As/Is
96 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
An introspective blend of acoustic melodies and soulful lyrics that captures the essence of early 2000s singer-songwriter confessions.
Top tracks — play these first
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Only Heart Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Your Body Is a Wonderland — This track exemplifies Mayer's signature blend of romantic lyricism and catchy melodies, highlighting his ability to resonate with a young audience while showcasing his guitar prowess.
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No Such Thing — A reflection on youthful idealism and disillusionment, this song encapsulates Mayer's lyrical depth and knack for storytelling within a vibrant acoustic framework.
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Covered in Rain — This extended performance showcases Mayer’s emotive vocal delivery and improvisational skills, making it a standout moment that highlights the dynamic energy of live music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mayer's live reinterpretations and expressive guitar work create a compelling yet uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features extended guitar solos that showcase Mayer's improvisational skills, particularly in tracks like 'Neon' and 'Clarity'.
- Several songs are reinterpreted from their studio versions, with altered arrangements and additional verses that provide a fresh perspective.
- The pacing fluctuates with slower ballads followed by upbeat tracks, creating dynamic shifts in energy throughout the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with emotional depth
- introspective blend for reflective moments
- long tracks for patient listening
- explorations of vulnerability and longing
- ideal for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tunes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Mayer's reputation after his debut, showcasing his growth.
- Themes
- early 2000s disillusionment· acoustic confessions· romantic nostalgia
- Career context
- Released in 2004, As/Is is a live album that showcases John Mayer's transition from his breakthrough debut, Room for Squares, to a more mature sound. Mayer was gaining recognition for his expressive guitar work and relatable songwriting, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the acoustic rock genre during this period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Mraz· Jack Johnson· Ben Harper
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Only Heart Start here 5:12
- 2 My Stupid Mouth 4:50
- 3 No Such Thing 3:55
- 4 Covered in Rain 8:52
- 5 Split Screen Sadness 5:57
- 6 Blues Intro 3:15
- 7 Come Back to Bed 11:57
Disc 2
- 1 Your Body Is a Wonderland 4:11
- 2 Something's Missing 9:04
- 3 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 7:00
- 4 Clarity 9:10
- 5 3x5 5:50
- 6 Home Life 6:54
- 7 Comfortable 4:58
- 8 Neon 5:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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