Review
John Mayer's fifth studio album, "Born and Raised," released in 2012, stands out for its refreshing blend of folk and Americana influences, a noticeable shift in his musical direction. Drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and David Crosby, Mayer's new sound is beautifully reflected in the album's cover art, designed by David Adrian Smith with a turn-of-the-century, trade-card style. The production by Don Was and Mayer's own technical skill won over critics and listeners alike.
Kicking off with the single, "Shadow Days," Mayer soon followed up with "Queen of California" and "Something Like Olivia." This album made a big splash, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 219,000 units in its first week, and also reaching number one in Canada and number four in the UK. Critics were enthusiastic, with *Rolling Stone* naming it one of the top 50 albums of 2012 and *Billboard* calling it Mayer's most consistently satisfying release yet. The album hit Gold status by the RIAA, highlighting its commercial success.
Tracks like "Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967," with its allegory about chasing one's dreams, and "If I Ever Get Around To Living," which nudges the listener to seize the day, demonstrate Mayer's lyrical and musical growth. All in all, "Born and Raised" is a testament to Mayer's versatility and artistic evolution, adding an impressive chapter to his career. - Alex
