Heavier Things

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Heavier Things should surprise more than a few critics. John Mayer's big-label debut was a multi-platinum breakthrough success whose sensual anthem "Your Body is a Wonderland" scored him an unlikely Grammy for Best Pop Vocal. That out-of-the-box success--and more than a few critics grousing that Mayer's muse was cloned from Dave Matthews--primed him for the typical sophomore slump. Instead, Mayer delivers an album whose tone and title suggests a gentle, tongue-in-cheek rebuke to his naysayers. Propelled by the subtle ambitions of an expanded pop-jazz framework (largely courtesy of Sheryl Crow/No Doubt producer Jack Joseph Puig), Mayer's breathy vocal tack now suggests a detached, conflicted and significantly less precious incarnation of Michael Franks. But the way he weds fluid pop hooks to lyrical concerns, whose self-obsessions are undercut by telling dollops of self-deprecation, should clearly draw listeners in, from the my-spirit's-too-smart-for-my-body laments of "Clarity", upbeat single "Bigger than My Body" and bluesy plea "Come Back to Bed" to the cautionary, melodically rich "Daughters" and even the anti-materialist agitpop of "Something's Missing". --Jerry McCulley

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Customer reviews

review by: Dave_42 date: 2008-05-15 rating:
Not That Heavy, But Good Nevertheless
"Heavier Things" is John Mayer's second studio album which was released on September 9th of 2003. The style on this album is soft-rock, as this comes from a period before he transitioned into blues. The album consists of 10 tracks, including the Grammy award winning "Daughters". The title of the album appears to be an answer for those who criticized Mayer's music as being too light.

The album opens with "Clarity", a song for which the meaning is not all that clear, but in general it seems to be about Mayer's self-perception. The second track is "Bigger than My Body" which is about the frustration of not being able to accomplish in reality what one wants to do in their mind, and in particular relates to John Mayer's desire to write more meaningful music. "Something's Missing" is next, and is a pleasant song about how he is trying to determine what is missing in his life. "New Deep" is next, and this song takes on the idea after which the album is named. Thos people who over analyze and find his music is to light, his answer is to lighten up. "Come Back to Bed" completes the first half of the album, and it is a rather simple idea, but a pleasing melody and it fits well with the rest of the album.

"Home Life" starts the second half of the album. It is the one track which was co-written with David LaBruyere. The concept seems to be the singer longing for a home life after being tired of being on the road. "Split Screen Sadness" is a song about still loving and caring about someone who you broke up with. Next up is the wonderful "Daughters" which besides being a good tune has a very important message to parents. "Only Heart" is the next song on the album, an upbeat look at a man dealing with the lack of trust in his relationship. The last song on the album is "Wheel", which seems to be dealing with the nature of relationships in modern society. They come and go, and he almost seems to be convincing a woman who has just had a relationship break-up to move on in her life by starting a relationship with him.

My initial impression of this album is that too many of the songs were similar to each other, and perhaps that is still the case to some extent. However, repeated listening did result in the songs sounding more distinct. There are several very good tracks here; "Daughters", "Bigger than My Body", "Only Heart", and "Clarity" all come to mind. I wouldn't say that any of them are bad, which makes it a good listening album. The lyrics are personal and easy to follow. Those who find them too light should perhaps give them another listen. I'm rounding this one up to four stars.

Outside of John Mayer, there isn't anyone else who plays on all the tracks in this album. Those who helped out on the various tracks include: David LaBruyere (bass) on all tracks except 7 and 8; Jamie Muhoberac (keyboards) on all tracks except 8 and 9; Lenny Castro (percussion) on all tracks except 6, 9 and 10; Matt Chamberlain (drums) on all tracks except 4, 7, 8 and 9; Roy Hargrove (trumpet) and ?uestlove (drums) on track 1; Greg Leisz (lap steel guitar) on tracks 2 and 5; Michael Chaves (guitar) on track 3; Stephen Jordan (drums) on tracks 3, 4 and 5; Dan Higgins (saxophone) and Jerry Hay (trumpet) on track 5; J. J. Johnson (drums) on track 9.

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review by: pixist date: 2008-02-07 rating:
Weighty stuff
I have not heard the 4sqs album but this is excellent in parts and very good in others. I like the simplicity of the songs and arrangements. Mayer's playing is subtle but supportive. I like the bass playing too - nice effective economic rock bass to spice the economic playing. Laid back is a phrase that applies. Little bits of world flavours are in here too - nice recipe. An 'eclectic mix' as Bob Harris might say.

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review by: date: 2007-02-19 rating:
Just as good as the first album
I can't work out why this album gets such a hard time when it's compared to his fantastic first album 'room for squares'.
This second album is just as amazing and if anything some of the songs on this album are better.

i would reccomend anyone to buy this, John Mayer is incredible.

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review by: easty7 date: 2006-02-13 rating:
A ROYAL BEAUTY FROM THE KING OF MODERN MUSIC
john mayer once again has impressed the world with his amazing talent. no one can sing and play as good as this kid. he is a credit to the modern music industry.
the album starts off to perfection "clarity" has its unique style of melodic guitar with the sense of modern blues. an incredible album throughout. if you are reading this as a first timer and have no clue about john get hold of these tracks to become an instant fan.
"No such thing"
"my stupid mouth"
"message in a bottle"
and his recent live track "gravity"


review by: date: 2006-01-11 rating:
Thinking of buying it?
I was introduced to John Mayer by friends in America, who had concert tickets for him in London. I knew one song, 'No such thing', and went along to the concert knowing nothing else. He was incredible live, and although I didn't know any songs, he was witty and humorous and overall, very impressive. It was only much after that that i discovered Heavier Things, and what a musical discovery it was. Some critics have plagued him for seducing his audience with over the top and irritatingly 'cliched' lyrics, but I prefer to stick with my original thoughts: You know when you hear a song, which you may have heard several times before, and then one day you realise what the lyrics actually are? Here was when i fell in love with John Mayer. His lyrics are not cliched, they are original, and refreshing, and completely seductive. Surely anyone would agree that the music industry craves originality? Here it is. Don't disregard it.

You know a good song when the words or melody make you pull your sleeves down to hide goosebumps. I've never heard an album that can make you do that to so many of the songs. 'Clarity', and 'Split screen sadness' are the best songs on the album, in my opinion.

If you are looking for new music, haven't heard much about John Mayer but have seen some pretty enthusiastic reviews, go with them... I'm not suggesting John Mayer is for everyone at all, but it's worth a tenner to see.

Inspiring lyrics and feel good tunes. Have a listen if you haven't already.

And damn I wish I'd got those tickets now.

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