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Sob Rock
by
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Sob Rock Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

  • Summary: The eighth full-length studio release for the pop singer-songwriter was co-produced with Don Was.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Variety
    Jul 16, 2021
    80
    His performance style is just affectless enough that he’s always tended to be more of a heart-tugger than tearjerker. And yet there’s a real pathos at the bottom of these era-specific arrangements that lends itself to the idea that a lonely boy might seek solace from the troubles of today in the musical comfort food of the yacht-rock era. All of which is to say: The damn thing kind of works.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 15, 2021
    80
    It is by all means a stimulating body of work with ample substance, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Less focused on his innate individuality, it’s a John Mayer passion project that toasts to the good old days, when musicians were more inclined to follow instincts and feelings than clicks and likes.
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 16, 2021
    80
    Mayer’s songs about bruised male egos, damaged hearts and hard-earned life lessons conjure up slow motion sequences from a long-lost John Hughes movie. It really is Some Kind of Wonderful.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Jul 15, 2021
    70
    Uniting these different moods, and the different styles in which Mayer dabbles, is the effortless warmth in his voice, which never puts too much weight behind his heartbreak or his happiness. He sings like a man who knows his place in the world.
  5. AllMusic
    Jul 27, 2021
    70
    Sob Rock is a pleasant album whose thematic '80s affections add some stylistic flair to Mayer's laid-back songs.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jul 16, 2021
    61
    The truth is he could have amped it up in both departments—more hunger to prove himself beyond his influences, more fearlessness to work outside his comfort zone. Even if this is one of his stronger albums, the whole thing feels self-consciously minor.
  7. The New York Times
    Jul 21, 2021
    40
    In places, like “Carry Me Away,” the triumph of the arrangement is potent enough to cloak the brittle lyrical bones it sits upon. But in general, Mayer’s songwriting is resistant to even the most thorough gussying up. And even at its most robust, “Sob Rock” is placid, never doing more than winking.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. Betooliveiraa
    Jul 16, 2021
    10
    Simple as only John Mayer can be. Guitar solos? Still there. Great voice? As aways.
    Even still, a diferent one. Genius.
    "Why You Don't    Simple as only John Mayer can be. Guitar solos? Still there. Great voice? As aways.
    Even still, a diferent one. Genius.

    "Why You Don't Love Me" is absolutely fantastic.    … Expand
  2. Jungstir
    Jul 19, 2021
    10
    Heartfelt, crisp and on par for John Mayer fine guitar work, soft vocals and production,. You may want to listen to it a few times it's addicting!
  4. ifixthingsjr
    Jul 16, 2021
    10
    From the track listing to the order of the songs. Everything fits in perfectly. This is a movie more than an album. "Shouldn't Matter But ItFrom the track listing to the order of the songs. Everything fits in perfectly. This is a movie more than an album. "Shouldn't Matter But It Does" hits so good, and just sets you up to feel the pain and sob rock.… Expand
  5. kranker22
    Jul 19, 2021
    9
    Great feel good album, just relax and enjoy. The track "wild Blue" is really great !
  6. Kirabax
    Jul 17, 2021
    7
    As a huge John's fan (f.e. i listened Still Feel Like Your Man 700 times. True story!) I really had great expectations. Last Train Home was aAs a huge John's fan (f.e. i listened Still Feel Like Your Man 700 times. True story!) I really had great expectations. Last Train Home was a great single so my expectations even grew. Finally, i am satisfied. I think its a great "guilty pleasure" album, the one which you probably wont show to your friends because the songs are to clichy (Why You No Love Me,cmon).… Expand
  7. VBSBazooka
    Nov 4, 2021
    5
    Listening to this album while the idea and actually some of the execution were good, they didn't change up the formula too much here. It feelsListening to this album while the idea and actually some of the execution were good, they didn't change up the formula too much here. It feels like for 80% of the album you are listening to the same song over and over again. The idea of nostalgic 80's rock music is good but it just goes to show that maybe some of this 80's rock he based it off of wasn't much different than the product that came out here, if you get what I mean. Overall, every song is fine and listenable but I wouldn't be able to pick a favorite or a least favorite due to the same-ness of the entire album.

    Favorite Songs: N/A
    Least Favorite Songs: N/A    … Expand
  8. Lilyxo
    Aug 19, 2021
    1
    Disappointing and awfully boring , I guess I expected so much better from him

See all 17 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed Album of 2021