Born And Raised
I hope you had happy holidays! I’ve been thinking about all the music that came out over the course of the year. Due to a few factors, I definitely didn’t have my normal musical appetite in 2012, so my list will be short…but I still really enjoy choosing my favorites!
This first album is probably the one that surprised me the most. I wouldn’t call myself a huge John Mayer fan, and the first single from this album (“Shadow Days”) really didn’t do anything for me. But, when I heard the other singles, I was pulled right in.
From start to finish, the album is beautifully produced (Don Was is co-producer with Mayer). The guitar work is sensational and John Mayer’s voice and presence has a certain warm and relaxed vibe to it. The album was completed and released after Mayer had surgery and a long rest last year to repair granuloma in his throat. Unfortunately the condition returned this year and more tour dates were canceled. I can imagine Mayer is facing some seriously dark times with all of this as an artist unable to perform. He wrote, “the only thing that stops me from devolving into a puddle of tears is knowing that it’s a long life, and the greatest gift in the world is being able to create music no matter what the circumstances”.
“Something Like Olivia” [LIVE]
“Queen Of California”
“The Age Of Worry”
“Speak For Me” [LIVE]
