John Mayer taps into his inner '80s rock god in music video for Last Train Home
Los Angeles, California – John Mayer's music video for the first single off his upcoming album is giving people major Toto vibes. With a synthesizer in full effect and his luscious locks on full display, the video is an '80s-lover's dream come true.
When big artists announce new music is on the way or drop a new video, it's like Christmas Day to fans. When it comes to John Mayer's following, they've been a bit starved of presents lately.
It's been four years since Mayer released his last studio album, but if Last Train Home is any indicator, the time spent away will be well worth it when his upcoming album, Sob Rock, drops on July 16.
Like any kind of musician in the age of "I-want-it-now", Mayer gave fans a taste of what's to come with the release of his new single, and a music video to match.
The song itself has remnants of the song Africa by Toto with the synthesizer's progressions and the beating of a bongo drums. Which such a 1980s feel to the song itself, it only made sense to make a video that matched in style.
The video seems to take place in some type of abandoned warehouse, and starts off with classic '80s transitions and graphics flashing across the screen. The granulated video quality and other special effects like the lighting and smoke also add to the video's throwback feel.
As Mayer strums along on a pink electric guitar, he sings, "I'm on the last train runnin', and I surrender" – but he isn't delivering these lines all by himself.
Even John Mayer needs a little help from his friends
The video ends with a surprise appearance – both visibly and audibly – from country singer Marren Morris (31), who invited Mayer to assist her band on stage at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
As per usual, Morris is rocking a fly outfit, with a leather jacket doused in tassels, and high-rise, acid-wash jeans to blend into the video's overarching 1980s theme.
Last Train Home hits a nostalgic sweet spot that not only reminds listeners of the magic he's created on his last seven albums, but also excites them for what's to come.
Sob Rock – which drops July 16 – will be Mayer's eighth full-length studio album of his 20-year career.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Press