The latest album from John Mayer, Sob Rock, is finally here! It’s the eighth album from the American singer and the successor to the successful The Search for Everything from 2017. Fans have had to wait a long time for a full album from the singer. With his unique, deep voice and guitar playing, he once again captivates the listener. Perhaps not the most original album, but exactly what you can expect from John Mayer. Fans will undoubtedly be pleased with Sob Rock!
With an album titled Sob Rock, one might expect songs to bring tears. But that doesn’t really happen. Probably an ironic name for the album. John Mayer’s fondness for irony was evident in 2018 when the single New Light was released, which is also included in this album. A strong single that, in the low-budget music video, is quite ironically sung by Mayer himself.
Together with the opening track Last Train Home Mayer has chosen two very good singles to promote this album. Both are accessible to a wider audience and accurately represent the sound of this new album. The sound of this new album does not deviate significantly from Mayer’s previous work. Fans of Daughters, Gravity, or Half of My Heart will also undoubtedly enjoy Sob Rock.
Soft rock with fine guitar playing
As known, John Mayer likes to use guitars in his music. Logical, of course, when you are one of the best guitarists in the world. Also, on Sob Rock, Mayer skillfully incorporates his guitar, whether acoustic or electric.
John Mayer has always been into guitar music, but in the soft rock genre. He can undoubtedly play a hard guitar solo, but it is not his preference in his own music. And that fits him perfectly. On Sob Rock, it is the more sensitive, acoustic tracks that shine the most. Shouldn’t Matter But It Does is nestled between the two previously mentioned singles but manages to stand out excellently. It is indeed one of the best tracks on Sob Rock.
However, John Mayer and his producer have often opted for the quick exit. The album consists of 10 tracks, of which 8 have a fade-out (no outro, but the music slowly fades until you hear nothing). This is a bit unfortunate. Of course, you’d like to hear Mayer’s guitar playing, often found towards the end of the tracks, a bit longer. But a good outro would not have been out of place on several occasions.
Covid album
After his previous album in 2017, it has not been completely silent around John Mayer. He released New Light and I Guess I Just Feel Like in 2018 and followed with Carry Me Away in 2019. Still, Mayer sees Sob Rock as a genuine covid album. According to him, the album would not have existed without the lockdown. It is a comfort to himself during these lonely times but also for all listeners. And that has been achieved successfully!
Many of his musical influences are clearly audible, from 80s soft rock, blues, Americana to bands like Toto and Dire Straits. Even the album cover is a nod to iconic covers from the 80s. With a simple easy-listening vibe thanks to his unique voice and guitar playing, it is an extremely pleasant album to listen to. Not too many surprising tracks, but exactly what you can expect from John Mayer: Sob Rock!
