Continuum Review

Release Date: Sep 12, 2006
Label: Aware
Genres: Pop/Rock, Album Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Blues-Rock
Number Of Tracks: 12
At every turn, Continuum finds Mayer to be a mature, thoughtful, and gifted musician who fully grasps his place not just in the record industry, but in life.

Sound:	9.8
Lyrics:	9.1
Impression:	9.6
Overall rating:	9.5
Users rating:	9.7
Comments:	25

Featured review by: unregistered, on september 13, 2006

Sound: Oh my God. Honestly, if you don't like this album, it's 'cause you don't appreciate talent. John Mayer is one of the most talented artists in the world today. The music on Continuum is insanely great. With a relaxing, yet psychedelic feel, it almost feels like a modern Hendrix album (only with better vocals and sound). It's so bluesy, yet he adds rock riffs to it. Honestly man, if you play guitar, get this album! If you wanna learn new methods and styles of play, this is perfect. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: His lyrics are truly amazing. Take the time to read some Mayer lyrics, which are filled with metaphors and crazy sayings. Not only is it catchy, but it sounds great and it's deep, man. Really deep. His voice and his lyrics really suck you in, especially on this particular album. "Dreaming With A Broken Heart" has some of the most amazing lyrics I've ever heard/read. Please check out this album. Not only is it a dream for a guitar-player, but it's gold for someone interested in writing lyrics in music. // 10

Impression: John Mayer opened my eyes to many different styles of music that I thought I would never like. It is by far his best album yet and it's as John himself proclaims "perfect". He truly is an incredibly talented guy with incredibly talented musicians by his side. I recommend this album to anyone who thinks they open their eyes to a different type of music rather than traditional 7-minute solos and beer. (Of course, we all love that stuff, this is a guitar site! But please, take the time to realize the effort and musical skill that was put into this album). It truly is some meaningful stuff. I love everything about this album. The sound, the lyrics, the way it's made, the storyline, the look, and I appreciate the talent and the way Mayer is showing us great new stuff. Do not think that this guy is some pussy-rock guy who sings about relationships. John Mayer is a modern-day guitar/lyrical God. Get your ass off the computer and check this album out. Now. // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: Sloopy, on november 28, 2006

Sound: This record is a much better album than his previous efforts in my opinion, unless you count the John Mayer Trio's "Try." Continuum really has that homey comforting feeling, and doesn't feel at all like pop mush that he gained popularity for early in the decade. Continumm really bring back blues-rock and gives it a new life so that it can exist with popularity in 2006. John Mayer really knows how to rock that dirty stratocaster tone, although after awhile the songs start to blend together and the production is quite average. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: His lyrics are great. I love his use of modern experiences and everyday cliches or sayings. They tug at your heartstrings and bring back memories of times gone past. Overall I'd say they generally fit well with the music. Mayer is a not the best singer in the world but that doesn't matter at all as it helps him keep his down to earth tone. // 8

Impression: This record is a beautiful work. Buy it whenever you have the chance it's much better than his other works in my ears. I really don't like some of the songs though, but they outweigh the bad and the good really shines. I'd would replace this immediatly if it were lost. Get Continuum today! // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: sbstrat88, on october 05, 2006

Sound: The sound of John Mayers newly released album is so smooth. I have heard interviews where John says that he has finally found his sound. He says Room For Squares was a start, Heavier Things was getting there, and Continuum is where he wants to be as a mature artist. In my opinion, John Mayer has his own sound unlike any other, and I consider him my favorite musician. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics on Continuum are amazing. Each song is perfectly written. One line in Stop This Train says "I'm scared of getting older I'm only good at being young," and when I heard that I could feel what he was saying. Each song has it's own life. There is not anybody that writes like John, he's awesome. // 10

Impression: I can listen to every John Mayer album and never get tired of listening to them, but if I had to pick a favorite, this would be it. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone wanting some great music. I like everything about this album. Every song, all of the lyrics, and the music is great. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: Bmace15, on january 05, 2008

Sound: John Mayer is definitely one of the most talented guitarists of our time, so it is not a surprise to me that this album is so popular. His deep lyrics and combination of rock, country and blues flow perfectly to create this great album. The only issue I have with the album is the backing beats to johns playing my thought is that maybe he could spice them up a little, but overall truly a superb album. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: He has a great voice, and he really knows how to write music that will appeal to the common listener. His vocal range is truly remarkable, but his voice does crack now and then. He definitely directs his music to the female listener, but also impresses males with his ridiculous guitar skills. In the Continuum special edition he has live performances of some of his songs, and personally I don't think it's really worth the extra dough. // 9

