen Sadness” is Mayer’s best Radiohead impression.
“Clarity,” one of the album gems, sounds like his friends Maroon 5 and features drums by The Roots ?uestlove.
“Come Back to Bed” is his stab at recreating “Your Body is a Wonderland” with a country and blues feel.
Some tracks stand out and show Mayer still has some of the old style in him.
“Daughters” is a classic Mayer cut, with just drums and percussion and Dr. Phil-style lyrics.
A popular favorite Mayer has been playing live for sometime, “Something Missing,” accomplishes the goal Mayer seems to have for the whole album, blending thoughtful lyrics with good musical backing.
Even the new single “Bigger Than My Body,” though sounding like an older and wiser “No Such Thing,” allows his voice and guitar style to break out and proves he still has talent.
The record is a mixed bag, a blend of soon to be classic Mayer songs and easily forgettable attempts.
But Mayer’s sophomoric “Heavier Things” will work for those tired of “Room for Squares.”
Here’s to a better junior year, John.
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