How John Mayer saved his career

In 2010, John Mayer was in a crisis. A number of interviews left him with an image he'd been so desperately trying to escape, and on top of this, vocal surgery meant he was unable to sing or speak. But this time was actually a blessing in disguise. The music that came from this time Born and Raised offered a new musical perspective. Something that would stick with him for years to come.

[NJOverclocked]

I changed my whole life immediately after Born & Raised released. Checked myself into rehab for crippling opioid addiction. We weren’t allowed phones or any tech, but there was a CD player in the basement where they held their AA meetings. I had my parents burn me a CD of Born & Raised and nothing else - that record got me thru the most rough 2 months of my life 🙏

[kurtdyer]

One of the most misunderstood artists ever. Forever cursed by his early "pretty boy" persona. If you don't "like" him, then you will never know what makes him so special. So many people missing out.

[davidasmithreverseglassgil]

I had the privilege of working with John on this album. I made the cover art for him back in 2012 and it was a fun couple of months creating something special. We have stayed in touch over the years with other projects and to this day he continues to touch peoples lives with his beautiful music and incredible guitar playing. Great to see the glass signs I made for him as a gift at that time.

[echoplexi]

Born and Raised has always been my favorite Mayer album.

[crisisactor]

I have punk friends, hardcore friends, hippie and jam-band friends. Everyone agrees on one thing, John is the best guitarist in pop music. He has so much respect and reverence for the instrument and music as a whole. Wish nothing but ongoing success for this dude

[CaseMorton]

David I'm a lifelong fan of John and a bit of a historian myself. I am blown away by this video. Great narrative and use of all the archive videos of his life. Loved your storytelling.

[axel.dsouza]

Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967 to me is a life changing song. A lyrical masterpiece. I really liked Mayer in his BC, but fell in love with his music since Born & Raised. This video resonates my thoughts exactly. Thank you for it.

[ImmaFlamingo]

Playboy and Rolling Stone era is what hurt him.

What stings is how he really worked on himself and I believe he has sincerely grown up.

The wisest thing I’ve heard him say (professionally) is that he stopped trying to be famous and focused on being a musician (loosely).

I’m proud of John Mayer. I’m a proud fan. His music is the soundtrack to my life. And I suspect it will always be. ✌🏼💜

[paul-ti]

Big fan of Mayer. "In the blood" is a UNBELIEVABLY deep and emotional song.

[Sean_Farmer]

I started listening to John when Where The Light Is came out. Then I bought Continuum and Battle Studies and loved those albums. However, Born And Raised and Paradise Valley ended up being some of my most listened to albums of my entire life and that says a lot (I'm 55 now). Then The Search For Everything came out and I got hooked on that as well. John has become my favorite artist and IMO is one of the all-time greats. His work with Dead & Company just shows how amazingly talented and diverse he is. I'm glad to be along on his journey through life and thankful for all the amazing music he's shared with us along the way.

[yayeetyoyae]

He’s a huge inspiration. Him only becoming even bigger and more respected as he gets older is a testament to his love for his craft

[iamanubhavdutta]

John Mayer songs have actually helped me cope up with a lot of low times in life

[Andy-rins]

The self awareness and vulnerability in his song writing that he showed during this album will always make it my favourite.

People make mistakes. He's learned from his.

(Walt Grace is the standout)

[squirrelhallowino]

I'm sorry but by the time John goes into any given thursday and plays covered in rain you can clearly see he had it. John is a cool person nowadays, I really like to see his trajectory, and no matter how we see it, he's a really cool part of everyone that listen to his music.

[bimonsolivar]

I had a crush on a girl since elementary school and we went to school together all the way up to the end of high school. Her name was Olivia and she is one of the most adorable human beings I have ever met. So even if this album doesn't contain any "hits", Something like Olivia has been a very special song for me. Thanks for writing it, John!

[spencerstracke]

Never paid him no mind until he started playing with the dead, seen him three times now and he's a hell of a guitar player

[peacelovemusic]

I always loved John Mayer but Born and Raised changed my life. God, that album is such an underrated masterpiece

[RainWasTaken]

He’s my favorite musician of all time. I know all of his songs word for word, and I think his development as a person has been amazing. Everyone should listen to John Mayer.

[kaseigunsou]

If B&R was the triggering album for his change, IMO it is his touring with the Dead which turned him into legendary status and made him whole.
It brought him so many more layers and also enabled him to find *his* path on the way.

[KimTrinhMD]

As a huge John Mayer fan, thank you for this analysis. Probably one of the most misunderstood singer songwriters of our time. Born and Raised is also my favorite album even though Room for Squares is what drew my attention.