John Mayer released his seventh album, The Search For Everything, over the course of several months, putting out two 4-song EPs before dropping the full 12-song set. To me, that’s a little like watching 2/3 of a movie before it finally gets a theatrical release. But I’m old-fashioned.

Rollout strategy aside, The Search For Everything is a strong return to the soulful pop of 2006’s Continuum, probably still his best album though he hasn’t released a bad one since.

Mayer took a detour into California country rock on his last two records, a sound I adore, but it’s nice to see him working in this vibe again. There isn’t a weak song among this batch.

Apparently inspired by his split from Katy Perry, The Search For Everything feels most like a break-up album in its back half, where some powerful, sad tracks take the spotlight. Album closer ‘You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me’ is one of Mayer’s finest moments.

Mayer has spent the last year or so channeling Jerry Garcia on tour with Dead & Company, a band made up of most of the Grateful Dead’s surviving members. The fact that he can do that, jam with B.B. King and Eric Clapton, and put out a low-key stunner of an album like this one is a testament to the man’s great, versatile talent.