Born and Raised

Since Room for Squares, John Mayer has combined broad popularity with a reputation among musicians. The Connecticut-born singer-songwriter’s smoky voice is only one part of his appeal: his guitar playing places him among the most admired rock players of his generation. Born and Raised, his fifth original album, arrived in 2012 after a gap of roughly two years.

Compared with Heavier Things and its Grammy-winning ‘Daughters’, this record has a clearer and more determined aim: to approach the sources of American roots music through folk and country. The songs move with confidence towards that tradition, rather than merely borrowing its surface details.

‘Shadow Days’ is an outstanding example. It brings to mind a car travelling along a freeway across the American countryside at dusk—sad, yet open and expansive. The atmosphere feels unmistakably American, and the song’s emotional breadth is deeply appealing.