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Heavier Things
Heavier Things
Heavier Things
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Heavier Things
Studio album by
John Mayer
ReleasedSeptember 9, 2003
RecordedApril–June 2003
Studio
Genre
Length45:33
Label
ProducerJack Joseph Puig
John Mayer chronology
Room for Squares
(2001) 		Heavier Things
(2003) 		Continuum
(2006)
Singles from Heavier Things
  1. "Bigger Than My Body"
    Released: August 25, 2003
  2. "Clarity"
    Released: April 12, 2004
  3. "Daughters"
    Released: September 28, 2004

Heavier Things is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter John Mayer, released on September 9, 2003, by Aware and Columbia Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200, selling over 317,000 copies in its first week.[3] Despite some criticism towards Mayer's songwriting, Heavier Things received generally positive reviews.

Background

[edit]

There's a certain swing-for-the-fences feel and a hurried nature that I think you have when you're making your first record and have much to prove. Now that I'm in a higher gear, I don't have to press so hard on the gas, and I'm loving it.

John Mayer, Billboard, 2003[4]

Mayer felt he could be more relaxed focused on his art while making Heavier Things. With Jack Joseph Puig as producer, loops and horns were more prominently featured.[4] Mayer took greater control of the creative side with this album; much of it was recorded in his New York City apartment.[5] He also got final approval on all radio edits.[4] Mayer explained that he did not want a "big and bold" title for the record and expressed that the name Heavier Things is "what it is" due to its "insignificance".[6] He further said that he likes the word "things" due to finding it "nondescript and dumb, [...] kind of blunt".[6]

Columbia Records used a conservative marketing campaign to promote the album. Columbia Records Group president Will Botwin says, "We think we're being smart. It's a long-term project. We understand what we're creating is a career. Effectively, that's the message: Keep the hype at bay."[4] In keeping with that gameplan, the album's first single, "Bigger Than My Body", only went to radio a few weeks before the album's release; promotional broadcasts of the album were limited to MTV.com and Mayer's official site, both of whom began streaming the complete album the September 2 before its release. Scheduled television appearances included Saturday Night Live on October 4 and several late shows.[4] Columbia Records thought it was important to put Mayer in talk show-type scenarios before the album release to help bring focus to his art and to his singer/songwriter career, and to steer away from the fame and celebrity hype.[7]

Singles

[edit]

Despite being "delayed" on the radio, the lead single "Bigger Than My Body" gained commercial and critical success. "Clarity" was the second single released from Heavier Things. Although the song receives rare airplay, it is one of Mayer's fan favorites, and is normally performed at Mayer's concerts. The song received very positive reviews from critics, mostly being praised for its relaxing style and beat.[citation needed]

"Daughters" was the last single released from Heavier Things. The song has become a huge commercial success, and has received largely positive reviews: several critics called the song as Mayer's best yet.[who?]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[8]
BlenderStarStarStar[9]
Entertainment WeeklyC+[10]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarHalf star[11]
PopMatters6/10[12][13]
Robert Christgau(1-star Honorable Mention)[14]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarStar[15]
Slant MagazineStarStarStar[16]
Spin5/10[13]
USA TodayStarStarStarHalf star[17]

Upon its release, the album received generally positive reviews from music critics; it holds an aggregate score of 67/100 at Metacritic.[13] Billboard magazine stated that it "firmly establishes him as a legitimate--albeit still puppy-eyed--singer/songwriter."[18] Chicago Tribune writer Allison Stewart gave the album a favorable review and wrote that Mayer "[has] crafted a sturdy, soulful pop album that credibly expands upon — but never abandons — his core sound".[2] Despite writing that "his self-conscious lyrics can get in the way", Russell Baillie of The New Zealand Herald praised Mayer's musicianship and gave the album 4 out of 5 stars.[19] Rolling Stone magazine's James Hunter called Heavier Things an "equally available yet more sophisticated album" than Room for Squares.[15] In his own review for Esquire, Mayer gave the album a "B minus", adding, "Am I the only one who finds this record creepy to make out to?"[20] Spin said, "Sadly, Mayer's idea of a good time involves hiring jazz musicians to make himself sound like '80s James Taylor."[13]

Accolades

[edit]

