Is anyone else really enjoying Mayer Hawthorne's new CD? I like it alot.

I admit,I was a little worried when,awhile back,Mayer announced that his new album was totally different from the first two.I didn't want him to abandon the retro-soul sounds that he does so well.Also,when I heard that the new album would feature a song with Kendrick Lamar and tracks produced by "commercial" producers,I thought "Oh no,the record company is trying to turn him into another Justin Timberlake".But I'm happy with the results.This is a solid,consistent album....a nice mix of R&B,pop,and lots of retro-80s sounds.The album flows really well,from one track to the next,and nearly every song has an infectious hook.

Pharrell is one of the producers and he does an outstanding job on the three tracks that he produced,although one of his tracks tracks, "Wine Glass Woman",sounds ALOT like "Beautiful",that monster jam that he produced for Snoop Dogg.Still,it's a great song!

One of the album's strongest tracks is "The Innocent",a fun 80s-retro pop masterpiece that sorta reminds me of The Mary Jane Girls' "Jealousy" and The Gorillaz' 2005 hit "Feels Good Inc".It's a really fun,uptempo groove.I would choose this as one of the future singles.

Another highlight is "Allie Jones",which has a slight reggae feel.I have a feeling that "Crime",featuring Kendrick Lamar,will be the next single,for obvious reasons.It's the most commercial track here,but it's not bad.A lazy summertime groove with a strong hip-hop feel.

Speaking of summertime,this entire album has a breezy,summertime feel.First single "Her Favorite Song" is a perfect example.

"Robot Love" is yet another 80s-retro pop tune.On the first two albums,Mayer seemed to be paying tribute to the classic soul artists that inspired him.On this album,he seems to be paying tribute to the 80s pop/rock artists that also inspired him.Some tracks feature a Steely Dan feel.

The 2-disc deluxe edition is highly recommended.You get four bonus tracks,two of which ("Kaila" and "Designer Drug") are as strong as the tracks on the regular album.I think this album is gonna take Mayer to the next level,if his record company remains committed and chooses the right singles.

"Allie Jones"

"Kaila" (one of the four bonus tracks on the deluxe edition)

"Reach Out Richard" (produced by Pharrell)

popgodazipa said:

Can not figure out why this guy isn't bigger than he is. Damn shame.

He still needs that "one big hit" that would take his career to another level.There are several songs on the new album that could do the trick,as long as his record company stays focused and committed.

Dig it overall; not as cohesive as his past albums, but perhaps that's a good thing.

My favorite tracks are "The Stars Are Ours Tonight," "Reach Out Richard," "Her Favorite Song" and "Corsican Rose," in that order.

The bonus disc in the deluxe edition? Meh.

SoulAlive said:

popgodazipa said:

Can not figure out why this guy isn't bigger than he is. Damn shame.

He still needs that "one big hit" that would take his career to another level.There are several songs on the new album that could do the trick,as long as his record company stays focused and committed.

I agree but I doubt it happens.

namepeace said:

SoulAlive said:

He still needs that "one big hit" that would take his career to another level.There are several songs on the new album that could do the trick,as long as his record company stays focused and committed.

I agree but I doubt it happens.

They really need to release "The Innocent" as a single and promote it aggressively.The first-week sales weren't very good (less than 10k),so it's time to use the heavy artillery.

I still think his debut album A Strange Arrangement is his best work.It's a well-crafted album.

namepeace said:

Dig it overall; not as cohesive as his past albums, but perhaps that's a good thing.

SoulAlive said:

I still think his debut album A Strange Arrangement is his best work.It's a well-crafted album.

namepeace said:

Dig it overall; not as cohesive as his past albums, but perhaps that's a good thing.

Agreed.

SoulAlive said:

namepeace said:

I agree but I doubt it happens.

They really need to release "The Innocent" as a single and promote it aggressively.The first-week sales weren't very good (less than 10k),so it's time to use the heavy artillery.

MH less than 10K and Trinidad James goes gold....And somehwere in America Miley Circus is still twerking

Just got my tix for his Houston show...small venue, should be a treat. Now all I need is a date

http://mayerhawthorne.com...aspx#!news

th13182 said:

If "Your Easy Lovin...." And "The Walk" didn't get big, I don't think anything on this one will. I guess we can find solace in the fact that Mayer can tour and likely make more money than most of the hacks that sell records!

I agree.His records aren't big sellers but he's a popular touring act.He's got an audience.I think he'll be okay.

Really diggin "Wine Glass Women".

PrettyMan72 said:

Really diggin "Wine Glass Women".

I like that one alot That one or "The Innocent" should have been the first single.

I like "Her Favorite Song" but I don't know if that's the right song to be the lead single.

SoulAlive said:

th13182 said:

If "Your Easy Lovin...." And "The Walk" didn't get big, I don't think anything on this one will. I guess we can find solace in the fact that Mayer can tour and likely make more money than most of the hacks that sell records!

I agree.His records aren't big sellers but he's a popular touring act.He's got an audience.I think he'll be okay.

Precisely. Stones Throw is a great label with solid artist support, as I hear it.

namepeace said:

My favorite tracks are "The Stars Are Ours Tonight," "Reach Out Richard," "Her Favorite Song" and "Corsican Rose," in that order.

...

Those are my favorites, too...along with "Wine Glass Woman"....

...

I'm kind of disappointed to know that there are only three tracks that I really like: Backseat Lover, Crime, and Her Favorite Song.

SoulAlive said:

Such a shame the way his record company just sat back and allowed this CD to flop this should have been Mayer's breakthrough album

I believe he switched from StonesThrow to a major label (couldn't be bothered to look it up) for this album. Where's the marketing? Yeah it's a shame.

[Edited 8/22/13 8:55am]

I've never heard any of his work.

I need 2 check it out.

Graycap23 said:

I've never heard any of his work.

I need 2 check it out.

I think you'd dig at least some of it.

Should hawthorne start suing Steely Dan now?

I also dig this album. It's a pretty good listen throughout.

paisleypark4 said:

Should hawthorne start suing Steely Dan now?

"Reach Out, Richard, Reach Out!"

This album is just pure n flawless.. pure R&B sound! This guy deserves to be in JT's place!

"Her Favorite Song" is cool...

Anyway he's opening for Bruno Mars in his UK tour leg... that's gonna give him a bit of spotlight, since Ellie Goulding got that too