5/5 Talent To Burn
  by Bryan C. Rombalski (Sanford, Mi United States)
John Mayer has produced a fantastic CD of strong songs. He's one of the best pop songwriters we have right now. Listen close. Mood and sonic colors will take you on a wonderful journey, if you choose to let them. And you know what? He can make it come alive on stage. As a musician for many years it's so refreshing to see a performer who can really play. And man can this guy sing. Very soulful as in an old soul. Thanks Mr. Mayer

1/5 John Mayer may not be the worst but his battle with studies has been a big problem for him
  by T. Hopkins (fish sticks)
I admire the fact that John has pursued his education at the same time as his music career, and that his difficulty with his studies has encouraged him to be creative and make an album like "battle studies" but if you think about it it is only leading to more procrastination. John needs to decide if he wants to complete is marine biology career OR continue with his musical career and not try to do both at the same time. I heard that the only reason he didn't pass his final exams was because he was unable to discern the difference between a porpoise and a mammal when it comes to ocean life. John, whales are MAMMALS buddy MAMMALS! John needs to relax, put down the guitar for a minute, and concentrate on his studies. We need more people protecting marine life not singing about how hard it is to study it!! I get that its hard, and that whales are very big. I just think John is spreading himself too thin. John Mayer once saved a seal from chocking by doing the heimlich maneuver! You go John!

5/5 Utterly smooth
  by Liam F. (Melbourne, VIC Australia)
John Mayer has ditched the Eric Clapton / B.B.King influence of blues-drenched Continuum and presented a new album in the vein of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, (ok, and perhaps more melodious Eric Clapton - there's no denying that Mayer is fast assuming a reputation as the new Clapton). Layer upon layer of accoustic guitar, solid drumbeats and piano are folded into the build of each song - replacing the sparse, slow-burn drum beats and ultra focus on the electric guitar in Continuum.

All 11 tracks have structures that are so comfortable to the ear, you forget what mastery of songwriting Mayer is capable of. An album crafted on 1 issue - love and the ugly aftermath following its demise - it is a perfect break-up album.

In just a week, I have grown deeply attached to this album. It just seems to flow so well. My favs are:
- "Who Says", contrary to what the general consensus is, I find this to be an intelligent first single. It is a breath of fresh air, with its simplicity in instrumental arrangement and lyrics
- "Heartbreak Warfare"
- "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye" for its chord progression and the "I heard it before" chorus which abruptly changes into something fresh and new
- "Perfectly Lonely" is probably one of the catchiest song Mayer has ever written
- "Crossroads" is a red hot track and it was a pleasant surprise when I first heard it. It has got so much umphh that I thought for a while it seemed to be channelling the late Ray Charles on keyboard!

Awesome, awesome, awesome.

5/5 best yet
  by rds12330
I am by no means discounting John's brilliant artistry and mastery of the song-writing craft he has displayed on his previous albums, however, in my opinion, this is his best work to date. each track tells a poignant story set to illustrious melodies. he is a lyrical genius, and he raised the stakes yet again with his latest release. buy this album, you won't be disappointed.

4/5 If you know John...
  by Courtney B. Silvay (Clearwater, FL)
I have been listening to John Mayer for 10 years, and I love his early works from Inside Wants Out, plus his live versions of different songs. I didn't purchase this whole album because it wasn't me.I bought Friends, Lovers or Nothing; Do You Know Me; Edge of Desire; and All We Ever Say is Goodbye. Those songs really capture his lyrical amazingness. If you like Covered in Rain and City Love, you'll love these songs. For some reason, when I'm in love or not, John's lyrics make it musical. I have told everyone, new, old, past, or current love, you can find a John Mayer song that suits you. I'm currently in the All We Ever Say is Goodbye, but it was City Love and I'm Gonna Find Another You. It's everywhere with John, but he hits you somewhere. Maybe not the whole album, but something will strike you.