Mayer earned his first number-one single with "Daughters" as well as a 2005 Grammy for Song of the Year, beating out fellow contenders Hoobastank, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw, and Kanye West. He dedicated the award to his grandmother, Annie Hoffman, who died in May 2004. He also won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, beating Elvis Costello, Josh Groban, Prince, and Seal for the award. At the 37th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2006, Mayer was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award.[21]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by John Mayer except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Clarity" 4:28
2."Bigger Than My Body" 4:26
3."Something's Missing" 5:04
4."New Deep" 4:07
5."Come Back to Bed" 5:23
6."Home Life"Mayer, David LaBruyere4:14
7."Split Screen Sadness" 5:06
8."Daughters" 3:58
9."Only Heart" 3:52
10."Wheel" 5:33
Promotional bonus disc
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Clarity" (acoustic; recorded live in the Star Lounge on 12/9/03) 4:23
2."Neon" (recorded live at Allstate Arena, Chicago IL on 11/28/03) 6:14
3."Come Back to Bed" (recorded live at The Palace, Detroit MI on 11/29/03) 10:47
4."Kid A"Colin Greenwood, Jonathan Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Phil Selway, Thomas Yorke2:53
5."Clarity" (single remix) 4:15

Personnel

[edit]

Main musicians

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[35] Platinum 70,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[36] Platinum 100,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[37] 2× Platinum 40,000‡
Netherlands (NVPI)[38] Gold 40,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[39] Gold 7,500^
United Kingdom (BPI)[40] Silver 60,000‡
United States (RIAA)[41] 3× Platinum 3,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Heavier Things

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Heavier Things is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter and guitarist , released on September 9, 2003, through the Aware and labels. Produced by Jack Joseph Puig, the album consists of ten tracks that delve into introspective themes of relationships, self-discovery, and emotional maturity, characterized by Mayer's signature blend of , , and acoustic elements. The record marks a maturation from his debut , incorporating more sophisticated production techniques such as loops and horns while showcasing Mayer's evolving guitar work and lyrical depth. Key tracks include the "Bigger Than My Body," which peaked at number 33 on the , and "Daughters," a poignant ballad that became Mayer's first number-one single on the US Adult Top 40 chart and earned the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2005. Upon release, Heavier Things debuted at number one on the chart, selling 317,000 copies in its first week and eventually achieving sales of over 2.7 million units in the United States by 2006, certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA with over 3 million units sold as of recent estimates. The album received positive for its emotional resonance and musical versatility, solidifying Mayer's status as a prominent figure in , though some reviewers noted it leaned more toward adult contemporary sounds compared to his blues-infused roots. Its success propelled Mayer's career, leading to extensive touring and further Grammy recognition.

Background and development

Conception and writing

Following the success of his debut album (2001), which achieved quadruple platinum status and propelled to rapid fame, the conception of Heavier Things emerged as an effort to craft a more mature sound while alleviating the pressures of sudden . Mayer aimed to maintain a connection to and avoid becoming disconnected from his audience, emphasizing personal growth in his songwriting. Mayer's signing with in 2001 through the Aware imprint provided the foundation for expectations surrounding his sophomore release, allowing him to build on the momentum of his independent beginnings at the 2000 festival. The songwriting process took place primarily between 2002 and early 2003, during which Mayer drew heavily from personal relationships and emotional introspection to explore themes of identity and . Specific songs like "Clarity," originating as a melody from the Room for Squares era, and "Bigger Than My Body," which captured his drive to express deeper emotions without sarcasm, exemplified this introspective approach. Influenced by a desire for a more relaxed creative environment after the whirlwind of success—including a Grammy win for in February 2003—Mayer sought to avoid overproduction and foster a mellow tone in his work. He relaxed for several months post-Grammys before writing extensively, prioritizing authenticity over commercial expectations. Early experimentation with loops and horns helped expand the album's sonic palette, reflecting a broader artistic evolution while staying rooted in blues and pop-rock foundations. These efforts culminated in a transition to recording sessions in spring 2003.

Recording and production

Recording for Heavier Things took place in 2003 primarily in New York City, where Mayer resided, and in Los Angeles with producer Jack Joseph Puig. Specific sessions occurred at Avatar Studios in New York and Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood, California. The album was produced and mixed by Jack Joseph Puig, known for his work with artists like Sheryl Crow and No Doubt. Puig focused on capturing spontaneous moments during tracking to preserve the album's live energy, emphasizing Mayer's guitar work alongside a live band setup. He incorporated organic instrumentation with subtle additions like horns and programmed loops for added texture, blending rock elements with minimal electronic touches while keeping overdubs light to maintain an authentic feel.

