Battle Studies
by John Mayer
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 17, 2009
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 76
  3. Negative: 6 out of 76

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  1. KaiR
    Nov 30, 2009
    7
    I definitely say 7 with a heavy heart. After Continuum and Where the Light Is, I was definitely expecting something... I don't know, PROFOUND, maybe. After listening to the album in its entirety the first time, I found it forgettable and I couldn't believe I of ALL PEOPLE was thinking this. I practically swear by the man's music. I had to listen again and most of the songs I definitely say 7 with a heavy heart. After Continuum and Where the Light Is, I was definitely expecting something... I don't know, PROFOUND, maybe. After listening to the album in its entirety the first time, I found it forgettable and I couldn't believe I of ALL PEOPLE was thinking this. I practically swear by the man's music. I had to listen again and most of the songs have at least grown on me, but I definitely don't have a favorite to rival my favorites from his past albums. I'm still definitely going to see him in concert in February when he comes to DC, but I feel like this album was either meant to raise my expectations for the next one, or made so he could get out of the studio and get on with it.… Collapse
  2. LisaB
    Nov 30, 2009
    6
    As usual, John lied. This album, as always, is for me and mostly about me, not Jennifer Aniston. Although, I must hasten to add that I wasn't the one who said John couldn't or shouldn't do half a dozen things. And I wasn't the other half of his many vulgar relationships. Just his former co-writer and muse. Please ask him when I'm getting paid.
  3. RichardM
    Nov 29, 2009
    4
    I've been a defender of John Mayer since the beginning and, until now, that was an easy job. Each album has been better than the last, and they've all been loaded with well-written songs and great guitar work. Not so with battle studies. There's no other way to say it - this album flat sucks. The songwriting is lazy and uninteresting, the pace is tedious. Crossroads is I've been a defender of John Mayer since the beginning and, until now, that was an easy job. Each album has been better than the last, and they've all been loaded with well-written songs and great guitar work. Not so with battle studies. There's no other way to say it - this album flat sucks. The songwriting is lazy and uninteresting, the pace is tedious. Crossroads is outright embarassing. Hopefully he'll chalk this one up as a lesson learned and go back and listen to continuum ten times before be starts writing the next batch of tunes.… Expand
  4. DaveP
    Nov 27, 2009
    10
    There aren't enough musicians out there today who understand that "Pop" is not a dirty word, and that pop music need not be simplistic twaddle. Battle Studies is a case in point: Somewhat less adventurous than his previous album, Continuum, it is nonetheless a truly excellent POP album.
  5. SeanK
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    It's simply brilliant. John has simply outdone himself since Continuum for sure!
  6. PaulK.
    Nov 25, 2009
    4
    Is Mayer just trying to fulfill a record contract before moving on? That's what it sounds like here. This guy is just wasting his talent with these melodramatic, sentimental little ditties. Big disappointment. Mayer is capable of so much more than this.
  7. JayM
    Nov 23, 2009
    1
    Mayer is so full of himself and it really shows on this CD. He is simply going through the motions and has no emotional connection with anything (besides himself) on any of these songs.
  8. granth
    Nov 22, 2009
    9
    If you are a fan of his blues music you may be a little disappointed. However, if you are a fan of John Mayer in general you will love this CD. In my opinion this is not half as good as his "Were the Light Is" album, but is still great. There are only one or two songs on this album that I don't really like. Its deffinetly worth picking up.
  9. ScottH
    Nov 21, 2009
    8
    Not as good as I had hoped. Assassin is my favourite track on the album. Friends, Lovers, or Nothing and Heartbreak Warfare rate high with me as well. Some of Mayer's new songs are repetitive (i.e. All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye) and, I hate to use this term, filler to get through the song. This is a more relaxed album and it shows it. I don't see the musical or lyrical attack in Not as good as I had hoped. Assassin is my favourite track on the album. Friends, Lovers, or Nothing and Heartbreak Warfare rate high with me as well. Some of Mayer's new songs are repetitive (i.e. All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye) and, I hate to use this term, filler to get through the song. This is a more relaxed album and it shows it. I don't see the musical or lyrical attack in this album like his previous installments. Songs like Waiting on the World to Change, Your Body is a Wonderland, Daughters, etc... explored his musical boundaries. This album is more intimate and personal. The title is perfect. This album goes back and reflects on what he's done so far. The experience and growth he's had as an artist is truly reflected in Battle Studies.… Expand
  10. MusicManiac
    Nov 21, 2009
    10
    Many toss Mayer's work off as a teeny-bob aside. I suspect those who do have not TRULY and Thoroughly listened to this extremely talented, lyricist and musician. Outstanding growth and mastery is shown in this his 4th studio album. In the future, those who have written off Mayer may find it hard to believe just how high of a regard he will be held. When I first became aware of his Many toss Mayer's work off as a teeny-bob aside. I suspect those who do have not TRULY and Thoroughly listened to this extremely talented, lyricist and musician. Outstanding growth and mastery is shown in this his 4th studio album. In the future, those who have written off Mayer may find it hard to believe just how high of a regard he will be held. When I first became aware of his music, going on ten years ago, ("No Such Thing") I stated then that he has a glorious future ahead of him...and I say now...this album is good, great even, as have been each of his studio offerings...but...we haven't seen anything yet. Mayer has yet to show his full hand...maybe it's 'hiding up his sleeve.' tee=hee -musicmaniac… Expand
  11. JB
    Nov 20, 2009
    7
    A new horizon. Back to the bubble gum with a hollowbody overdriven guitar mixed well, but unlike the solid guitarwork we've come to know and expect. Some great tracks although Crossroad... Still a maestro.
