John Mayer, known as the soulful pop guitarist, is set to release his fifth album, Born and Raised May 22 2012.
This would be the follow-up to 2009’s “Battle Studies.” That record wasn’t quite as remarkably acclaimed as his previous efforts, but Mayer hopes to hone in on what makes him excel and expand his sound appropriately. “I think it’s going to be more organic, more natural lyrics and chords and artful simplicity,” said Mayer in a recent interview.
The album is produced by Don Was, whose previous credits are sprawling and include work with B.B. King and The Rolling Stones.
Mayer has always been one to balance the modern pop sensibilities with a classic rock soulful sound, and he extends that with this new LP. his comparisons to Eric Clapton have been prominent ever since his 2006 album Continuum relied heavily on Clapton’s bluesy guitar-rock. Chuck Leavall is featured as a keyboardist on the record, and its only appropriate he worked with Clapton in the past.
The record is expected to be more country-tinged and deeply melodic, as opposed to Mayer’s pop slant from his previous efforts. Check out the album cover above, and the full track list which is posted below:
“Queen of California”
“The Age of Worry”
“Shadow Days”
“Speak for Me”
“Something Like Olivia”
“Born and Raised”
“If I Ever Get Around to Living”
“Love Is a Verb”
“Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967”
“Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey”
“A Face to Call Home”
“Born and Raised (Reprise)”
Image Source, Born and Raised Album Cover 2012
