John Mayer — Continuum

Say what you like about John Mayer, but the man has a knack for capturing common sentiments in his lyrics, thus turning them into anthems. On the cusp of his thirties, he sings about accepting the mortality of one's parents and fears about having to get one's shit together ("Stop This Train"), feeling trapped between apathy and helplessness over the current state of the world ("Waiting On The World To Change") and, of course, love. Though, this time around he's a little more embittered than on "Your Body Is A Wonderland." Focusing more on the bluesy side of his musical tendencies, Continuum is successful in bringing more gravity to Mayer's work. But his natural popsmith instincts still shine through. Mayer's sentiments may not be Earth-shattering, but his appeal to the masses isn't a fluke and, with efforts like this one, won't wane anytime soon.

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