Artist: John Mayer
Title: “Shadow Days”
Score: 3.5/5
John Mayer returns with his first single entitled Shadow Days off his upcoming fifth studio album, Born and Raised, which releases May 22. Mayer recently scheduled a tour, including an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, but later cancelled all the shows due to a throat condition. He said he would still release the album on time, but states he is not able to go on tour at this time.
Shadow Days is a sincere pouring out of feelings from John. The lyrics overall, are pretty straightforward and simple, which takes away from the song unfortunately. The honesty is what keep everything cool. In the chorus, John cries out that he is a “good man with a good heart” and that he “got a rough start”. He is simply trying to convince himself and everyone else that he has had his fair share of problems, most likely relationship-related, but deep down, he’s a good man and is looking to get it right next time. The song is basically him overcoming his past and trying to move forward. You can hear some unfamiliar instruments, ones you wouldn’t normally hear in a John Mayer tune, and you can tell he is heading in a new direction. The song’s sincerity makes it great, but the sound Mayer is pursuing for his next record may turn some of his hardcore fans off, including me. His upcoming album, Born and Raised, is being labeled by many as “Country Rock” . Hopefully this doesn’t change things too much, because if it isn’t broke, he shouldn’t try to fix it. Mayer has cemented himself as a great guitar player and songwriter, and he’s proven he’s one of the best, winning many awards, including Grammys, for past work such as the Continuum record. Regardless, it’s still John Mayer, and you have to respect his talent and trust that he will deliver every time. Check out Shadow Days below.
