Customer Reviews

Continuum

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From the first bars of this CD, even an undiscerning ear can tell that this is no teeny-bopper pop music album. Having already taken home Grammy Awards for "Song of the Year" and "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" (twice), Mayer sets his sights on new categories with this album, which is reminiscent of old-time soul and blues, with just a touch of his pop background for flavor.

The excellent guitar work makes this album even more remarkable, and Mayer proves that he has matured as an artist since his last solo studio album, "Heavier Things", in 2003. Even the mush-mouthed vocals of the past have cleared up, making the lyrics sound even more meaningful. Mayer puts a lot into this album, singing, playing the guitar, writing all but one of the songs, and even producing it, and it's obvious that he's proud of his efforts.

The first single is "Waiting for the World to Change" a soulful track where he finds his inner Curtis Mayfield, but the one that got repeat plays from me was "The Heart of Life", one of the best songs on the album. Listen also to "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)" (reminds me of the Doobie Brothers); "Stop This Train"; "Bold As Love"; "I'm Gonna Find Another You"; and "In Repair" (my third favorite). Jimi Hendrix fans will also appreciate the cover of "Bold As Love".

Maturity sure sounds good on John Mayer

Amanda Richards

If you bought this album expecting to hear another "No Such Thing" or "Bigger Than My Body", you might be disappointed. Now that Mayer's more grown up, his mature perspective on life and the world is definitely noteable on the singer-songwriter's third full-length record.

Mayer puts his bouncy, catchy guitar-pop in the backseat and plays almost straight-up blues. Many of the songs are more similar to the work he did with the John Mayer Trio than with his previous solo efforts. Although definitely different, this is probably one of his best releases to date, truly showcasing him as a MUSICIAN, not a teen idol. It turns out (in case you never noticed before), he is a REALLY talented guitarist, a very introspective and deep songwriter and also, whip-smart and witty. To see another side of the John Mayer you always loved, grown-up and 'waiting on the world to change', this album is a must-own as it is very enjoyable, romantic and complex.

Wow, what a transition for John Mayer. From a typical, heart-throb musician, to an evolved musical heavyweight! Continuum is pretty much perfect. His guitar work is stunning, I'd even predict him to become an icon similar to Eric Clapton over time. The songwriting is very mature, and every song is engaging from start to finish. My favorite record of all time, and this isn't even my genre of expertise. Incredible.

Continuum is one of the best discs I have heard in a very long time. The songs on this album all have their own vibe and sound, from the blusey nod John gives to Hendrix on "Bold as Love" (also written by Hendrix) to the bare and soulbaring "Gravity". The melody and acoustic guitar gracing "Stop This Train" as well as the lyric leave me singing this song under my breath all day long and "In Repair" haunts me. I love the political stance he takes in "Waiting for the World to Change" (mostly because I agree with him!)as well as the little background guitar trill. I could go on but suffice it to say there is not a bad or even mediocre song on this disc and it is, in my opinion, John's best work to date. It shows his maturity and musical growth as well as his willingness to share what he's discovered about life and his own person. It hasn't been out of my disc player since I got it.

Good Album! I started listening to John Mayer back in 2002/2003 and was very impressed, especially by songs like "Neon" etc. I am a guitar player and finding a musician in this day and age who can rip and play similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix is a dime a dozen. This album is a mix between catchy pop-hooks/blues/country/rock and acoustic music. Every song could possibly be a single which is good making the album very listen-able all of the way through. With this music you don't need to start at the beginning of John's catalogue to understand what he is trying to prove on this 2006 release.

Very, very enjoyable listening experience and album. Good purchase for the holidays and a good album to add to any guitar players collection!

This, by far - is John Mayer's best installment yet. But if you listen to John Mayer avidly, you'll also be somewhat disappointed to find that two tracks on Continuum are also established with a group known as John Mayer Trio.

Granted - the best of the best is on this album as Vultures continues to be one of my personal favorites, and I can still somewhat understand reasoning with that of a solo artist that has been in a band - put it on the album so you're not being a squatter even though it's a mere cover. Perhaps it's just a way of bring something back, that is well done and throwing your own style into it. After all - it's what retrograde (not the band) is all about.

Of the new tracks on this album, my personal favorites loom over Belief, Stop This Train, and Slow Dancing in a Burning Room. Funny how first impressions of songs always keep you either pressing the forward button, or pressing repeat.

In this case, some songs are a miss for me personally - but others I want to repeat. 4 stars for a well constructed album effort, and minus one star for throwing an avid listener back into the recycle bin.

John Mayer is nothing short of one of the long term musicians out there. He will continue to amaze and preface further as an artist. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room has, by far - the most elaborate stage of a relationship crisis and is perfectly sane.

But as for the rest of the album I'll leave that up to your own judgement to find what you are looking for.

What an album. I have always like John Mayer but this blues tinged disc is one to remember. Every track was a great listen from the start..I have it on my iPod and turn it up when his song comes up on the play list! He has a great voice and writes excellent lyrics and tunes. Definetly this is the best by far of his CD's yet...way to go John!