John Mayer is recognized as yet another controversial artist who makes questionable decisions. However, all of his quirks and surrounding hullabaloo aside, he's a fantastic guitarist. That's undeniable. His ability to write a catchy pop tune around versatile chord forms and advanced licks doesn't hurt either. There are plenty of talented musicians who fall into the same category, but Mayer has consistently climbed the industry's hierarchy and staked out his spot in the limelight.
Now that his newest album, Paradise Valley, has hit stores worldwide, Mayer is likely to debut at No. 1, but that's not what interests him anymore. His motives have redirected. Although the album will inevitably achieve great success, he could care less of the album goes platinum or his songs break the Top 40. He remains humble.
"I'm getting older and people seem to be staying the same age," Mayer said. "So at any moment if someone says, 'It was really nice having you, just if you don't mind stepping this way?' I would go, 'Oh, I get it. I get it."
His approach to embrace modesty. When the first single off his new album, "Paper Doll," broke several million views, Mayer contained his excitement and pushed it aside.
"You think you're really crushing it and you look at Miley Cyrus' video and there's like 46 million," he said. Cyrus' recent video for her smash hit "We Can't Stop" has more than 150 million views.
Mayer even gave up drinking in fear of losing his voice like he did last year after suffering a throat injury. He claims his voice still hasn't fully recovered, however he did manage to record Paradise Valley, which hit stores last Tuesday, August 20. The album features girlfriend Katy Perry and R&B sensation Frank Ocean.
Mayer will take a backseat, avoiding the limelight that he pursued in his early years, while his new album earns the success that it deserves. People change, but the music is still as soothing and melodic as ever.