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Heavier Things
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 10 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 52 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Columbia / Aware
Release Date: 09 September 2003
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Adult Alternative, Singer-Songwriter
Summary
The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter (who is frequently compared to Dave Matthews) attempts to duplicate the unexpected success of 2001's 'Room for Squares' with this third album.
Also By This Artist: Battle Studies Continuum
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
All Music Guide
Those who just enjoyed the sound and feel of Room for Squares should feel right at home.
Read Full Review >Blender
Like [Norah] Jones, Mayer never lets his personality talk over his elegant melodies, but unlike her, he has range. [Oct 2003, p.112]
Mojo
As Mayaer talks himself in circles you hear an artist facing massive success, and retreating from it. [Dec 2003, p.112]
Q Magazine
It's the kind of record you hate yourself for liking. [Dec 2003, p.132]
PopMatters
A sophomore effort that doesn't have as many drawbacks as one might assume.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
Overall, ''Heavier Things'' is snappier than, say, a Bruce Hornsby CD, if not as rockin' and emotion-drenched as the latest from Dashboard Confessional.
Read Full Review >Village Voice
While he's technically adept at playing the blues, it's perfectly clear the only heartache Mayer knows how to emote comes the morning after a night of hearty partying.
Read Full Review >Spin
Sadly, Mayer's idea of a good time involves hiring jazz musicians to make himself sound like '80s James Taylor. [Dec 2003, p.128]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 52 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Aaron L gave it a10:
Certainly becoming one of my most listened to albums to date... I think its almost worn out now.. haha.. Unreal!!! Every song is like poetry... John has a true talent when it coms to writing lerics that really mean something... and I'm sure most of us can relate to... BRAVO... I will continue to indulge in this album for many more years... Taking something different from it each time I listen!
izat a gave it an8:
an okay album.. i've been trying to soak up the melodies n feel the lyrics but i can't... sometimes this albumis boring but sometimes its great, too... CLARITY is the best..
Luis G gave it a9:
... not so much heavy but ever so resonating... aside from the last two tracks heavier things is an incredible album.. clarity is my fav track there..
David A gave it a10:
RIcky needs to calm down a bit hahah. So what if John Mayer did a Hendrix cover? I think it was pretty good. The guy's got credible guitar skill. You sound like you would start worshipping Hendrix's testicles if you got a hold of them. Relax dude.
rodowobo gave it an8:
I was introduced to John Mayer's music (Room for Squares) by a Mayer-rabid girlfriend. I can't say I enjoyed that entire album, but what songs I DID like on it, I liked a LOT. On road trips with said girlfriend, if she popped in SQUARES, at least I knew that I could not only stomach the next 45 minute stretch of road; but that I would enjoy it quite a bit as well. But I read an interview with Mayer wherein he stated that he knew his next record would be great because "he knows what he's doing" or something like that. And I found myself HOPING his next record would suck, just to keep this obviously talented pop-miester humble. Nope. Evidentially he DOES know what he's doing. Other then the dreadful "Daughters" which is just too cleverly sappy for my taste (and for which he won an award - go figure!), I love this record. There are a couple of almost-too-obvious, straight up made-for-pop-radio "hits" on here (but less of them then on Squares), as well as more thoughtful, introspective tunes; but the overall effect is that this guy has more on his mind than the standard pop-craftsman. Each song has a definite feel and mood of their own, while the whole record comes off as just as accessible as Squares, but a little more sophisticated. I later saw him in concert for the HEAVIER tour, and he was not as cheesy as I was worried he would be; and a much better player than I thought he was. And even with a multitude of teenage girls in the audience, he took the time to talk about his love for the guitar and guitar players; touting the talents of Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix (the former of which most of his audience probably only knew through “Tears in Heaven”). He even did extended versions of songs from each of the aforementioned artists, and encouraged his young audience to open their ears to their music. I would encourage anyone to give them album a decent listen. From the polished players on the tunes, to the thoughtful lyrics, to the clever liner notes/graphics for each song in the booklet, this is a project well-done; I look forward to his next release.
[Anonymous] gave it a9:
I can't give this a 10 because... well you can't give anything a 10. This is by far my favorite album. His first album was nice but it was unmatured and was more of a pop debute. Now comes Heavier Things and the melodies are great but more importantly it's something you can wrap your self around. Through fantastic lyrics you can really get a sense of what Mayor means by Heavier Things. John gives a great sense of growing up past those "adolescent" years onto the love and longing years. In a big way this album reminds me of the reflective nature of "Catcher In the Rye" (which is also hated and loved). This album like so many other things is about growing up.
Gigi gave it a7:
Fans of Mayer's previous album might be a little confused by this jazz-styled CD. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you're looking for Mayer's acoustic guitar you'll find it mostly absent here. He's still got some awesome guitar riffs, if you can get past the one or two songs that sound manufactured for the masses. The album's a little too 'pop' for me to truly enjoy, but damn if Mayer can't play that guitar.