  12. StephanieJ
    Nov 20, 2009
    8
    "Edge of Desire", to infinity the best song on this album.
  13. RobJ
    Nov 19, 2009
    10
    Seen within the context of his other work this album will prove to be a valuble addition. Not symbolically concise as an album, but touching lightly on smaller subjects that with time will fit in well with his other work as a whole.
  14. LuisG
    Nov 19, 2009
    9
    john left the boy from ROOM FOR SQUARES years ago " Battle Studies" is insight from a man who seeks shelter and reaches out for love- 11 tracks of adult observation- a little bit bluesy while remaining current - my generations Eric Clapton keep it up john im growing right beside you.
  15. ArtieA
    Nov 19, 2009
    9
    Mayer takes his songwriting to a new more "grown up" level with this album. Melodies and hooks that get to you fast and STAY with you. Combines the best of his earlier albums. Only crit. is I would have liked a few songs with a bit more funk. The musicians he used seem to be wasted on these softer songs.
  16. DustinP
    Nov 18, 2009
    5
    To say I was excited about this new album would be an understatement. I truly believe Continuum to be a showcasing of Mayer growing as an artist and musician. When I listen to Battle Studies I feel that Mayer has more in him and is begin to back pedal on his progress as a song writer. I believe he has more in him than what this album shows, and it just feels like a lazy effort. While it To say I was excited about this new album would be an understatement. I truly believe Continuum to be a showcasing of Mayer growing as an artist and musician. When I listen to Battle Studies I feel that Mayer has more in him and is begin to back pedal on his progress as a song writer. I believe he has more in him than what this album shows, and it just feels like a lazy effort. While it certainly isn't the worst album of the last decade it isn't one I'll turn to listen to frequently. Bring your A game next time Mayer.… Expand
  17. JohnW
    Nov 18, 2009
    10
    I love this album so much! the production..the songs..the guitar work..the melodies..yeah its different than continnum but i think its in a step forward in a good way. i bet this album is even better live! march 9th in dallas!!!
  18. AnthonyP
    Nov 18, 2009
    10
    A nice departure from his usual music progression. His First Theme album, and I think he did it perfectly. A great collection of deep lyrics and emotional melodies.
  19. MaxL
    Nov 18, 2009
    4
    First off let me say I am a huge John Mayer fan. Second off, let me say that this album is a huge disappointment. Why? 1) There is no energy whatsoever. The entire album feels like background music at a dentist's office. It doesn't demand to be listened to. 2) The lyrics are painful to listen to. "If you want more love, why don't you say so?"... seriously? Clearly he has First off let me say I am a huge John Mayer fan. Second off, let me say that this album is a huge disappointment. Why? 1) There is no energy whatsoever. The entire album feels like background music at a dentist's office. It doesn't demand to be listened to. 2) The lyrics are painful to listen to. "If you want more love, why don't you say so?"... seriously? Clearly he has nothing to write about anymore, except the momentary emotion he gets from nailing a new hollywood starlet. 3) There is not a single memorable guitar riff on this album... save "Crossroads"... which isn't his riff. It pains me to think that he had years of time, and surrounded himself with talented musicians... and puts out something so safe and unoriginal. I still love Johnny, but I'll stick to his first 3 albums.… Expand
  20. BrianN
    Nov 17, 2009
    6
    At times a bit too introspective and whimsical, but when Mayer hits the right notes (Assassin, Who Says), he really hits the right notes. Sadly what most of what this album is comprised of though, his die hard fans will swoon over and love, but as for drawing in new fans or people on the fence about music, he wont see much of a Continuum.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Billboard.com
    79
    While the artist has raised some eyebrows by asking, "Who says I can't get stoned?" (on the album's first single, 'Who Says'), the rest of the collection certainly has the goods to eclipse that overblown controversy.
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  2. Boston Globe
    70
    Even when the proceedings threaten to get turgid, the intimacy of Mayer’s expression never wavers, and in many ways that’s the album’s greatest victory.
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Battle Studies is, for the most part, status quo Mayeromics — an expertly calibrated study in soft-pedal confessions, searching lyricism, and mildly groovy guitar licks.
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