Born and Raised
by John Mayer
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: May 22, 2012
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. American Songwriter
    May 31, 2012
    60
    Born and Raised a prime example of the John Mayer paradox--it's good enough to satisfy even his most casual fans, but the old-school Mayerisms that remain will only anger his detractors.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    May 21, 2012
    40
    It's all very laidback and earnest, but the endless lo-cal homilies ultimately grate.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2012
49
#49 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 62
  3. Negative: 2 out of 62
  1. sashaioffine
    May 23, 2012
    10
    9.9 actually. I sometimes miss his blues edge throughout the album. But almost always it is earnest, brilliant, and beautiful music. Thank you, John.
  2. ManilaCritic
    Jun 27, 2012
    5
    I was waiting for something new and different from John but this is just like the rest of his lukewarm albums. Nothing special and nothing toI was waiting for something new and different from John but this is just like the rest of his lukewarm albums. Nothing special and nothing to offer lyrically. Its not all bad its just nothing special.… Full Review »
  3. burger1124
    May 29, 2012
    9
    "Born and Raised" is easily Mayer's best studio work since "Continuum." His previous offering, "Battle Studies," is gaining much criticism in"Born and Raised" is easily Mayer's best studio work since "Continuum." His previous offering, "Battle Studies," is gaining much criticism in the wake of this new release, but it's clear that "Studies" was a transitional piece, both musically and personally, for Mr. Mayer. While I still argue that "Continuum" is the artist's best work to date, but Born and Raised is a necessary step in Mayer's maturation process, as musician and man. That said, it's a near-perfect album, the one fans have been wanting since "Continuum." The guitar work is less complex, the vocals are emphasized, and there isn't as much layering of instruments as on prior efforts. This is a stripped-down Mayer, and his vulnerable voice sounds even more wounded than normal, likely the result of his pre-surgery recordings. The title track and "Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967" are career highlights for Mayer, who proves yet again that he is at the forefront of his generation's singer-songwriters… Full Review »
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