John Mayer couldn't have come to me with less of a negative vibe than he did when I was gifted this cd by a friend who is a huge fan. I have always liked her choices in music but she didn't help Mayer's cause by professing that she has often envisioned humping his leg during the many times she's seen him in concert. Her lust only underscored a common criticism of this artist; that he is more college girl heartthrob than cool guitar hero. It doesn't help that I'm beyond sick of seeing this guy's mug every time I stand on line in a supermarket and come face to face with the bathroom journals that scream at you from their perch next to the jerky and candy bars. On top of all of this, a particular interview I read revealed him to be arrogant and buying into his own hype. Therefore, I would have to say that I was not thinking much of what John Mayer's music would be like.
Well...I like it! John Mayer is not the second coming of anyone, he isn't the greatest guitarist I've ever heard, and he's exceedingly derivative in tone and vocals. It's easy to imagine the casual radio listener mistaking one of his songs for a handful of others who he sounds almost copyright-infringement like. But...it's good stuff nonetheless.
I like this one better than other cds I've subsequently listened to as there is a maturity and a bit less of the pop-idol-to-heartbroken-women vibe going on. "Belief," "Vultures," "Stop This Train," and "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" are all really nice songs full of sweet beats, his vibrato-laden Strat licks, and intelligent if, at times, a bit overly-earnest lyrics (but, hey, if it works for Don Henley...).
This is a cd that is easy to listen to, guitar-rich, and sometimes poignant and you rarely get all of those traits even from some of the many masters that Mayer seems to mimic. Ignore the E! gossip, his legion of lusty fans, the wannabe comparisons to Hendrix, Vaughn, et al, and even his unfortunate lack of humility and just give the music a chance. John Mayer's music is good stuff...but I still don't have the slightest interest in humping his leg.

"Slow Dancing In A burning Room"...Priceless.From the very first note my heartstrings were pulled.
One must hear it being sung by John (L.A.)to get the full affect behind every note... Not Since Barry White's "Whatever We Had, We Had", The Temptations' "Memories" or even Enya's "Evening Falls",have I felt such an embrace of the bittersweet taste of love and the joy of being alive to experience such human musical brilliance. Savor it...don't swollow just yet... As Barry put it, "...such sweet sorrow"
Thank you John Mayer. Your gift has made room for you and the rest of the world to enjoy. Priceless.

If you are a fan of John Mayer's, his 3rd album will not disappoint. Less
poppy; it is more mellow, jazzy and relaxing than his ealier work. His style here...a combination of poetic lyrics and breathy heart-felt singing is a bit reminiscent of female singer-songwritersNelly Furtado and Arrica Rose. My favorite track is "Vultures" and its fabulous harmonies.

John Mayer's guitar and vocals both are stylish, smooth, understated, controlled and hugely appealing. Mayer is among the best working today.

John Mayer is a talented musician, coming forth with a momentous blues flair. Mayer grasps a Stevie Ray Vaughan like vocal style, but manages to stray far enough to make his own unique writing style. While lyrically he isn't too impressive, the way the music and words swimmingly connect indubitably make up for it.

Guitar work is often subjected to speed equals talent. With "Continuum" one might realize the delicate, but rather tight guitar segments are works of art that require much consistency (something many guitarist lack). Pulsating rhythmic flows really add to the character of track 5 "The Heart of Life". One may already be familiar with the single
"Waiting On The World To Change" due to extensive airplay, none the less it remains a catchy radio staple. Many of the tracks feel fire place warm and inviting to the dismays the songs underline. The realizations and pictures in ones mind "Stop This Train" paints is memorable. While warm, the songs drift. Some songs feel dragged out or filler like, but it could be due to the slow pace. The album never fully utilizes a over drive, and has no need to.

The undeniable single coil blues driven guitar sound is there. The production quality and vocals there. Replay value their! The variety of songs offered is a handful of listening pleasure. 4/5