Battle Studies (Deluxe Version)

Mayer compressed the writing/demo/recording stages into one to create his most direct, instinctual musical expression to date, donning protective gear and combing the battlefield for emotional shrapnel. “Heartbreak Warfare,” “War of My Life,” and “Assassin” address the conflicts of love and loss, while “Who Says” is a defense of simple pleasures. “Friends, Lovers, or Nothing” and “All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye" stack up nicely.