Customer Reviews
Not That Heavy, But Good Nevertheless - By: Dave_42, 15 May 2008 
"Heavier Things" is John Mayer's second studio album which was released on September 9th of 2003. The style on this album is soft-rock, as this comes from a period before he transitioned into blues. The album consists of 10 tracks, including the Grammy award winning "Daughters". The title of the album appears to be an answer for those who criticized Mayer's music as being too light.
The album opens with "Clarity", a song for which the meaning is not all that clear, butin general it seems to be about Mayer's self-perception. The second track is "Bigger than My Body" which is about the frustration of not being able to accomplishin reality what one wants to doin their mind, &in particular relates to John Mayer's desire to write more meaningful music. "Something's Missing" is next, & is a pleasant song about how he is trying to determine what is missingin his life. "New Deep" is next, & this song takes on the idea after which the album is named. Thos people who over analyze & find his music is to light, his answer is to lighten up. "Come Back to Bed" completes the first half of the album, & it is a rather simple idea, but a pleasing melody & it fits well with the rest of the album.
"Home Life" starts the second half of the album. It is the one track which was co-written with David LaBruyere. The concept seems to be the singer longing for a home life after being tired of being on the road. "Split Screen Sadness" is a song about still loving & caring about someone who you broke up with. Next up is the wonderful "Daughters" which besides being a good tune has a very important message to parents. "Only Heart" is the next song on the album, an upbeat look at a man dealing with the lack of trustin his relationship. The last song on the album is "Wheel", which seems to be dealing with the nature of relationshipsin modern society. They come & go, & he almost seems to be convincing a woman who has just had a relationship break-up to move onin her life by starting a relationship with him.
My initial impression of this album is that too many of the songs were similar to each other, & perhaps that is still the case to some extent. However, repeated listening did resultin the songs sounding more distinct. There are several very good tracks here; "Daughters", "Bigger than My Body", "Only Heart", & "Clarity" all come to mind. I wouldn't say that any of them are bad, which makes it a good listening album. The lyrics are personal & easy to follow. Those who find them too light should perhaps give them another listen. I'm rounding this one up to four stars.
Outside of John Mayer, there isn't anyone else who plays on all the tracksin this album. Those who helped out on the various tracks include: David LaBruyere (bass) on all tracks except 7 & 8; Jamie Muhoberac (keyboards) on all tracks except 8 & 9; Lenny Castro (percussion) on all tracks except 6, 9 & 10; Matt Chamberlain (drums) on all tracks except 4, 7, 8 & 9; Roy Hargrove (trumpet) & ?uestlove (drums) on track 1; Greg Leisz (lap steel guitar) on tracks 2 & 5; Michael Chaves (guitar) on track 3; Stephen Jordan (drums) on tracks 3, 4 & 5; Dan Higgins (saxophone) & Jerry Hay (trumpet) on track 5; J. J. Johnson (drums) on track 9.
Weighty stuff - By: D Deacon, 07 Feb 2008 I have not heard the 4sqs album but this is excellentin parts & very goodin others. I like the simplicity of the songs & arrangements. Mayer's playing is subtle but supportive. I like the bass playing too - nice effective economic rock bass to spice the economic playing. Laid back is a phrase that applies. Little bits of world flavours arein here too - nice recipe. An 'eclectic mix' as Bob Harris might say.
Just as good as the first album - By: General Franko, 19 Feb 2007 
I can't work out why this album gets such a hard time when it's compared to his fantastic first album 'room for squares'.
This second album is just as amazing & if anything some of the songs on this album are better.
i would reccomend anyone to buy this, John Mayer is incredible.
A ROYAL BEAUTY FROM THE KING OF MODERN MUSIC - By: , 13 Feb 2006 john mayer once again has impressed the world with his amazing talent. no one can sing & play as good as this kid. he is a credit to the modern music industry.
the album starts off to perfection "clarity" has its unique style of melodic guitar with the sense of modern blues. an incredible album throughout. if you are reading this as a first timer & have no clue about john get hold of these tracks to become an instant fan.
"No such thing"
"my stupid mouth"
"messagein a bottle"
and his recent live track "gravity"
Thinking of buying it? - By: sarah, 11 Jan 2006 I was introduced to John Mayer by friendsin America, who had concert tickets for himin London. I knew one song, 'No such thing', & went along to the concert knowing nothing else. He was incredible live, & although I didn't know any songs, he was witty & humorous & overall, very impressive. It was only much after that that i discovered Heavier Things, & what a musical discovery it was. Some critics have plagued him for seducing his audience with over the top & irritatingly 'cliched' lyrics, but I prefer to stick with my original thoughts: You know when you hear a song, which you may have heard several times before, & then one day you realise what the lyrics actually are? Here was when i fellin love with John Mayer. His lyrics are not cliched, they are original, & refreshing, & completely seductive. Surely anyone would agree that the music industry craves originality? Here it is. Don't disregard it.
You know a good song when the words or melody make you pull your sleeves down to hide goosebumps. I've never heard an album that can make you do that to so many of the songs. 'Clarity', & 'Split screen sadness' are the best songs on the album,in my opinion.
If you are looking for new music, haven't heard much about John Mayer but have seen some pretty enthusiastic reviews, go with them... I'm not suggesting John Mayer is for everyone at all, but it's worth a tenner to see.
Inspiring lyrics & feel good tunes. Have a listen if you haven't already.
And damn I wish I'd got those tickets now.