Music and lyrics

Musical style

Heavier Things is primarily a pop-rock album incorporating elements of blues, folk, and soft rock, characterized by John Mayer's prominent guitar-centric arrangements. The record blends adult alternative pop/rock with alternative country-rock and singer/songwriter styles, emphasizing melodic guitar lines over both acoustic and electric instruments. Instrumentation expands on Mayer's debut Room for Squares with a fuller band setup, including bass, drums, keyboards, and occasional horns and programmed loops to create a richer sonic palette. Compared to the more acoustic-driven and laid-back vibe of , Heavier Things features a more polished and layered production that retains Mayer's focus on intricate guitar work while introducing greater across tracks. For instance, the opening track "Clarity" builds from acoustic elements into a mid-tempo rock groove. "Bigger Than My Body," the , delivers an upbeat pop-rock energy through driving riffs and a punchy . In contrast, "New Deep" integrates funk-inspired bass grooves and syncopated drum patterns, adding a groovy, laid-back texture to the 's overall sound. Tracks like "Vultures" highlight searing solos layered over funky piano and a steady rock backbeat, exemplifying the album's blues-tinged rock influences.

Song themes

The album Heavier Things explores central themes of love, , self-doubt, and relationships, often presented from a perspective that delves into and personal exposure. Mayer's reflect the trials of romantic connections, as seen in tracks that grapple with longing and regret, while emphasizing self-doubt as a barrier to fulfillment. These motifs underscore a broader philosophical about ambition and identity, marking a maturation from Mayer's earlier work. Track-specific motifs highlight these themes vividly. In "Daughters," Mayer addresses father-daughter bonds and the lasting societal impacts on women, urging fathers to nurture their daughters positively since "daughters will love like you do," influencing future generations of lovers and mothers. "Clarity" deals with post-breakup reflection and fleeting moments of emotional resolution, capturing the struggle for self-understanding amid inner turmoil, as Mayer describes it as "the closest you'll ever come to knowing me." Meanwhile, "Come Back to Bed" injects humor into pleas for , portraying a man's bewildered vulnerability when a partner withdraws without explanation, turning relational frustration into a lighthearted, appeal. The overall tone is and , blending raw emotional honesty with subtle wit to navigate heavier personal burdens. This style aligns with the album's acoustic arrangements, fostering a of intimate dialogue. The title Heavier Things reflects Mayer's exploration of deeper personal and philosophical matters, as he described it in interviews as a broad, unpretentious statement on life's weightier concerns.

Release and promotion

Singles

The lead single from Heavier Things was "Bigger Than My Body", released on August 25, 2003, in and digital formats. It peaked at number 33 on the and number 25 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart. The second single, "Clarity", was released on January 12, 2004, with a primary focus on radio play. It reached number 38 on the Adult Top 40 chart and number 1 on the Adult Alternative Songs chart. The third single, "Daughters", was released on September 28, 2004, and accompanied by a that emphasized family themes. It peaked at number 1 on both the Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts, as well as number 19 on the Hot 100. Single formats for the album were primarily radio edits, with B-sides or remixes not extensively used. These releases contributed to the album's broader promotion strategy by building radio airplay and visibility ahead of the full commercial rollout.

Commercial release and marketing

Heavier Things was released on September 9, 2003, through Aware and , available initially in standard and vinyl formats, with digital editions following thereafter. The album's marketing strategy capitalized on the success of Mayer's debut , emphasizing his evolving guitar-driven persona through promotional tie-ins like music videos for key singles. Radio campaigns targeted adult contemporary audiences to broaden his appeal, while television appearances, including a performance on on October 4, 2003, helped generate buzz. Magazine features, such as a 2003 profile, highlighted Mayer's songwriting maturity and touring ethic, further promoting the release. Supporting the rollout, a U.S. headlining tour launched in late October 2003, spanning arenas and theaters to connect with fans.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Heavier Things received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics upon its release in 2003. The album holds a score of 67 out of 100, based on 10 reviews, reflecting generally favorable reception. Critics frequently praised Mayer's guitar work and overall musicianship. AllMusic's highlighted the album's catchy melodies and strong instrumental performances, describing it as polished that floats effortlessly. Similarly, rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting its snappy arrangements while comparing it to less rock-oriented acts like . However, several reviewers criticized the lyrics as immature or clichéd, alongside an over-reliance on familiar pop formulas. Rolling Stone's James Hunter called the songwriting "earnest but unoriginal," noting that while the album was more sophisticated than Mayer's debut, it leaned too heavily on conventional structures.

Accolades

The single "Daughters" from Heavier Things received significant recognition at the in 2005, winning both Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. These victories marked John Mayer's first wins in major Grammy categories, highlighting the track's emotional impact and songwriting craftsmanship. While Heavier Things itself received no direct Grammy nominations, the album's success, particularly through "Daughters," contributed to Mayer's broader accolades that year, including his status as a rising pop artist. Beyond the Grammys, "Daughters" earned additional honors, such as a nomination for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist at the 2005 , reflecting its strong radio play and cultural resonance in the U.S. The song has since been ranked highly in retrospective lists, including #6 on Billboard's 2018 compilation of John Mayer's 20 best songs, underscoring its enduring legacy. International recognition for Heavier Things and its singles remained limited, with primary acclaim centered in the United States; however, the album's tracks, including "Daughters," garnered some U.S.-based radio honors, such as Mayer's win for Artist of the Year in Adult Contemporary Radio at the 2003 Radio Music Awards. No major album-level awards were bestowed outside these contexts.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Heavier Things debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart in September 2003, selling 317,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan data reported by Billboard. This marked John Mayer's first chart-topping album and represented a significant commercial breakthrough following his debut Room for Squares. The album held the top position for one week before descending the chart, demonstrating strong initial fan interest in Mayer's sophomore effort. Internationally, the album achieved moderate success across various markets, entering top 20 positions in several countries while experiencing more limited traction in others. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, reflecting robust North American appeal beyond the . In , it reached number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and spent 18 weeks in the top ranks. The album also charted at number 15 in for six weeks and number 19 in the over 28 weeks. In the UK, it entered the Official Albums Chart at number 74 but departed after just one week.
CountryChartPeak PositionWeeks on ChartSource
United StatesBillboard 2001-
CanadaBillboard Canadian Albums3-
AustraliaARIA Albums418
New ZealandRIANZ Albums156
NetherlandsDutch Albums Top 1001928
United KingdomOfficial Albums741
The album's singles contributed to its chart longevity, particularly on adult-oriented formats. For instance, "Daughters" peaked at number two on the Adult Contemporary chart, extending the visibility of Heavier Things' material in radio rotation.

Sales and certifications

Heavier Things achieved significant commercial success, particularly , where it was certified 3× by the RIAA on August 8, 2018, for shipments of 3,000,000 units. By 2006, the album had sold 2.7 million copies in the US. The album's strong debut, with 317,000 copies sold in its first week, marked John Mayer's breakthrough as a major commercial artist, topping the chart. Internationally, certifications reflect sales in select markets. In , it was certified Platinum by for 70,000 units. In , it was certified Platinum by in 2004 for sales of 100,000 units. In the , it received Gold certification for 20,000 units. awarded it 2× Platinum status by on November 8, 2016, equivalent to 40,000 units.
CountryCertificationUnits Sold/ShippedDate
Platinum70,000-
Platinum100,0002004
2× Platinum40,000November 8, 2016
Gold20,000-
United States3× Platinum3,000,000August 8, 2018
Worldwide, Heavier Things has sold over 3 million copies as of the latest available data, with additional growth from streaming platforms in the post-2010 era, though no recent reissues or updated figures have been reported.

