The Search for Everything cover

The Search for Everything

John Mayer · 2017

43 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of bluesy melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing the nuances of love and identity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Still Feel Like Your Man Start here — This track opens the album with a catchy groove and contemplative lyrics about lingering feelings post-breakup, perfectly setting the tone for the record.
  • →
    Emoji of a Wave — With its laid-back vibe and clever use of modern communication metaphors, this song captures Mayer’s signature blend of humor and heartache.
  • →
    In the Blood — This deeply introspective track examines familial ties and personal legacy, showcasing Mayer's lyrical depth and emotional vulnerability.
  • →
    Love on the Weekend — Offering a romantic escape, this upbeat track highlights Mayer’s ability to create infectious melodies that evoke nostalgia and longing.
  • →
    You're Gonna Live Forever in Me — Closing the album with poignant reflection on mortality and love, this song encapsulates the overarching themes of connection and remembrance throughout the record.

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

Mayer's songwriting and production show maturity, though it follows familiar patterns within his genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that blend pop and blues elements, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Several songs employ a verse-chorus structure with Mayer's guitar work prominently featured, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal experiences and emotions, with recurring themes of love and self-discovery appearing in multiple tracks.
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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • introspective themes for quiet nights
  • heartfelt melodies for personal reflection
  • emotional connection through lyrical storytelling

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced energetic tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Mayer's continued vitality and maturity after a hiatus.
Themes
post-breakup reflections· familial ties· modern love communication
Career context
Released in 2017, The Search for Everything marked John Mayer's return after a three-year hiatus following the Grammy-winning album Paradise Valley. This record showcases a mature Mayer navigating personal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, solidifying his evolution as a songwriter.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Mraz· Jack Johnson· Ben Harper

Tracklist

  • 1 Still Feel Like Your Man Start here 3:54
  • 2 Emoji of a Wave 3:59
  • 3 Helpless 4:09
  • 4 Love on the Weekend 3:32
  • 5 In the Blood 4:04
  • 6 Changing 3:33
  • 7 Theme From “The Search for Everything” 1:54
  • 8 Moving On and Getting Over 4:25
  • 9 Never on the Day You Leave 3:43
  • 10 Rosie 4:02
  • 11 Roll It On Home 3:24
  • 12 You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me 3:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata