Born and Raised

A superb, down home album from John Mayer, May 22, 2012 Mike Birman (Brooklyn, New York USA) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (TOP 500 REVIEWER) This review is from: Born and Raised (Audio CD) In his excellent DVD "Where the Light Is" filmed in 2007, John Mayer adamantly insists that those who think they know his music are mistaken. He suggests that a true artist should be a musical chameleon capable of changing the face he shows the world. Mayer also suggests that even he doesn't know what that true face may be. Nothing he has released since then contradicts that viewpoint. This superb record, which hones his artistry to bare essentials in both song writing and production, is merely the latest evidence of that. Sounding as if it might have been recorded in his basement, Born and Raised features the very essence of Mayer's artistry. The songs are melodic and memorable without being cloying. Mayer's lyrics are probing and insightful but never self indulgent. With a decidedly Country tinge that is nevertheless strangely timeless in its appeal, this is Mayer's least commercial and most accomplished CD to date. Songs like "Speak For Me" and "Born and Raised" sound as if they have always existed and that Mayer simply grasped them out of the air, put them in his guitar case and took them home. He has traveled a long way from his beginnings as a pop heart throb. Mayer's talents as guitarist, singer and song writer make him today's most versatile musician, each new release a snapshot of where he currently resides. This latest release showcases John Mayer living at home, just south of the crossroads where American music has its roots in both folk and the blues. Born and Raised is a strong release from a gifted artist. Mike Birman