Music's battlefield

Both of the albums today utilize military metaphors to get across their message. Whether it’s a call to arms in the name of love, or the clarion call for a whole generation to rise up and meet its challenge, both John Mayer and 30 Seconds to Mars have created great music, even if in different genres. And both possess a tenuous connection to show business — in the case of John, one can’t help but feel that some of the more scathing lyrics were inspired by Jennifer Aniston and/or Jessica Simpson; while 30 Seconds’ headman is actor Jared Leto!

John Mayer — Battle Studies (Sony BMG). Like dispatches from the frontline of love’s battlefield, the CD is a collection of songs that reflect on surviving post-affair life. Bittersweet, yet guardedly hopeful, it’s John mining his own tabloid notoriety; and creating memorable music in the process. In a sense, the CD works as a mini-retrospective of his career to date. Some songs (such as the track Who Says) echo the funky, rock/acoustic side that first propelled him onto the public’s radar, while other tracks (like his Crossroads cover) harken back to his Trio days and flirtation with the blues. Other tracks revel in the R&B groove that marked his Continuum CD (this would be War of My Life). While some critics found this going all over the place a tad confusing, I found the music enthralling; and especially loved tracks like Assassin — his term for those who indulge in heartbreak, and Perfectly Lonely. Take that. Jessica and Jennifer!

30 Seconds to Mars — This Is War (Virgin Records). With particular attention paid to arrangements and production values, this is 30 Seconds to Mars’ most stirring body of music — their pitch to really establish themselves as true contenders for EMO/Rock/grunge Kings! At times echoing early U2, and employing a chorus of children with delicious irony, this is one solid effort that could see the group take on the mantle left by bands such as The Killers (presuming they truly have disbanded). Night of the Hunter, Kings and Queens and This Is War comprise a strong triumvirate of songs establishing what the CD is all about. Closer to the Edge is an exceptional radio-friendly song, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find out it’s the next single. It’s the impassioned delivery of vocalist Jared Leto that helps set this effort apart from their previous CDs. Well worth the listen!