Heavier Things (by John Mayer, Pop)

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.

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.

Released on: September 9, 2003
Label: Sony Music
Genre: Pop