Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Emily Hoferer
Diversions Editor
Once in a great while, a singer-songwriter breaks out of the mold of the manufactured cute boys who can play a musical instrument to become an artist with wide range, a huge fan base and Grammys to put on his shelf. John Mayer is one of those singer-songwriters.
He shot to popularity back in 2001 with his first major label relase, Room For Squares. His happy-go-lucky tune “Your Body is a Wonderland” got lots of radio play won him his first Grammy.
Critics liked Mayer’s sensitive and quirky lyrics, and even compared him to Dave Matthews, but no one knew if he had the staying power that Dave does.
Mayer’s sophomore album, Heavier Things, went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts the first week of its release. “Daughters” earned him his second Grammy for Best Song.
His new CD, Continuum, has a lot to live up to. This is his third solo record, not counting his release with the John Mayer Trio.
The trio, which included Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, released a live CD and had a video in circulation on MTVu, but that was about it.
John did like something about his jazzy and bluesy departure with the trio, and it is very noticeable on the new album.
Instead of being the pop version of John Mayer with whom most people are familiar, he mixes in a lot of jazz and blues guitar riffs, but still sails along in pop melodies with his silky and unique voice.
The first single off the record, “Waiting on the World to Change,” is just one of many songs in which Mayer voices his opinion about current world situations.
He brings such topics as religion and war into view with his song “Belief.” Still, Mayer did not stray from writing about the topic he seems to know best: himself.
“Vultures” and “Stop This Train” are songs about uncertainity and existential crises. Mayer not only displays awesome vocal talent, but a sense of real maturity.
Each album seems to scratch another surface to Mayer’s many layers of thought and emotion.
In addition Mayer also writes and belts out his feelings of heartbreak. “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” and “In Repair” both speak about the stages of heartache and lost love. He may just have the break up song of the year in “I’m Gonna Find Another You.”
The strongest single on the new record, besides “Waiting on the World to Change,” is the sultry “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room.” This song, about a failing relationship, is as melodic as it is poignant.
Continuum is a solid effort by John Mayer. He will disappoint the fans expecting the pop-sensation, but Mayer is growing as an artist and will gain more fans for this mature music departure.
The only thing the album is missing are some songs that really rock. “Bold As Love,” a Jimmy Hendrix cover, gets you grooving, but most of the songs are very mellow. Anyone who has seen Mayer perform live knows he can really rock out.
“The Heart of Life” is a joyous and optimistic tune in which John gives us a positive message. Even when faced with pain and sadness he encourages us to never give up and says, “But I know the heart of life is good.” For John Mayer, it definitely is.
Emily Hoferer 
Diversions Editor
It’s time once again to dance the night away at the Latin Dance! At 8:15 p.m. on Friday, come to Cintas Center Banquet Room for free salsa lessons before the dance begins at 9 p.m. There will be a live band to play well into the night. Tickets can be bought at the Romero Center for $3 or at the door for $5.
Classic College Movie
Before “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill,” there was “Resevoir Dogs.” This classic film will be shown at 11 p.m. on Thursday in the GSC Theatre. This is the first installment in the “Classic College Movie” series.
Late Night Snack
Chipotle is not just a burrito, it’s an institution. And this instution is being brought to Xaiver, thanks to SAC. Chipotle will be the Late Night Snack at 10 p.m. on Thursday in the GSC food court. Arrive early to secure your spot in line!
Grill Out!
The Men 4 Others and Random Acts of Kindness Houses are hosting a grill out at 5 p.m. on Wednesday on the greenspace. There will be plenty of free food for everyone.