The follow-up to 2009's Battle Studies, 2012's Born and Raised is singer/songwriter John Mayer's fifth studio album. The album was delayed during recording due to Mayer's treatment for granulomas found near his vocal cords. Following his surgery, Mayer completed the album and debuted the leadoff single "Shadow Days" in February of 2012. While Mayer was able to finish the album, a recurrence of his granulomas forced him to cancel his tour and abstain from singing indefinitely while he received further treatment. Produced by legendary musician Don Was, Born and Raised features more of Mayer's distinctive and soulful melodic rock with hints of country and blues.
Professional Reviews
Entertainment Weekly (p.74) - "[H]e's brought a laid-back country vibe to BORN, tapping Don Was to produce and draping his folk melodies in pedal steel and violin." -- Grade: B
Billboard (p.32) - "[H]e visits the Laurel Canyon of the early '70s....With a crack band and guests like Chris Botti and Sara Watkins, it fits Mayer well for his most consistently satisfying release yet."
Uncut (magazine) (p.77) - "The Don Was-produced album proceeds at an unhurried pace, featuring Jackson Browne-like confessionals and Young-style, harmonica-accented shuffles..."
