By Liz Hammond Contributing writer
John Mayer has finally spoken after almost three years of silence. The singer/songwriter has released his first wave of songs from his new album, “Search for Everything Wave One,” late on Jan. 19 with hardly any publicity. The extended play includes the lead single “Love on the Weekend,” Mayer’s previously released single and three other new songs.
In an interview with “Rolling Stone,” he said his idea behind it all was, “If you don’t like these, don’t get the next four. But if I’ve engendered some kind of trust that you think I’m onto something, get the next four, and come along with me on every single wave.”
The first song is “Moving On and Getting Over,” which was one of the first songs that Mayer wrote for the album.
“Moving On and Getting Over” includes an ensemble of guitars and has a good R&B sound with a nice groove. The song has a nice chorus with a very definitive line, “I still can’t seem to get you off my mind.” He makes sure to make a full pause after each word.
The jam session at the end of the track came from touring with Dead and Co. and learning all of their songs; his happiness shines through. It’s an upbeat and happy song, a sure way to get you over any breakup.
The next track on the album is “Changing,” which is essentially the spiritual centerpiece for the album.
The chorus of “Changing” chants “I am not done changing, out on the run changing, I may be old and I may be young, but I am not done changing.” In this track, Mayer has never sounded so at peace. This song shows him coming to terms with all of life’s complexities and not letting them stop him.
The next song on the extended play is the lead single, “Love on the Weekend.” This song really brings you back to Mayer’s old sound.
Mayer said, “writing ‘Love on the Weekend’ was the experience of all the best songs I’ve ever written.” The track is upbeat and sunny. It is full of all the butterflies you feel at the beginning of a relationship.
Last but certainly not least is the track “You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me.” Interestingly enough, what you hear is the original take. Mayer said he couldn’t sing the vocals again if he tried.
The track is deep and introspective to the point that he has trouble listening back as it is a full reflection of himself. The piano is beautiful and the lyrics are very revealing.
The whole extended play is everything that John Mayer fans can expect. In the words of Mayer, “These songs represent literally hundreds of hours of living inside these little worlds.”