Asif Khan Inc.

Battle Studies – John Mayer

On his latest album “Battle Studies”, John Mayer sings “who says I can’t be free / from all of the things that I used to be / rewrite my history / who says I can’t be free”. This would be the sentiment which would sum up the direction of the Mayer’s musical pursuits in recent years. Though he tasted initial success as a pop star, he soon enough bid adieu and moved on to a slightly more serious form of music. His forays into blues have earned him both applaud and ridicule – but then he got to share stage with Eric Clapton, after all. Though the lead single “Who Says” comes across as more of a pop driven hummable tune, but then you need to explore further into the album to come across the hidden gems. Wait till you reach the twisting guitar tones on “Assassin” and you would begin to get a feeling of what lies beyond. On the way, you would of course encounter Taylor Swift on “Half of my Heart”, but she makes her presence felt on the country influenced chorus. John attempts a cover of “Crossroads” as well, and though it may not be anywhere close to Cream’s version, it deserves acknowledgement. “Friends Lovers or Nothing” attempts to incorporate mainstream blues with pop as well, but sadly barring “Assassin” and “Crossroads”, the album fails to stir up the right chords. “Do You Know Me” does make up a bit, but for someone who reveres Stevie Ray Vaughan as a guitar god, you would tend to expect more. Loosen up, John. We want to see you drive that six stringer into a mad reverie.