(of 5)
(of 5)Room For Squares was a recent discovery for me. With its simple hooks and fun (and sometimes quite racy) lyrics, the album was great for driving down the highway with the windows down and the shades on. When I heard a follow up album was on the way, I got pretty excited. Thankfully, the grammy winner didn't rest on his laurels and delivers a more mature product and avoids the typical sophomore slump that plagues most new artists.
The opening tune, Clarity, brings a strong new presence that was only glimpsed on Room for Squares. With simple hand claps, a piano loop, light horns and a quiet acoustic guitar riff, John manages to deliver a subtle opening that builds up into a powerful finish that serves as a launchpad for the rest of the album. The lyrics definately keep that teasing, fun feel from RFS but also have a distinctly more mature feel.
I worry, I weigh three times my body I worry, I throw my fear around But this morning, there's a clam I can't explain The rock candy's melted, only diamonds now remain
This then launches into the rocker Bigger than my Body. Brandishing his much more used electric guitar on this track, John delivers a great single that will probably outlast its welcome on every pop radio station in the country. I admit, after hearing it a million times it probably will lose its spark, but for now I can't stop tapping my feet to it.
The tempo then slows down as we enter Something's Missing. Delivering probably the best riff on the album, this track gives that great subdued groove that works so well with Mayer's light vocals.
My current favorite off this disc is Split Screen Sadness. With a jazzy organ in the back with some light "finger-snappish" percussion, this song defines gentle groove. The chorus doesn't fail to deliver the goods with the painfully beautiful lines,
Two wrongs make it all alright All you need is love is a lie cause We had love but we still said goodbye
All in all, I would call this a step in a new direction for John that may irk fans of his more pop oriented debut. But for those looking for a mature record of an artist who is bound for bigger and better things as time progresses, you can do much worse than to give this album a go.
Think Dave Matthews with a more accessible sound but that same jam band feel.
A great summer album or a winter album with a cozy blanket and warm fire beside you.