Man About Town cover

Released 10 years ago

Man About Town

Mayer Hawthorne · 2016

34 min · 10 tracks · soul

A vibrant fusion of contemporary soul and retro pop, layered with smooth grooves and heartfelt lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Cosmic Love — This track stands out for its infectious chorus and rich instrumentation that pays homage to classic soul while feeling fresh and contemporary.
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    Breakfast in Bed — The song features a blend of playful lyrics and smooth harmonies, highlighting Hawthorne's ability to weave storytelling into his music.
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    Fancy Clothes — With its upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm, this track encapsulates the album's vibrant energy and showcases Hawthorne's signature style.
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    Get You Back — This track captures the essence of longing with its soulful delivery, perfectly illustrating the emotional depth present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends contemporary soul with retro elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and engaging narratives.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal arrangements, enhancing the interaction between Hawthorne and background singers.
  • The album includes moments of tempo variation, with tracks like 'Breakfast in Bed' slowing down to create a more intimate atmosphere.
  • Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of love and relationships, with a narrative style that invites listeners to engage with the storytelling.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • smooth grooves for easy listening
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • heartfelt melodies with romantic vibes
  • playful energy for social moments
  • backdrop for brunch gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of lengthy epics
  • prefer heavy, intense soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 8, 2016, 'Man About Town' is Mayer Hawthorne's fourth studio album and marks a return to his soulful roots after the more electronic sounds of his previous work. Following the commercial success of 'Where Does This Door Go' in 2013, this album showcases his evolution as an artist while staying true to his vintage influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Anderson .Paak· Leon Bridges· Charles Bradley

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Man About Town 0:42
  • 2 Cosmic Love 3:14
  • 3 Book of Broken Hearts 3:32
  • 4 Breakfast in Bed 4:08
  • 5 Lingerie & Candlewax 3:38
  • 6 Fancy Clothes 4:06
  • 7 The Valley 3:33
  • 8 Love Like That 4:07
  • 9 Get You Back 3:37
  • 10 Out of Pocket 3:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata