CD Reviews of...
John Mayer
As/Is
By: Nicole Roberge
John Mayer is not just a talented singer and songwriter who produces top-selling albums, but more notably he is an exquisite live performer. While the top 40 listener horribly misconceives him as “the guy who sings Your Body Is A Wonderland,” there are many layers to this talented musician that extend far beyond a solitary hit. And that is what shines here on his recent release “As/Is”—a two-disc compilation of live songs taken from his Summer 2004 tour. This organic and poignant collection displays the ingenuity of John Mayer through his skilled guitar playing, lyrical insights, and unique musicality.
“As/Is” has a vibrant opening with “Only Heart” which segues into “My Stupid Mouth.” The third track, “No Such Thing” is a well-known and appreciated addition to this release, but it is what follows with “Covered in Rain” that is really captivating. The soothing luminosity of the electric guitar envelops this song and drives the sincerity and candidness of the lyrics. Mayer has the unique gift to translate his lyrics through his music—not just singing them, but conveying them. An accomplished guitarist, his illustrious guitar solo breaks out in the middle of the song, displaying the real talent Mayer has as a musician. His music is not there to simply accompany his lyrics, but instead breathe life into them.
Mayer’s songs resemble snippets of life, creating a whole scene in the span of four minutes. His distinctive songwriting offers a subtle grandeur, while his eclecticism is seen in songs like “Come Back to Bed,” with a phenomenal blues intro, and “Something’s Missing,” a reflective and candid song, which takes us to the second disc. Mayer offers a marvelous rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues” featuring DJ Logic, which precedes a most stunning version of “Clarity.” One of the most gorgeously striking songs on “As/Is” is “3x5” which begins on a mellow note and livens up halfway through, adding a new dimension to the song. “3x5” reaches a part of you that you might not have known was there, but you’re glad you found it. It is followed by a quaint acoustic version of the mesmerizing “Home Life,” and the always-precious “Comfortable.” What better song to leave the listener with than “Neon”—one of the more notable and jubilant guitar pieces in Mayer’s repertoire.
John Mayer is a sedulous musician—creative and innovative with an extreme dedication to music—and that is what distinguishes “As/Is” as such a prominent release. Song after song we feel the stunning and ferocious musicality that both he and his striking band possess, and together they bring out the intensity of his songs. Mayer doesn’t hide behind glossy production here; his music is refreshing in its rawest form. The grace of each song is encapsulated in his exceptional guitar mastery, which is projected from his fervor for his live performance and making genuine music. Those who have Mayer penned as just another guy with a guitar and some radio hits should move beyond Wonderland and pick up “As/Is” to realize the true prowess this young and proficient artist has.