Born and Raised Songs Ranked

Born and Raised is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter John Mayer, released on May 22, 2012, by Columbia Records. It marked yet another change in Mayer’s musical style, incorporating elements of folk and Americana, as well as influences from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash. Its cover, as well as that of the single “Queen of California”, was designed by David Adrian Smith. Born and Raised received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Mayer’s technical skills as well as Don Was’ production work. The first single “Shadow Days” was released on Mayer’s blog on February 27, 2012, and was made available for purchase as a digital download on March 6, 2012. The second single “Queen of California” impacted Hot AC radio on August 13, 2012, and the third single “Something Like Olivia” impacted Triple A radio on November 5, 2012. Here are all of Born and Raised songs ranked.

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10. A Face to Call Home

“”A Face To Call Home” features a more rock driven approach as the cut progresses, which contrasts the more folk aspects of Born & Raised. John Mayer- there are so many different sides to this guy, but the reason he is an enduring artist is because he knows how to craft great songs. Everything in this album is done tastefully, and every song is interesting and enjoyable to listen to.”

9. Speak for Me

“Speak For Me” finds Mayer playing into an acoustic-based folk sound and delivering effortlessly. The songwriting continues to impress and “Speak” is quite pleasant. While it is path already tread by the singer/songwriter, the cut stands out amongst the rest of the album as one of the best.”

8. Born and Raised

“Title track “Born and Raised” adds David Crosby and Graham Nash to the vocals, creating some stunning vocal harmonies with Mayer’s lead. The harmonic progression itself is solid and provides perfect underpinnings for the folk-rock cut. The pace is relaxed which allows the title cut to breathe and impress.”

See more: John Mayer Albums Ranked

7. Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967

“”Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967″ features jazz trumpeter Chris Botti. Botti injects his smooth trumpet sound into the introduction, mixing with piano and rhythm guitar. By the :40 mark, the groove solidifies.”

6. Love Is a Verb

“Love is a Verb” proceeds atoning with its two-and-a-half minute length. The sound is bluesy and lush, lyrics are simple yet `telling, and Mayer’s vocals are clear and desirable.”

5. If I Ever Get Around to Living

“If I Ever Get Around to Living” is a bit long and lacks a bit of direction. That said, the cut is pleasant and feels as natural as everything else.”

See more: John Mayer Songs Ranked

4. Something Like Olivia

“Something Like Olivia” is arguably the album’s best cut, adding some `grit’ and extra excitability to Born and Raised. That isn’t to underwrite the folk-rock rumination of earlier cuts including “Speak For Me,” but “Something Like Olivia” shakes up the formula adding an extra dimension of soul, courtesy of vocal harmonizations and use of organ. “Something Like Olivia” sounds organic and bluesy, not unlike Mayer’s critically acclaimed effort Continuum.”

3. Shadow Days

 “Shadow Days,” the first single proceeds, featuring Greg Leisz on pedal steel (he also appeared on “Queen of California”) aiding to the `roots’ rock timbre. The musicianship continues to allure even if “Shadow Days” does not captivate as much as the excellent opener.”

2. The Age of Worry

“This track is a worthy anthem for our time when you consider how many millions of people battle with anxiety every day. This song is brilliant and uplifting. Vocally Mayer sounds clear and polished and the ultra efficient length aids in making “The Age of Worry” another winner.”

1. Queen of California

“Queen of California” opens Born and Raised brilliantly, instantly unveiling the folk-rock sentiment of the album. The vocal production is superb here, and the vocal harmonizations soulful and beautiful. The songwriting is top-notch, matching the quality of Mayer’s previous album openers easily.”