review #1: caged melodies

Battle Studies. Gripping title. The first two songs ("Heartbreak Warfare" and "All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye") anticipate the likewise gripping slew of songs, increasing in heartwrenching beauty and innovation in theme and musicality, that we've come to expect of John Mayer. But, while the album does bring the warm familiarity of John's vocal texture, it lacks the vitality, brilliance, and boyish exuberance, even curiosity, so playful in his earlier work. Battle Studies misses the melodic punch of "My Stupid Mouth," the personality of "Comfortable," the sexiness of "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room." Ditch the subdued, bring back the colorful!