My top 3 according to itunes...

There's nothing better than waking up after a full nights rest on clean sheets... Now I've got my coffee and I'm listening to some music in my itunes library. Just curious, I clicked the play count tab to see what songs I've habitually gravitated to over the years. I was impressed (but not surprised) with what the numbers revealed. Here's my top 3 according to itunes:

1. In Your Atmosphere - John Mayer


2. I Still Care For You - Ray Lamontagne


3. Secret - Maroon 5

Battle Studies Premiere

Ok, so this is my first album review... here goes!

During my first run through of the track list, I'll have to say that only two songs really stuck out to me. The rest seemed like one giant blur of calm, simplistic sounds... Definitely not what I was expecting after devouring his previous bluesy beast of an album:Continuum.

One of my immediate favorite tracks was Assassin & after immersing myself in Battle Studies for the past two days, I feel that an assassin is exactly how this album operates. Simple, genuine, soft spoken... then WHAM! You're done for.

His 2nd track, All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye, brought out emotions in me that have obviously been lying in wait. That's where I think John gets it right every time. Honesty always prevails... An artist brave enough to broadcast his vulnerabilities will always draw out honest emotions in the listener. John never fails to uncover all those things I work so hard to avoid & bury deep within myself. His music is infectious because of that.

As the tracks progress, I feel as if it subconsciously draws out more & more of me with it. An immensely mature sound, paired with his heartbreakingly honest lyrics leave me wanting just that: more!

I drift & die during tracks like Heartbreak Warfare, Half Of My Heart, Perfectly Lonely, & Edge of Desire. Truly great music pushes us to explore & question the depths of our own lives, love stories, & self sacrifices. Simply said, John Mayer's art validates & sustains me throughout all the transitions in my life.

I live for music that makes me sink & swell into a restlessness for something more... & Battle Studies is doing just that.