John Mayer surfaced in 2001 with the release of his debut album Room for Squares. With his sound being compared to Dave Matthews Band's, the artist showed promise. 'Back to you', 'Love Song for No One', 'No Such Thing' and the overplayed 'Your Body is a Wonderland', among many others, earned him approval in the mainstream world.

Two years after the said success, John Mayer returns with his follow-up CD - "Heavier Things". Carrying a name that implies change, listeners may not get what they're expecting. Not that it's a bad thing, anyway. The album offers the same rich textured & feel-good tracks that don't veer away from the approach of its predecessor. Some would say it's playing safe. But then again, that's exactly what's made him admirable in the first place.

Neverthless, some influences & slight improvements can be found or noticed in "Heavier Things". Certain parts of Sting-like guitars spread all over & Coldplay somehow peeks in the background.

The album opens with the pensive "Clarity", incorporating horns & stabs you right in the heart with the sweet sadness of life itself. Another horn-laden track "Come Back to Bed" is a ballad that typically finds John Mayer begging - "You can be mad in the morning / or in the afternoon instead / I'll take back what I said / Just don't leave me alone here / Come back to bed". "Bigger than my Body" combines optimism, even confidence & is actually the heaviest and the most upbeat. It may as well have been the title track of the album.

The rest of the CD just spins it's way to a certain relaxing mood in different points of view. If you're ready for a soul-trip in the afternoon, this is one great rocking but at the same time 'soothing' album to trip on.