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Battle Studies
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Battle Studies Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

  • Summary: The singer-songwriter's latest album was co-produced with Steve Jordan.

Top Track

Half of My Heart
I was born in the arms of imaginary friends Free to roam, made a home out of everywhere I've been Then you come on crashing in Like the realest... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Mojo
    80
    As with its predecessor, 2006's Continuum, not a note, not a breadth, is wasted--and the playing, from a crack team including Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan and Ian McLagan, is unfussily superb throughout. [Jan 2010, p. 90]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AllMusic
    70
    Here, Mayer is effortlessly seductive and somewhat irresistible, and it’s easy to see why the ladies love cool John.
  3. 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.
  4. Paste Magazine
    63
    Mayer’s albums were maturing one after the other, combining electric blues and clever songwriting, but he takes a few steps back with the lovelorn Battle Studies, a superficial meditation on the jagged down-slope of a relationship—the romantic blitzkrieg that recalls, among other genres, his early acoustic sound on "Room for Squares."
  5. PopMatters
    60
    It would be unfair to call Battle Studies an outright misfire, but it’s undoubtedly a regression on his winding, forward-moving path toward artistic maturity. Two steps forward, one step back then.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    While Heartbreak Warfare and War Of My Life chug pleasantly along in their Police-lite way, and Taylor Swift makes the briefest of cameos on the bittersweet half Of My Heart, true inspiration, as ever, remains a conspicuous absentee. [Jan 2010, p. 120]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Slant Magazine
    30
    It's clear that he's capable of far more than this. What's most puzzling and disappointing about Battle Studies, then, is that its banality seems like a deliberate choice.

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User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. 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 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!!!… Expand
  2. 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 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
  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 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.… Expand
  5. StephanieJ
    Nov 20, 2009
    8
    "Edge of Desire", to infinity the best song on this album.
  6. 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 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.… Expand
  7. 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. 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.… Expand
  8. 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 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.… Collapse

See all 20 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Album of 2009

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