Review Summary: Battle Studies seems to be an album that calls for a fully devoted relationship. Songs like "Half Of My Heart" and "Friends, Lovers Or Nothing", really show that he doesn't want to pretend to be friends or love a woman with only half devotion.
John Mayer is a smart guy. He knows to make it in the musical world, you need to change your style at times. Battle Studies is very different from Continuum. It definitely has a soft rock feel to it.
The cd begins with "Heartbreak Warfare". This song tells of a relationship that is ending in war. There are "clouds of sulfur in the air". "Bombs are falling everywhere." He pleads with object of this song to lay her weapon down and stop fighting. Musically the song is good. His vocals are really good, but there isn't much to point out otherwise.
The second track is one my favorites. It's called,"All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye". If you love sing-a-longs you'll enjoy this song. It's a soft and sad song about knowing he's going to give the relationship another shot even though he knows it's going to end with them saying goodbye.
"Half Of My Heart" is one of the best songs on the cd. It features Taylor Swift, who does some really nice background vocals. It's a very catchy song about commitment.
"Who Says" has caused a lot of buzz in the critic world. It asks the question"Who says I can't get stoned?" It's a song in defiance of what everyone thinks he should be able to do. The musical style doesn't really sound like his other songs. It has a more folk rock feel to it.
"Perfectly Lonely" is bluesy. He tells the listener that he is content with being alone. He has freedom in not belonging with someone or having someone that belongs to him. The theme of freedom really flows from "Who Says". It's good, but I wouldn't call it one of my favorites.
"Assassin", on the other hand, may be my favorite. It's very strong musically. He is very confident in his ability to get what he wants from a woman then get out. That is until he encounters a woman with the same set of skills. Two "assassins" battle for the others heart. It appears she wins in the end. The drumming in the song is really good. It's a powerful song that is definitely worth many listens.
"Crossroads" is a Cream cover. It's not quite Clapton in my opinion but I'll leave that choice to you.
"War Of My Life" sounds kinda like a country/rock song. I personally think this could have been a good duet. I could see some some female vocals really making this song sound cool. It's a good song though. Some people may find it to be kind of boring.
"Edge Of Desire" has some airy vocals. The guitar carries you. It feels all peaceful until John tells you he is about to set everything on fire. He admits that his biggest fear is being forgotten. He even offers to compromise his beliefs to hold on the relationship. The guitar is really good in this song. There is a good solo which everyone will enjoy. The drumming is really good as well.
"Do You Know Me" has a really dark calm feeling. I'm not sure what this song is about, but it seems to be a plea to be recognized. It could be a reference to being forgotten. It's a short song. Almost seems to be filler but I don't like using that term.
"Friends , Lovers Or Nothing" is the final track. It's a longer song with good blues quality. The bass really carries this song. Bass players will really enjoy it's beauty. Guitar lovers will enjoy some good soloing. Lovers of John Mayer's voice will enjoy another well sung song that is very fun to sing a long with.
Battle Studies is definitely worth buying. The only real con is that "Crossroads" doesn't really fit the context of the cd to me. But it's good and does doesn't really pull down the quality of the cd.