Impression: I think this is one of his best albums yet. Although it can't compare with some of the legendary albums we all are familiar with it is still of very high quality. My personal favorite of the songs is Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, the musical composition of this piece is truly remarkable, It is a great album if you cut out the EP performances. If it was lost or stolen it is an album I would absolutely buy again. // 9

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: theneildeal, on january 07, 2008

Sound: To many, John Mayer's switch to the blues may have come as a surprise. People saw him as a pop crooner who could play guitar, but dedicated fans knew that a bluesy studio album was on the horizon. John's work with the Trio is evident on Continuum, and it feels that he has finally made the album that he wanted to make. John spoke about his love for the blues, and the heroes that he grew up listening to, but Room For Squares and Heavier Things only showed glimpses of his blues potential. Continuum is nothing short of spectacular. The album has a song for every mood, which is one of the things that I love most about the album. He brings Hendrix, SRV and Clapton into the 21st century, but makes the sound his own. Few artists would have the audacity to cover Bold As Love, but John plays majestically, and brings Hendrix's hidden gem to the attention of millions. The album is about the end of a relationship, and coming out of it strong. But don't think that the songs are depressing or boring. John has created 12 masterpieces. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: His lyrics show his maturity and confidence. He has moved away from his reputation gained from "Your Body Is A Wonderland" and has moved on to deeper subjects. Waiting On The World To Change is a prime example of this. I have always loved John Mayer's voice. His soulful tone creates the perfect atmosphere for each song, and he leaves you hanging off every word. His voice is subtle and relaxing, and uses falsetto in just the right places. I think that the music fits the lyrics really well. Neither one overpowers the other, and it's easy to appreciate both aspects of the song at the same time. // 9

Impression: I don't remember the last time that I heard an album where every song could chart high as a single, but this album is certainly one of them. It's simply that good. My favourite songs from the album are Stop This Train, Gravity, and In Repair. Although to be honest, my favourite songs changed every time I listened to the album! To me, that's the sign of a great album. Maybe he will lose some of the teenage girls that adored Room For Squares but he has become the artist that he wants to be. I, for one, am glad that this has happened, and I can't wait to hear what he does next. Continuum is a modern day classic. It infuses blues, acoustic, and pop perfectly. I can't think of anyone else who can do this a well as John Mayer. He is in a league of his own! I hope that Continuum is a sign for things to come from John Mayer. If he keeps releasing albums of this calibre, then one day he will take his place along side his heroes. As a big Mayer fan, I have seen live performances of these songs on the internet. But after watching them, the studio versions seem a bit stale and boring. If you buy the album, check out some of his live performances. They will blow you away. John Mayer is pioneering the 21st century blues revival. This album will certainly get more people into the genre. He has made the blues accessible to everyone. If I lost the album, would I buy it again? Without hesitation. To conclude, Continuum is undoubtedly one of the best albums of 2006. I strongly recommend it to anyone. // 10

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: dan_binmunk, on april 03, 2007

Sound: After the success of the Try! album and tour with the John Mayer Trio, Mayer himself went back to the studio with Trio drummer Steve Jordan to create Continuum, his third album, and the first to be made in Mayer's latest blues-rocker guise. On the subject of the album, Mayer has remarked that working on this album has been the first time where he 'wasn't half-assed.' This personal realisation that his previous albums were not all they could have been to Mayer makes the marked change in tone and feel of this album a revelation. Throughout the album Mayer plays the blues-influenced soul-man, and pulls it off with thrilling results. Opening track and Grammy-award winning single 'Waiting on the world to change' sets his stall out with good effect, Mayer's voice has never sounded so good, and backed by some breezy pop, makes for a good transition from the acoustic-pop of 'Heavier Things.' The first half of the album is nothing less than spectacular, in fact; 'Belief', 'Gravity' and 'Vultures' stand out as instant classics, placing Mayer in the company of his legendary peers/heroes Clapton, Hendrix and Vaughan, 'Vultures' even conjuring vague images of The Eagles at their slinkiest. Even when Mayer digs out his acoustic guitar, such is the change in influence and style on this album that 'Stop This Train' a lovely song for his parents, has a blues slant in its forceful picking of the strings. Mayer clearly doesn't want to sit back and strum anymore. The whole feel of the album is warm and laid-back yet focussed, making it Mayer's best sounding album at least. What is more impressive is that he now has classic songs at his disposal. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Mayer is a clever songwriter, and his lyrics, whilst almost always about relationships (though he does stray into the quasi-political on 'Waiting...'), use thoughtful metaphors and very human sentiments. This is a man clearly who thinks a lot and has a very balanced point-of-view. There are songs on the subject of his own muse; 'Gravity' and 'Vultures', society's ills; 'Waiting on the world to change' and personal issues; 'Belief' as well as the love songs 'Dreaming With A Broken Heart' and 'I'm Gonna Find Another You'. // 9

