Born and Raised
John Mayer · 2012
46 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of folk and rock, weaving introspective lyrics with warm acoustic melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Queen of California Start here — This opener sets the tone for the album with its bright instrumentation and themes of renewal, encapsulating the journey Mayer undertakes throughout the record.
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Shadow Days — Combining rich storytelling with an upbeat melody, this track reflects on personal growth and embracing change, highlighting Mayer’s lyrical depth.
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Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967 — This narrative-driven song showcases Mayer's storytelling prowess, blending whimsical elements with deeper reflections on dreams and aspirations through its unique character perspective.
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If I Ever Get Around to Living — The contemplative nature of this track offers a poignant look at life’s fleeting moments, capturing a sense of longing that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with warm melodies, showcasing Mayer's evolving sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective tone.
- The lyrics often employ storytelling techniques, with vivid imagery that invites listeners to engage with personal narratives.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- introspective morning coffee moments
- reflective drives through nature
- patient storytelling with emotional depth
- warm melodies for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album marks a significant artistic evolution and received critical acclaim.
- Themes
- California renewal· personal growth journey· 1960s dreamscapes
- Moods
- Introspective· Nostalgic
- Career context
- By the time 'Born and Raised' was released in 2012, John Mayer was transitioning to a more subdued and introspective phase following his 2009 album 'Battle Studies'. This album marked his first major release after a hiatus due to vocal cord issues, showcasing a shift towards a more rootsy sound influenced by Americana and folk traditions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Mraz· Jack Johnson· Ben Harper
Tracklist
- 1 Queen of California Start here 4:10
- 2 The Age of Worry 2:39
- 3 Shadow Days 3:50
- 4 Speak for Me 3:45
- 5 Something Like Olivia 3:01
- 6 Born and Raised 4:49
- 7 If I Ever Get Around to Living 5:21
- 8 Love Is a Verb 2:27
- 9 Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967 5:10
- 10 Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey 4:39
- 11 A Face to Call Home 4:46
- 12 Born and Raised (reprise) 2:00
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise
Ray LaMontagne
Shares a similar warm acoustic sound with introspective storytelling and rootsy influences.
Southeastern
Jason Isbell
Explores themes of personal growth and renewal with rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes
Combines lush harmonies and reflective lyrics, evoking a sense of searching and introspection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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