John Mayer, ‘Shadow Days’ – Song Review

John Mayer is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll on 'Shadow Days,' the first single from his next album, 'Born and Raised.'

The relaxed mid-tempo track mixes acoustic guitar with steel guitar accents as Mayer wears his emotions on his sleeves and sings about making some mistakes and moving past them:

"Did you know that you could be wrong and swear you’re right? / Some people been known to do it all their lives / But you find yourself alone
 just like you found yourself before
 / Like I found myself in pieces
 on my hotel floor / Hard times help me see."

Mayer continues, "I’m a good man with a good heart / Had a tough time, got a rough start / And I finally learned to let it go / Now I’m right here, and I’m right now / And I’m open, knowing somehow / That my shadows days are over / My shadow days are over now."

There's nothing flashy at all about the song, but it offers a comfortable-sounding melody with a hopeful message about moving forward. 'Shadow Days' is another interesting musical left turn for an artist who has dabbled in rock, blues and adult contemporary styles through the years. The countrified sound could be a sign of what's to come on the singer-songwriter's next record, 'Born and Raised,' which now has a confirmed release date of May 22.

Listen to John Mayer, 'Shadow Days'