John MayerContinuum

In 2001, he was just another Dave Matthews clone. In 2003, he was a semi-likeable dweeb who always seemed like he was trying a little too hard. But in 2006, John Mayer became a guitar hero.

Something doesn’t add up. How did the dork who wrote ‘Daughters’ transform into the coolest guy in the room?

Even after ‘Try!,’ the live blues album last year from the John Mayer Trio-Mayer and veteran sidemen Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan-this new musical persona was unexpected.

Mayer defies expectations. He synergizes pop-rock, jazzy rhythm section work and Clapton-esque guitar, which together flourish to create a colorful, passionate record-the best in 2006.

‘Continuum,’ released this fall, is a vast leap forward for Mayer.

Everything came together on the new album, one that was as earnest as Mayer’s previous efforts, but with a new musical strength and poignancy that he only hinted at before. Palladino and Jordan return, adding an extra dimension to the music.

The energy and instrumental dexterity shown off on ‘Try!’ are toned down and focused as Mayer flashes his chops smoothly throughout the album. He slides into a languid solo in ‘I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You)’ while roaring through the brawny guitar work-out of ‘In Repair.’

Lead single ‘Waiting on the World to Change,’ though ham-fisted at times, is a genuine protest song complete with a bridge ripped directly from Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On?’

Mayer has a confidence in his guitar work, brave enough to try his hand at covering the Hendrix classic, ‘Bold as Love.’ While his version, though solid, does not stray far from the original, the inclusion of the song alone was a gutsy move.

He still has his boyish charm, like on ‘Stop This Train,’ but mostly, Mayer has crafted an adult record. It sets him apart from all the other guys with guitars. ‘Continuum’ is sure to hold up past 2006.

The Hold Steady

‘Boys and Girls In America’

Equal parts witty, depressing and uplifting, this album features Craig Finn and Co. telling their tales over huge riffs lifted from AC/DC and other ’70s giants.

The Format

‘Dog Problems’

The happiest songs you’ll ever hear about getting your heart broken by girls from Arizona.

Built To Spill

‘You in Reverse’

Like Neil Young fronting an indie-rock band, these vets manage to make songs that are both tender and explosive.

Lupe Fiasco

‘Food & Liquor’

The Chicago MC’s debut is a conscious, exciting affair, ripe with social and political commentary. It’s the record that Talib Kweli has been trying to make for years.

Published on December 3, 2006 at 12:00 pm