Impression: This was the first John Mayer album I listened to, and upon sitting through it the first time, I was literally blown away at both the musicianship and feel of the record, and the songs. The songs are fantastic, and it confuses me that I hadn't come across his music sooner, as this is one of the best albums not just of 2006, but of the 21st century so far. It works best as a complete entity, with stand-out songs of course, that fit seemlessly into what I see as a flawless record. A modern classic in every sense, people don't make albums like this anymore, which can only be a compliment to John Mayer in what he wanted to achieve with this record. // 10

overall: 9

Reviewed by: Just_a_picker, on september 14, 2006

Sound: Ok, the only reason I bought this CD was because of 'Gravity' and 'Vultures,' but there is so much more to this album than meets the eye, or ears. With John Mayer on Guitar, Pino Palladino on bass guitar, Steve Jordan on drums, and a few other musicians that I assume are all session musicians, this album has a deep, complex feel to it that really makes you want to tap your foot to the beat of the music. It goes from a poppy feel on 'Waiting On The World To Change,' to a bluesy-feeling 'Gravity,' to the psychedelic rock cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic, 'Bold As Love.' I give sound a 10 because it has a complex feel, yet it could be considered easy listening. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The Lyrics once again show the genius of this man. All but one song ('Bold As Love') was penned by him. His lyrics stand out as being metaphoric, deep, and soulful, while complimenting the music and maintaining and even flow while getting the point across. Let's face it though, Mayer isn't really that great of a singer with the whole breathy thing, but he's singing in key in time and rythym, and has a pretty decent range. His voice does, however, compliment the feel of the music, almost as if he recorded the record in a bedroom where someone is sleeping. I give the lyrics an 8, because sometime's you may/may not completly understand what he means. // 8

Impression: This is John Mayer's second-best record, with the best being 'Try!'. I find that my favorite song from the album is the only cover song here, 'Bold As Love.' He is one of the few people that can pull off 3 Hendrix songs, and do them excellently. The first track, 'Waiting On The World To Change,' comes in close second. I highly reccomend this album to anyone that likes John even is the smallest sense, to the most die-hard Mayer fan. I'd reccomend this to just about anyone willing to give it a listen. If it were lost or stolen, I'd first look for it, just to make sure. If I couldn't find it, I'd go buy it again. At only 10 bucks at Wal-Mart, it's not that big of a price to pay for a brand-new album. Once again, I'd most definitely get this album, you won't be disappointed. // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: vampwizzard, on september 14, 2006

Sound: This is a mellow album like John Mayer's previous solo albums, however that's where the similarities stop. Mayer did not play the majority of the instruments on this album, and it shows (in a good way). There are organs, horns, and various other instrumentation that compliment Mayer's newfound exploration into blues. He plays complex and amazing blues solos on this cd, on such tracks as "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)" and "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room". He also did a bluesy cover of Hendrix's Bold As Love. Simply amazing. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics were pretty good on this album. Very poetic, very much about love, and metaphoric and up to interpretation. Good enough for me. // 9

Impression: Of music today, John Mayer is perhaps the best as far as guitar and blues goes. There's nobody like him in the mainstream, and his loyal fan base from the pop years should take to his brand of blues. If you want to see someone who got Hendrix right, and incorporates all of the past of blues rock into a modern sound, check out this album. I dare you to learn the licks. It's catchy, it's good, and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: TUMFP, on september 14, 2006

Sound: Just great! The sound quality is beautiful, the instruments together create a graceful yet penetrating sound. It is soothing and bluesy and all mixed to one. Really, I honestly enjoy this album. A bunch! It is sort of a mix betweeen his blues/pop with mixed in more r&b on a few. It works real well. I highly recommned this album. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: For those of you whom know John Mayer you know he is a very clever, sentimental writer, and once again he is but still his lyrics are not similar to his pre stuff. This is another new sound and style for John. His lyrics on all of his songs are true real classy lyrics, all written by himself, John Mayer (minus "Bold As Love" (Hendrix), and "In Repair" which he co-wrote with Charlie Hunter. And Hunter plays on this song as well, and we all know Mr. Hunter is a very accomplished guitarists as well). Overall great lyrics. // 10

