John Mayer Taps Taylor Swift For ‘Simplistic’ New Album, “Battle Studies”

John Mayer - Wireimage

John Mayer is getting back to the basics on his new album entitled Battle Studies, being released on November 17.

Recorded mostly in the singer’s home over a six-month period, Mayer and producing partner Steve Jordan aim to make Battle Studies an honest confessional-style album eliciting the feelings of 70s and 80s classic pop/rock.

Mayer thinks of the set, which will follow-up his multi-platinum, Grammy award winning Continuum, as a “period piece” created with the likes of Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young in mind. “The melodies and message are concise and from-the-gut with the efficiency of simplicity,” Mayer says of the album in a statement.

The first single, “Who Says,” brings that picture clearly into focus. It’s heartfelt and simple, incorporating only organic sounds like a steel guitar and piano in its production.

Another song sure to arouse listeners is “Half of My Heart,” a duet with the reigning princess of crossover country music, Taylor Swift.

A nationwide tour in support of Battle Studies is already in the works for 2010. Dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

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