Inspired Home May June 2019

John Mayer's 2013 album, the Americana-tinged Paradise Valley, is an introspective if somewhat more upbeat affair than his similarly country-inflected 2012 release, Born and Raised. With that album, Mayer was coming off a rough career patch that found him issuing a mea culpa for an infamously loose-lipped 2010 Rolling Stone interview. Making matters worse, in 2011 the singer/songwriter announced he would be going on extended hiatus from performing while he received treatment for granulomas found near his vocal cords. Subsequently, with Born and Raised, Mayer moved away from the commercial pop of 2010's Battle Studies and toward an intimate, largely acoustic, '70s Laurel Canyon-inspired sound with songs that featured plenty of apologetic soul-searching.

Inspired by distinguished soul/R&B singers such as O.V. Wright, Z.Z. Hill, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Otis Clay (who provides backing vocals on two tracks), ex-Dave Specter vocalist Robinson turns in a spectacular performance on his third solo outing. Passionate and emotional, Robinson shifts from classy soul to relaxed blues and easygoing pop (he resurrects the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose's chart hit "It's Too Late to Turn Back Now" with stunning results). The legendary Willie Henderson (Tyrone Davis, Jackie Wilson) arranged and conducted the horns, adding some authentic flavor. But it's Robinson's powerful voice and terrific songs (he co-wrote five tracks) that are responsible for this album's success.