If any one word can categorize the music trajectory of John Mayer's career, it is "change." Since he first eased into the music scene in the early 2000s, Mayer has consistently remained a major player in the industry-despite being deemed a "player" for his many romantic scandals and shortcomings. His latest album, Paradise Valley, once again proves that Mayer is here to stay.

Mayer's last album, the 2012 release Born and Raised, is still one of my favorite CDs to listen to-and I was expecting an equally impressive follow-up, though his multiple throat surgeries and voice problems could pose an issue. But Paradise Valley perfectly captures who Mayer has grown to be and transitions flawlessly from his previous record into a newly-developed style. The former was a bit more folk-country, and this album still has bits of the folk feel, but it is more relaxed. The most interesting part about the album may just be the album art-Mayer standing in an empty field wearing a grungy cowboy-meets-Indian outfit and looking very philosophical. Also, compare this cover to that of Heavier Things where Mayer wears black jeans, a grey shirt in a modern setting ... talk about change.

Adding to Mayer's distinct voice, both former love interest Katy Perry and rising star Frank Ocean are featured on two separate tracks. Perry sings the ballad "Who You Love," which shows off another side of her voice (as opposed to her usual pop anthems). Frank Ocean accompanies Mayer on "Wildfire" and opens the track with his smooth and melodic voice, a piano slowly building in the back- ground. It is truly an enchanting song-barely featuring Mayer.

Rumor has it that "Paper Doll" is about Mayer's ex Taylor Swift, who famously called him out in her song "Dear John." Though a rebuttal, I enjoyed this song for its emotional and slightly snarky lyrics and upbeat, yet mellow sound. "Dear Marie" features Mayer's huskier voice and ponderings about a woman from his past. The song tinges with regret, wondering hopelessly where "Marie" is now and the path her life took. Did he take a page from Taylor Swift's book on this track? Sounds like it.

The fifth track on the album, "Call Me the Breeze," sounds like a blues, folk and Johnny Cash mashup, and Mayer's voice perfectly matches the beat. The lyrics are simple: "They call me the breeze/I keep blowing down the road" and there is a Georgia shout-out (my home state). I think this song reflects where Mayer has gotten to at this point-he's grown up and living his life.

"You're No One 'Til Someone Lets You Down" is a catchy, scorned-lover tune and sounds a bit like a folk version of Michael Bubl?(c). It isn't my favorite song on the album; it unsteadily balances being slow and fast-paced, making me feel strangely anxious. "On the Way Home" is another nostalgic song about the end of summer-perfectly suiting my mood as school starts. I love this song and its uplifting message that change is normal and everything will be okay. He even references his own period of solitude that he spent "hiding out" at his ranch in Montana, which the album is named after.

Paradise Valley comes as a natural progression after Born and Raised. Mayer has further adapted his sound, becoming much more unique in my opinion; he isn't another pop singer anymore like in his early years, and I appreciate that about him. His ability to translate personal life changes into his music is what makes him such a great artist and the lyrics are especially poignant and reflective. The album will make the perfect study background music once school work begins, and I already love shuffling through the more upbeat Born and Raised with Paradise Valley added in.