Track listing and credits

Track listing

The standard edition of Heavier Things contains ten tracks with a total runtime of approximately 46 minutes. No significant variants exist between physical and digital releases.
No.TitleLength
1"Clarity"4:31
2"Bigger Than My Body"4:26
3"Something's Missing"5:04
4"New Deep"4:07
5"Come Back to Bed"5:23
6"Home Life"4:14
7"Split Screen Sadness"5:06
8"Daughters"3:58
9"Only Heart"3:49
10"Wheel"5:33

Personnel

The personnel credited on Heavier Things include the following musicians, producers, and technical staff. Musicians:
  • John Mayer – vocals, guitar, keyboards on all tracks
  • David LaBruyère – bass (tracks 1–7, 9, 10), music (track 6)
  • Matt Chamberlain – drums (tracks 1–3, 6, 10)
  • Steve Jordan – drums (tracks 4–5, 7–9)
  • Jamie Muhoberac – keyboards (tracks 1–7, 10)
  • Matt Rollings – keyboards
  • Michael Landau – additional guitar
  • Michael Chaves – guitar (track 3)
  • Greg Leisz – pedal steel guitar (tracks 2, 5)
  • Lenny Castro – percussion (tracks 2–5, 7, 8)
  • Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson – drums (track 1)
  • Roy Hargrove – trumpet (track 1)
  • Jerry Hey – trumpet, horn arrangements (tracks 1, 5)
  • Dan Higgins – saxophone (tracks 4, 5)
  • Bill Reichenbach Jr. – trombone (tracks 4, 5)
  • David Campbell – string arrangements
  • Leroy – additional programming (track 7)
Production and technical staff:
  • Jack Joseph Puig – producer, mixing
  • – co-producer
  • Chad Franscoviak – recording, mixing assistant
  • Ross Hogarth – additional engineering
  • – mixing (select tracks)
  • – mastering (Gateway Mastering)
  • Chris Steffen – assistant engineer
  • Lars Fox – assistant engineer
No guest vocalists appear on the album.

References

  1. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mayer-follows-squares-with-heavier-things-70026/
  2. https://www.discogs.com/master/170455-John-Mayer-Heavier-Things
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/album/heavier-things-mw0000692769
  4. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2003-10-25/
  5. https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-pop-songs/2004-12-04/
  6. https://grammy.com/videos/47th-annual-grammy-awards-song-of-the-year
  7. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/john-mayer-likely-to-top-next-weeks-billboard-200-1262753/
  8. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mayer-steeped-in-soul-on-continuum-57805/
  9. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/22176
  10. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/heavier-things-101622/
  11. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-mayer-gets-heavy/
  12. https://www.billboard.com/pro/john-mayer-leaves-columbia-records/
  13. http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/02/mroom.mayer/
  14. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-john-mayer-conquered-the-world
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/11236464-John-Mayer-Heavier-Things
  16. https://johnmayer.info/posts/documentary-about-heavier-things
  17. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/john-mayer-gets-heavy-69216/
  18. https://www.popmatters.com/mayerjohn-heavier-2496001256.html
  19. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/john-mayer-20-best-songs-8484184/
  20. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-sep-07-ca-rack7-story.html
  21. https://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/02/mroom.mayer/
  22. https://genius.com/John-mayer-daughters-lyrics
  23. https://genius.com/John-mayer-come-back-to-bed-lyrics
  24. https://genius.com/John-mayer-bigger-than-my-body-lyrics/q/release-date
  25. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2003-10-18/
  26. http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-m/johnmayer.htm
  27. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/songs-in-the-key-of-mayer-234694/
  28. https://snl.fandom.com/wiki/John_Mayer
  29. https://www.metacritic.com/music/heavier-things/john-mayer
  30. https://ew.com/article/2003/09/12/heavier-things/
  31. https://www.goldderby.com/feature/grammys-john-mayer-daughters-song-of-the-year-1205501423/
  32. https://sony.mediaroom.com/2004-12-09-Multi-Platinum-Recording-Artist-John-Mayer-Scores-Two-Grammy-Nominations-Including-Song-of-the-Year-for-DAUGHTERS
  33. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1243604/awards/
  34. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mayer-carries-heavy-straight-to-no-1-69066/
  35. https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-albums/2003-10-25/
  36. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=John+Mayer&titel=Heavier+Things&cat=a
  37. https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=John+Mayer&titel=Heavier+Things&cat=a
  38. https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=John+Mayer&titel=Heavier+Things&cat=a
  39. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/john-mayer-heavier-things/
  40. https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary/2005-06-25/
  41. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=John+Mayer&ti=Heavier+Things
  42. https://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations.htm
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/869202-John-Mayer-Heavier-Things
  44. https://genius.com/albums/John-mayer/Heavier-things
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