With "Battle Studies," Mayer continues to prove it is possible to walk the line between being an immensely talented musician and an outright pop star. With his infectious melodies and his polished style, Mayer once again makes no apologies for writing songs that could be listened to with parents. In fact, that might be one of Mayer’s most intriguing and amiable qualities.

     The album begins with the song, "Heartbreak Warfare," which is rumored to be the album’s upcoming, second single. The song begins with some of Mayer’s familiar and tonally rich guitar sounds. Mayer also adds a large amount of reverb and delay to the guitar for most of the song, as if it were in homage to U2’s guitar player, The Edge. While the guitar work on the song is impressive, the song begins a trend on the album where more focus is being put on Mayer’s vocal abilities and general song structure.

     The third track, "Half of My Heart," could be considered Mayer’s first venture into country and the song even features guest vocals from arguably the biggest star in country music right now, Taylor Swift. While the song is an overall great addition to the album, it is one of a few songs on the album where most listeners will want Mayer to turn the amp up a little and unload some magnificent thirty second solo. But, if "Continuum" showed fans how amazing Mayer could be on guitar, then "Battle Studies," should show them how impressive his vocals can be as well.

     The fourth song and the album’s first single, "Who Says" is classic Mayer, but is still original and most importantly, extremely catchy. The seventh song of the album, "Crossroads," is like an upbeat "Continuum" B-side. Mayer channels funk and R&B tones, and the song gives the album the perfect boost after two impressive slower songs, "Assassin" and "Perfectly Lonely."

     "Friends, Lovers or Nothing," the final track on the album, rounds out the emotionally charged album perfectly. Mayer’s lyric, "Friends, lovers or nothing… we’ll never be the in between, so give it up," sheds some light on the "heart on the sleeve" type lyrics that fill the album. Also, if listeners really wanted Mayer to break into a solo, then they finally got their wish with this song, as Mayer slides up and down the guitar masterfully.

     "Battle Studies" is only Mayer’s fourth studio album and after his last album, "Continuum," he sure had a lot to live up to. While Mayer may not have entirely done so, he came damn close. The new album is just a showcase of what separates Mayer from so many other singer-songwriters in the industry these days; self-assurance. Mayer is such a confident musician, who is not afraid of falling short of expectations or of acknowledging people’s expectations altogether.

     The album might end up being one of the best pop albums of the year, though it is almost like Mayer is not even trying. "Battle Studies" serves as definitive proof that Mayer is indeed a music legend in the making. After four albums and at the relatively young age of 32, Mayer should still have a lot left in the tank and "Battle Studies" should serve prove he is not going to slow down anytime soon.

Grade: B+