Impression: It is similar to his previous albums in the fact that is unique and just from listening you can say 'O, that's John Mayer.' But it is different for that same reason, you can tell it is John beacause of it's uniqueness. The style/sound is unlike others out there creating music today, and they should take lessons from it. Really a great CD. I highly recommend it, highly. If it were stolen I would not doubt buying another ASAP. Plus to the guy who said he ruined "Gravity" he's wrong. "Gravity" is a damn good song. // 10

Comments

[vantage4]

is it just me or does john mayer really seem like he's got a huge ego? it seems like he always tries to be real humble like srv or hendrix would have been but he just can't quite pull it off...quite the tool, i say.

it is true though, the guy can play a guitar.

[cagnius]

Do you reckon this was penned by John himself?

[chieftanec]

Vantage4

I think he thinks people think of him as being a ego-maniac so he trys to be as humble as possible. On the chapelle show he seemed like a really kewl easy going guy. Give him a break.

[togo]

His try! album was a lot better than continuum, especialy the guitar work, in try! john was more raw and emotional. if you compare the try gravity with the continuum gravity you will know what i mean.

[latinosuperstud]

it kinda makes me sad though that he started smoking weed right before he made this album... i admired him for being straight edge in the music business

im not a prick, i know weed doesnt really do that much, but still...

[MustangMan311]

Meh. I refuse to listen to the rest after what he did to "Gravity".

[cap'nkirk]

latinosuperstud wrote:

it kinda makes me sad though that he started smoking weed right before he made this album... i admired him for being straight edge in the music business

im not a prick, i know weed doesnt really do that much, but still...

straight edge? haha... okay...

[SixStrings]

he really does write deep lyrics on alot of his songs, for instance "new deep" on heavier things. read those lyrics while listening to the song. i havent heard the new album yet, but i get paid on friday.

[StevieRamone]

^ I lose respect when someone starts smoking weed, but I mean John Mayer?He's like the good boy of the music industry.

[theguitarman10]

StevieRamone wrote:

^ I lose respect when someone starts smoking weed, but I mean John Mayer?He's like the good boy of the music industry.

dude, none of them are "good boys"

[Shangrila1213]

ok everyone needs to stop jerking off John Mayer! He's good and he's talented. But you can meet many musicians on the local scene that haven't sold out that are just as deep, bluesy, and modern and havent made it because they refuse to be a part of the pop machine, which is an accusation made a lot by the second best songwriting (Nirvana) the first being Bob Dylan and if you can actaully argue this good for you your a moron. Although I do apreicaite John Mayer's guitar playing its just a rip off of Jimi Hendrix...nothing new and the lyrics are jsut him whispering with his jaw slanted. The guy makes the girls vaginas wet thats all. Still I think hes nasty and talented but if you really want to finger your girlfriend just buy a coldplay album. Meanwhile why don't you check out the local scene and watch guitarist that spend every living moment of their lives playing and becoming underground guitar gods... instead of some dude who knows hendrix and the blues and how to whisper and hold hands with jessica simpson! I hate you guys

[diesel23]

i was seriously about to do a review on continuum myself

it owns
seriously

one of the best albums ive ever gotten

[Vassilistring]

john mayers is actually a really cool guy, i met him a few years ago in a bar in atlanta. very down to earth. but me and my gf a couple of beers. great guy

[lukieh]

I thought that bold of love was a step down... I've seen a youtube video of him doing it, and that was ok, but the album version... the guitar is good, but I don't like the vocals on it... way too poppy.

[th3 n33ms]

If you liked this album a lot compared to Heavier Things or Room For Squares, check out his live album Try! - John Mayer Trio. It is so much better. Continuum is pretty awsome, I'd have to agree, but Try! is a lot more bluesier and technically involved (it seems, you can tell he is a really good guitarist more in it)
This album has a lot of good songs on it too, Belief sounds great with its intro riff, Slow Dancing In A Burning room has a really cool sorta Eric Clapton like feel to it (with the stingy fills) and Stop This Train has pretty catchy lyrics. Overall its a great album, I'd defintly buy it.

