 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Heavier Things
- By John Mayer
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
Honest, vivid songwriting; excellent musicianship.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that these songs are a "must" for aspiring young poets. John Mayer's visual storytelling and fine musicianship are well worth a second (and third, and fourth) listen.
What's the story?
John Mayer has the rare ability to freeze a moment in time and reveal its depth. He is a visual and emotional songwriter who lets us see the pillows on the bed -- or the sulking sweetheart -- with deft strokes of his clever pen. HEAVIER THINGS makes his poetic skills apparent, offering lines like "You know you're not a quick forgive -- And I won't sleep through this -- I survive on the breath you are finished with" (from "Come Back to Bed") or "And you love like your hand's on the horn, baby -- I adore you but there's a hole in the cup that should hold your love -- if you let me leave I swear I never will" (from "Only Heart"). If at times he gets the teensiest bit overwrought or preachy (as in "Daughters") -- well, he's allowed.
Is it any good?
As a whole, this CD all works: beautiful imagery, heartfelt emotion, deft storytelling, and exceptional musicianship. Mayer saves himself, more than once and with admirable skill, from over-the-top drippiness with a welcome edge of self-deprecation. Although there is no questionable or disturbing content at all, the emotional wallop will be felt most intensely by teenagers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how important words can be in songs. Consider how the poetry of this artist opens up both the visual and the emotional. Listeners might even try writing their own poetry or songs.
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AGE
Good
Heavier Things is a pretty good album. It isn't, however, a kids album. There really isn't anything wrong with it, but I don't think the slow balads and vintage guitar solos could hold a kids attention for more than five minutes. But if you're a mellow, poem-writing teenager, this one is for you.
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Kid, 11 years old
June 12, 2011
AGE
Nice album: hit and win!
I got the DualDisc edition and I was HOOKED on it! Mayer's vocals are beautiful and the album's awesome. There's no profanity besides a couple of "d*mn"s on "Bigger Than My Body". Otherwise it's gorgeous poetry.
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| Artist: | John Mayer |
| Release date: | September 9, 2003 |
| Label: | Sony Music |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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