TRACK BY TRACK: John Mayer - Wave Two

The Search for Everything is John Mayer’s seventh studio album, featuring his classic soothing vocals and raw lyricism, coupled with small differences in his style and sound. This album holds its own amongst Mayer’s previous successful music compilations. This album is a culmination of Mayer's EPs, The Search for Everything: Wave One and The Search for Everything: Wave Two, which were released earlier this year (check out our breakdown of Wave One here!) to get fans pumped for the eventual full-length album released on April 14. Brace yourself to feel all the feels because John Mayer is definitely aiming to tug on your heartstrings with this gripping album!

1. "Still Feel Like Your Man"

The beginning feels like an Adam Levine/Justin Timberlake mash-up, but then Mayer’s signature vocals come in and there’s no denying who the artist is. There’s a real "elevator music" vibe to this song that is actually kind of catchy and unique. I feel like I should be checking my makeup in the mirrored walls while lip-syncing to this. The lyrics are a tad heartbreaking, based on his real-life breakup with songstress Katy Perry, but the beat is cheery and hopeful.

Favorite Lyric: “I still keep your shampoo in my shower / In case you wanna wash your hair / And I know that you probably found yourself someone somewhere / But I do not really care / 'Cause as long as it is there / I still feel like your man...”

2. "Emoji of a Wave"

This song feels like classic John Mayer, with some Jack Johnson undertones. The lyrics are honest and captivating, which is no surprise for Mayer. Despite the title, there’s no mention of emojis; it’s simply a lovely, soothing ballad about a heartbreak. The melody is gentle and smooth, like a lullaby, and who better to sing you to sleep than the beautiful John Mayer?

Favorite Lyric: “Your heart is where my head should be / The dissonance is killing me...”

3. "Helpless"

If you’ve ever wanted to hear John Mayer melodically pleading in your ear, then you will love "Helpless". The theme of this album seems to be honesty, and maybe I mislead myself, but I’ve always considered Mayer to have a rough exterior. So, hearing this sorrowful Mayer who doesn’t have all the answers is quite refreshing.

Favorite lyric: “And the one I love the most just said to me / A broken heart is all I'll ever be / If I'm helpless tell me now...”

4. "Love on the Weekend"

This song is pretty romantic, detailing romantic weekends with your significant other. Mayer is definitely a romantic and incredibly gifted at telling swoon-worthy stories, and this song is no exception. The relaxing beat coupled with its romantic lyrics make this song a sure fire hit and perfect for morning drives to work.

Favorite lyrics:: “Love on the weekend / Like only we can...”

5. "In the Blood"

I dig the melody in this track. The clapping background effect and the vocal inflections fit seamlessly with this song. The track’s message about familial influences on life and love has serious Bob Dylan vibes. Not to mention, there’s clearly apparent artistry in the message and the lyrics that read like a poem or a intimate diary entry.

Favorite Lyric: “How much of my father am I destined to become / Will I dim the lights inside me just to satisfy someone / Will I let this woman kill me, or do away with jealous love / Will it wash out in the water, or is it always in the blood...”

6. "Changing"

As we get older, we never stop changing. John Mayer freely accepts and relays this message to us in this song. Although he freely admits his life and the things around him are consistently changing, he can’t change his ways. With a relatable message and a killer guitar solo, this song is fulfilling in all the ways an amazing song should be.

Lyrics: “I met me someone, changing / We had some fun, changing / Sometimes I wonder if she'll be the one / When I am done changing...”

7. "Theme from The Search for Everything”

No lyrics on this track, just peaceful music that provides a nice break from the emotional rollercoaster the album takes you on. 

8. "Moving on and Getting Over"

There’s a bit of a bluesy vibe to this song, which makes sense since it is centers on the pain of moving on after a breakup. The staccato singing puts emphasis on the lyrics for maximum emotional effect. There’s also a hopefulness that comes in towards the end of the song, coupled with a smooth fade out.

Favorite Lyric: “Tell me I can have the fact you've loved me to hold onto / Tell me I can keep the door cracked open to let light through...”

9. "Never on the Day You Leave"

This song is, in a word, heartbreaking. It's a perfect sorrowful ballad about the sadness that creeps up and lingers after a breakup. The slowness reminds me of my favorite John Mayer song "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room". After hearing his emotional singing and the aching lyrics, you will wonder how this sensitive soul was ever considered a playboy. John Mayer is, at heart, a true romantic.

Favorite lyric: “And you can't remember why you said goodbye / You'll hear an old familiar sound and hope it's her when you turn around / But never, never on the day you leave...”

10. "Rosie"

If it wasn’t already clear, after listening to this song (and the rest of the album), it appears that John Mayer wrote this during a breakup. This song sounds cheery, but if you listen closely, it’s a painfully honest song, about missing someone who’s moved on. It’s captivating, and if you’ve ever been hurt, you might find comfort in the familiarity of the pain he melodiously describes.

Favorite lyric: “You don't have to hide his things / I'm fine with all the sorrow that tomorrow brings...”

11. "Roll It on Home"

I don’t know if this was Mayer’s intention, but I find this song kind of comical. In a sense, it's message is to give up and go home. Although he does offer hope for tomorrow, the message seems to lightly and somewhat humourously convey that, if it’s not working out, give up and try again tomorrow. The lyrics and beat remind me of an old folk song — in a good way. This album truly has a little bit of everything.

Favorite lyrics: “Nobody's gonna love you right / Nobody's gonna take you in tonight / Finish out the bottle or step into the light / And roll it on home...”

12. "You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me"

Another knee-weakening romantic ballad to make you let out an audible “aww” upon first listening to it. It’s slow and heady like an aching ballad should be. This song proves relationships may not last forever, but memories can. This song is the most heartbreaking on the album because of its sad acceptance of the end of the relationship. I dare you not to cry.

Favorite lyric: “And when the pastor asks the pews / For reasons he can't marry you / I'll keep my word and my seat / But you're gonna live forever in me...”

You can purchase The Search for Everything on iTtunes now!

(Image via WENN)

- Taylor Carter, YH Contributing Writer