Track Listing

1. Clarity
2. Bigger than my body
3. Something's missing
4. New deep
5. Come back to bed
6. Home life
7. Split screen sadness
8. Daughters
9. Only heart
10. Wheel

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3749 in Music
• Released on: 2003-10-13
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Heavier Things should surprise more than a few critics. John Mayer's big-label debut was a multi-platinum breakthrough success whose sensual anthem "Your Body is a Wonderland" scored him an unlikely Grammy for Best Pop Vocal. That out-of-the-box success--and more than a few critics grousing that Mayer's muse was cloned from Dave Matthews--primed him for the typical sophomore slump. Instead, Mayer delivers an album whose tone and title suggests a gentle, tongue-in-cheek rebuke to his naysayers. Propelled by the subtle ambitions of an expanded pop-jazz framework (largely courtesy of Sheryl Crow/No Doubt producer Jack Joseph Puig), Mayer's breathy vocal tack now suggests a detached, conflicted and significantly less precious incarnation of Michael Franks. But the way he weds fluid pop hooks to lyrical concerns, whose self-obsessions are undercut by telling dollops of self-deprecation, should clearly draw listeners in, from the my-spirit's-too-smart-for-my-body laments of "Clarity", upbeat single "Bigger than My Body" and bluesy plea "Come Back to Bed" to the cautionary, melodically rich "Daughters" and even the anti-materialist agitpop of "Something's Missing". --Jerry McCulley

CD Description
'Heavier Things' is the third album but only the second UK release for American singer/songwriter John Mayer. Produced by Jack Jospeh Puig (No Doubt, Black Crowes, Hole) the albumcontinues with the adult contemporary rock sound on previous work. The hook-laden single 'Bigger Than My Body' is also included.

Customer Reviews

I was'nt expecting this!
"Heavier Things," it was indeed. I first heard John while on exercise in Canada. "Why Georgia" was the tune, from his 1st album "Room 4 squares". It had a mellowness to it that matched my taste in music better than could imagine. So, on just that tune, I bought his album. I was plesantly surprised at how much I played it. Im normally one of those people who buy a cd, listen to it five or six times, then shelve it and buy something newer.
Room 4 Squares has now been joined by "Heavier Things" in my cd changer, which plays non-stop when Im at home. "Heavier Things" is different from Room 4 Squares, not better, but equal, but in a different sort of way. Its more intense, and as another reviewer stated, his lirics are "3D" in comparison to the classic ballad or love song. He can express himself so well, musically on his guitar, & verbally. If u sit & listen to it properly, you get immursted, you may find urself sheading a silent tear, or with a silly grin on ur face, he's that good.
"Heavier Things" is a great 2nd album which doesnt disapoint. "Room 4 Squares" was a difficult album to follow, but he has suceeded with flying colours.
Buy this album if u dare, tho I think you should buy Room 4 Squares before this one. Only so u can get aquainted whith his style. It took me a couple off plays to get into them both. your money will not be wasted buying this album, believe me!!

Understand it
A new studio album from John Mayer was bound to get some people a little disappointed as, having heard the fantastic 'Room for Squares,' they simply wanted something as good and essentially the same. Part of the attraction of RFS was the novelty of John's soft voice, and the emotion conveyed by much of his singing and the lyrics.

Heavier things reflects a maturing of this great artist; the songs are different but that does not mean they aren't great to listen to. My personal favourite from this album is 'Come Back to Bed,' surprisingly not because it stands out, but as a result of the fantastic performance he made of it when I saw him live at the Hammersmith Apollo. It was a record size crowd for the venue, and if you get the chance to see him then I would unreservedly recommend an outing. I quite enjoy 'Clarity' as well, as the horns and construction of the song make an interesting combination.

Ultimately, if you are new to Mayer then I would advise checking out Room for Squares before this album. If you aren't, don't be put off be those who say this isn't as good, it simply different and well worth a listen. Enjoy.

Thinking of buying it?
I was introduced to John Mayer by friends in America, who had concert tickets for him in London. I knew one song, 'No such thing', and went along to the concert knowing nothing else. He was incredible live, and although I didn't know any songs, he was witty and humorous and overall, very impressive. It was only much after that that i discovered Heavier Things, and what a musical discovery it was. Some critics have plagued him for seducing his audience with over the top and 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, and then one day you realise what the lyrics actually are? Here was when i fell in love with John Mayer. His lyrics are not cliched, they are original, and refreshing, and 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', and '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 and feel good tunes. Have a listen if you haven't already.

And damn I wish I'd got those tickets now.