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Battle Studies (by John Mayer, Adult Contemporary)

common sense media says

Radio-friendly pop is mature in theme but not graphic.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that in both his lifestyle and music, John Mayer is just a little too mature for younger kids -- engaging in public relationships with various women and singing about adult topics like substance use and one-night stands. 

Positive messages: While Mayer's outlook on love isn't idealistic, he deals with his emotions openly and honestly in these songs.
Positive role models: Mayer is certainly not the most upstanding celebrity around, having publicly broken a few hearts in his day. However, he remains dedicated to producing quality music without overindulging in the party lifestyle -- a good example in the overall scheme of things.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some light sexual allusions: "Enter the morning light / To find the day is burning the curtains and the wine / In a little white room / Though I'm not alone, her head is heavy on me."
Language: Includes the occasional swear word but no f-bombs.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A couple references to drinking wine and getting stoned.

More on Battle Studies

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about musicians as celebrities. Should musicians be judged on the basis of their talent, their personal lives, or both?
  • Is it fair that the careers of some fantastic performers are hurt by the things they choose to do in their off hours? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Singer-songwriter John Mayer is in the news again -- only this time it's for his latest album BATTLE STUDIES, not his high-profile relationships with stars like Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson. The majority of songs here, including the duet "Half of My Heart" with young country superstar Taylor Swift, describe a push-and-pull between wanting to be in a meaningful romantic relationship and yearning to be free of commitment. Though Mayer explores this in a somewhat more mature and complex way than all the bubblegum popsters out there, his lyrics still remain largely free of adult language and graphic descriptions of sex or substances. For example: "You get in, you get done and then you get gone / You never leave a trace, or show your face, you get gone / Should've turned around and left before the sun came up again / But the sun came up again."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Though John Mayer releases his fair share of simple, radio-friendly pop, he's actually an accomplished guitarist, having performed with the likes of guitar wizards Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Charlie Hunter, and others. Mayer's guitar talents show through on this album in songs such as "Friends, Lovers, or Nothing," "Perfectly Lonely," and "Assassin." In a general sense, the record is a lot like previous Mayer releases, with plenty of songs that are both easy enough for radio yet sound above the fray, thanks largely to Mayer's guitar chops and velvety vocals.  

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: November 17, 2009
Label: Columbia
Genre: Adult Contemporary

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 
 

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psycho path1
kid, 10 years old
 
catchy tune

tphox
educator and parent of 16 and 19 year old
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age