John Mayer’s fourth studio album Battle Studies was released last week and with nearly 300,000 projected copy sales by this Sunday, November 22, Battle Studies is headed for the top spot on The Billboard 200 charts.

The heartbreak-infused album centers on all of Mayer’s very public failed relationships and exactly how he feels about his most recent love interest, Jennifer Anniston. He may not have a “Jennifer” titled track, but it is obvious that his unrequited love is a fresh, still open wound on Studies.

Mayer is a talented artist and a stand out when it comes to his clever lyrics and their ability to express emotion through a Facebook status of “Something’s Missing,” but Studies leaves something to be desired, which makes it surprising that it is topping Billboard charts.

The obvious broken-hearted nature in which Mayer wrote the tracks for Studies makes for a relatively uncreative album. The lyrics on 75% of the tracks are repetitive and don’t have the same impact as Mayer’s previous work on Heavier Things and Continuum. Though his airy, crooning vocals craft an easy listening, pleasant experience, Studies lacks Mayer’s typical depth.

It may be a name, or a symbol, that has sold Mayer’s newest album. But, with very few previews of Studies, it can be expected that Mayer fans are buying solely based on their love of his previous studio recordings.

Hopefully Studies won’t be a disappointment to all. It seems to keep Mayer happy and writing good music he needs a woman, some kiddies, and a stable relationship…otherwise we’re stuck with the repetitive wallowing in self pity found in Studies.

-Marie Baginski

Currently not listening to recently purchased Battle Studies

This content is solely the property of The Athens Blur Magazine and may not be re-produced without expressed written consent. The Athens Blur Magazine is an 8 issue/year music & variety publication proud to be based in the Classic City of Athens, Ga. For more information, please contact editorial@athensblur.com