One week ago, John Mayer’s album, “Continuum,” turned 10 years old. While this may seem like a trivial tidbit of information, I would like to make the argument that this album has not aged. Ten years ago, my parents bought this album and my mom would play it in the car on the way to school. For a whole year, I listened to “Waiting On the World to Change” on repeat. Ever since then, I have continued to listen to the album and my favorite song has changed every year. Mayer’s bluesy guitar playing and smooth singing voice have grown with me as I have experienced new things, moved to new places, and felt an array of emotions. The album may be ten years old, but every time I listen it feels brand new.
“Waiting On the World to Change”: When I was little, I couldn’t help but sing along to the song. The easy rhythm and jazzy tune will always be an easy listen. This song is best played in the car on full volume with the windows down.
“I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You)”: Currently, this is my favorite song on the album. The slow and sultry guitar throughout sounds like a second voice singing with Mayer. This song shows Mayer’s advanced ability to manipulate the guitar sounds.
“Belief:” This song touches on Mayer’s thought that faith and belief are double-edged swords. They can be beneficial, but also the “heaviest sword” because they have led to so much war.
“Gravity”: One of the slower songs on the album, “Gravity” allows Mayer to show off his superior guitar skills. While the version on “Continuum” is worth a listen, the version on his live album, “Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles,” better demonstrates Mayer’s ability on the guitar.
“The Heart of Life”: Slowly becoming my favorite song off the album, this song is acoustic and the guitar mimics the rise and fall of Mayer’s voice. The song explains that despite hardships and pain, life is good. It may not work out the way you intend, but it will work out.
“Vultures”: Bluesy vibes are the driving force of this song. The guitar has a unique sound that is not replicated in any other Mayer song.
“Stop This Train”: “So scared of getting older,” sings Mayer. “I’m only good at being young.” This song voices a fear that young adults encounter: life passing you by and not being able to do anything to stop it.
“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”: Another sultry song on the album, Mayer uses a metaphor to explain that his relationship is slowly ending. Both John and his partner are aware that they are going to break up, but neither of them is admitting it.
“Bold as Love”: This song is a Jimi Hendrix cover and Mayer proves that his guitar skills are up to the challenge.
“Dreaming with a Broken Heart”: Mayer expresses his heartbreak after splitting from his girlfriend. He does not know how to replace the emptiness he feels without her.
“In Repair”: Mayer sings, “I’m in repair/I’m not together but I’m getting there.” Mayer has taken a lot of heat for saying inappropriate things to the press and this song is his answer. He explains that he wants to change.
“I’m Gonna Find Another You”: The guitar slowly plays in the back and slowly gets louder. Mayer sings about what he will do to get over his heartbreak. By the end of the song, he decides that he’s going to be ok without her.
