The album is definitely dominant country, the focus is not really on the theme of love, but self-knowledge. This may probably be due to his vocal cord surgery; In my opinion it makes the songs honestly. You can tell that John has grown up.
QUEEN OF CALIFORNIA - personally one of my favorite songs of the album. It has a nice rhythm. The music invites to dream as most of the songs on this album, but not in a cheesy way.
THE AGE OF WORRY - A beautiful song with a more beautiful melody. Yet no favorite song, because I lack anything.
SHADOW DAYS - The 1st single. Great lyrics, the country influence does the song is very good.
SPEAK FOR ME - even an absolute highlight. While listening to the song I like to make a road trip through the USA. Also that runs through the entire album somehow. ;)
SOMETHING LIKE OLIVIA - Great Groove, reminiscent of "Continuum" times.
Born and raised - an absolute highlight, if only the harmonica at the beginning. The background vocals make the song completely. Makes you want to evening get-together with a guitar.
IF I EVER GET AROUND TO LIVING - typical John Mayer song. This can be seen quite positive.
LOVE IS A VERB - the lyrics alone would now not knock my socks off, but the music makes the piece an absolute "That I could easily 10x succession hear" piece.
WALT GRACE'S SUBMARINE TEST - this song is simply amazing. The story, the music, everything is harmonious.
Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey - And again the beautiful harmonica at the beginning. The "we pick up in New York City, I'm trying to find the one I never got to be" typical great John Mayer lines. Very nice song.
A FACE TO CALL HOME - the female vocals reminiscent of the layout, the kind of "Half of my heart". I would have like more John Mayer feat. Had Taylor Swift songs, especially with this album that could have been just great. But that 2 again do something together, I doubt (see Taylor Swift's "Dear John"). The lady who sings in this song, but does its job well and helps to a great love song that does not sound exaggerated, but honest.
Born and raised (Reprise) - stopgap? Not at all! Rounding this great country-influenced album!
I like John, when he makes Blues. And even if he does Pop. But Country suits him particularly well. :)
Conclusion: Could my favorite John Mayer album are!
[In the booklet are the lyrics and some pictures of John]
