Fan’s of John Mayer’s potential as a song-smith and as one of the best guitar players of this generation have been waiting a long time for him to step out of the pop lime-light. Those who listened to TRY! knew this very well, as well as those who bought the deluxe edition of Continuum and were indulged by the bonus video of John Mayer, Charlie Hunter, and Steve Jordan jamming together. While Continuum showed the most promise of this new guitar god that Mayer was labeled as, it was still overshadowed by singles like “Waiting on the World to Change” and “Gravity.” With the latest single, which is also the title track to his latest album Shadow Days, out May 22nd, Mayer is trying to reconcile the past through through southern influences. And while it may not be another song in the style of “Who Did You Think I Was,” it’s certainly a play on worthy influences.

It’s no secret that John Mayer has made more tabloid news than music as of late, but on “Shadow Days” he’s trying to put all that past behind him. The song plays on Allman Brothers influences, particularly with the nice addition of the organ, while it deals with the song content found on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. Mayer sings: “do you know that you could be wrong/and swear you’re right/some people ‘been known/to do it all their lives.” While it’s a personal anthem to him, it’s one that many of us can take to heart, which bolsters the song’s appeal. Overall, this song is Mayer’s most personal and one of his best singles to date.

Single Rating (Modified Rating): Stream It or Digitally Download It

Listening Co-efficient: Passive Listen

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