[Merc2b]

Alright, I am a huge John Mayer fan. He really opened me up to picking up the guitar and getting deeper in the music of SRV and Hendrix and so on. I've seen him in concert during his pop days, Trio HOB days, and recent tour. The album is great yes! Defintely his best if you don't include the TRY! album. For everyone that is putting down Mayer on here and calling him a sellout and trying to rip off Hendrix and SRV. I saw go watch the man in concert. His albums can't touch his concerts. Every single song is about 3 minutes longer because of the extra solo he goes into. You think "Gravity" was good on the TRY! cd. How about a 9 minutes live with the lights damn near out. All you can see is Mayer's outline and you get lost for the next 4 minutes in a solo that is his own. Not someone else's style. In Repair, Slow Dancing, I'm Goin Find Another You, and Belief go into very long elaborate solos during these shows. I also can't say enough about the guitar playing at the Cleveland HOB. I was in the first row and will never experience another thing like it. We'll be hearing a lot from Mayer someday and I have a feeling that some of you guys on here dissing Mayer will come to the other side. I think the next step for Mayer is to go to the studio and bring the same energy and rawness that he does in a concert and put it on the album. I feel Continuum allows his lyrics to shine while easing up on the guitar playing. Look for a DVD to come out sometime in the near future from one of these shows. Likely the Austin City Limits one. Just my thoughts, take it how you want.

Checked.

[Underglow]

Shangrila sounds a little jealous that John Mayer can turn on so many women... what would you consider the 'pop machine'? Because real pop machines never give you back your change, while the musical 'pop machine' is always changing. What used to be pop? The Beatles used to be pop. Nirvana was pop. Good Charlotte was pop. Now Fallout Boy is pop. 'Pop' is short for 'popular', and if you're faulting someone for having a sound and image that a lot of people like, then you're really strongly resisting the concept of commercialism and capitalism and that's just a road to either communism or anarchy, neither of which sound good to me. Haha, ok, so I know that's not how big this issue is, but still...
Mayer's lyrics are introspective, observant, sarcastic, tender, whatever they need to be to match the spectrum of music he produces. Don't get angry with him because he can be sensitive and appeal to people's (no, girls are not the only ones who emote) feelings. Like him or not, respect him. And recognize that he's becoming a voice of a generation. Not THE voice; in terms of impact, I don't think he'll ever be a Dylan or Cash or anything. But he's here to stay, so move past your pre-conceptions and accept his status as one of the premier guitarists and lyricists of our time.

[guitarkid2113]

Notice how around his eyes are really dark... i think hes been smoking herb for a while..

[Battery Chicken]

Dude I've got dark rings around my eyes too and I've been off the gear for 10 plus years. If John is anything like me, he just doesn't sleep to well. Anyway kick arse album, apart from Vultures, I dig every song on Continuum. This guy really knows how to wail on a Strat, I think any strat player worth his salt is searching for the sound he gets out of it.

[Buck37h34d]

Would everyone stop ragging on Johnny? The album is really well done in my opinion. Gravity was less manufactured on Try!, but the point of making an alternate version of the song was to shed a new light on it anyway. "Belief", "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room", and "I'm Gonna Find Another You" are all great tunes and add a lot of depth to the new grounds his writing is reaching. He's a great guitar player, but he doesn't overplay on any of the songs and he writes solos so that they fit into the context of the music. He's not looking to be a guitar god because he's not the greatest guitarist out there; he's just looking to write good music. His cover of "Bold As Love" isn't as good as Hendrix's version, but do you have any idea how many people in the world had never heard "Bold As Love" before Johnny covered it? I was in the car with my friend Jared the other day and we were listening to Continuum and he was like, "I really like that new song of his, 'Bold As Love'." He's creating a bridge for people who weren't around to experience SRV and Hendrix before their untimely deaths. Johnny is the man.

[cb21990]

great CD, a few songs sound a little too "pop" for me but other than that the lyrics and guitar are amazing...also if you look at the very end of the lyrics sheet that comes with the cd, in small letters, you will find "If your reading this with an instrument in your lap - get to work, and deep in it, We all need you." i read this (with my guitar sitting in my lap) and was just blown back, so awesome

[ihop_08]

This guy knows what he's doing. He's exposing raw, heartfelt music to a teenie generation; and he's doing it with class. Every bit of music he writes, he writes it for a reason. I give the album an 11, and John an 11 as a person. Spectacular musician. John Mayer is truly greater than pop.

[jigamuf]

Yes, This album is quite the beauty i was expecting it to be and just think of what he can do in the next couple years/111

[JMTrio134]

Continuum is one of the best albums i have ever bought. Right up there with Yoshimi Battles the Pink RObots.