John Mayer’s “Paradise Valley” | The Tour of Redemption

August 27, 2013 by

John Mayer’s latest album, Paradise Valley (2013), mixes elements of soft rock, country, and folk music. On the album, Mayer collaborates with singer-girlfriend Katy Perry, and R&B artist Frank Ocean. The album, according to Mayer, marks a new chapter in his life. But what makes the album worth listening to—and seeing live—is the transformation of Mayer as an artist, and as a person. Change is occurring in the life of one of the finest musicians of our generation—and it deserves our attention. John Mayer Tickets are still available for purchase, don’t miss out on seeing this album live.

Paradise Valley is relaxing by nature. Mayer’s work reputably leans towards being autobiographical, and this album is no exception. But in comparison to Born and Raised (2012), Mayer is no longer echoing his personal pursuits and infidelities in his music. Instead, he has achieved a relaxed and mellow stance on life. Following the loss of his voice due to Botox injections and throat surgery, Paradise Valley is a statement that Mayer is completely restored as an artist–both physically and mentally.

The Boston Globe Review of Mayer’s Paradise Valley states “that songs, while pleasant enough, often lead to dead ends”. But songs such as “Dear Marie”, written in remembrance of a first love, echo such strong self awareness and honesty. “Who you Love”, the duet with singer-girlfriend Katy Perry, abandons the long, extensive baggage that comes with their love story, and ends with a universal and self-contented truth: “you love who you love”. In “Paper Doll”, there are speculated references to his relationship with Taylor Swift. But rather than boldly stating hard feelings, Mayer says “You’re like twenty-two girls in one”, a gentle nod to Swift’s song “22”. Listen to Mayer play “Paper Doll” live on Letterman—warning—he’s wearing a delightful head scarf.

Mayer is maturing, growing too old to be carrying around the bitterness of past and failed relationships. Paradise Valley rings of redemption, taking steps backwards in order to move forwards. Not only is the album confessional, it’s lighthearted. Songs like “Call Me The Breeze” and “You’re No One Til Someone Let’s You Down” are lyrically somber, but when paired with upbeat and buoyant sounds, Mayer achieves simultaneous awareness and acceptance of whatever life has yet to give him. Rolling Stone’s review of Paradise Valley said it best: “Mayer continues to blow down the road, this time carrying far less baggage and all the better for it”.

John Mayer 2013 Fall Tour Dates are as follows:

Date	Event
Aug 277:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsAllentown Fairgrounds – Allentown, PA	From $77
Aug 286:00 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsNikon at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY	From $72
Aug 307:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsSaratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY	From $8
Aug 317:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsJiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA	From $39
Sep 18:00 PM	John MayerBorgata Events Center – Atlantic City, NJ	From $103
Sep 47:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte – Charlotte, NC	From $41
Sep 57:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsTime Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC	From $48
Sep 77:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip Phillips1-800-Ask-Gary Ampitheatre – Tampa Bay, FL
Sep 87:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsCruzan Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL	From $17
Sep 277:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsAarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood – Atlanta, GA	From $20
Oct 17:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsIsleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM	From $40
Oct 27:00 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsAk-Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ	From $40
Oct 47:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsSleep Train Amphitheatre – Chula Vista – Chula Vista, CA	From $16
Oct 57:30 PM	John Mayer & Phillip PhillipsHollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA	From $21

Concerts, Pop, Rock

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