Michael Jackson memorial: John Mayer performs 'Human Nature'

Pop & Hiss brings you quick thoughts on some of the main performances at today's Michael Jackson memorial.

What: John Mayer's 'Human Nature.'

Ann Powers is inside the Staples Center, and her first thought at Mayer's performance: "I don't know why John Mayer is here. Was Slash not available?"

Mayer went for a stylish guitar interpretation. It was vocal-less until about halfway through, when a choir sang the lyrics above a whisper. It's easy to take a jab at Mayer here, with his exaggerated, pained expressions and Sunday brunch-safe interpretation, but in this setting it was soft and respectable. Although there's no need to hear it beyond Tuesday afternoon.

Powers is a bit more kind, noting that the take is "reasonably tasteful," although she adds that the crowd singalong that organizers may have hoped for didn't develop.

— Ann Powers and Todd Martens

Photo credit: EPA

Comments

[Matthew K., FOX40.com]

I guess I have to disagree with my colleagues at the Los Angeles Times. John Mayer, who has been my favorite musician since high school (maybe that makes me a little biased), delivered an impressive and moving performance today. I wholeheartedly believed today's performance was rehearsed with Mayer's vocals, given the backup dancers. I also believe, keeping to his true artistic fashion and his style of following his heart more than the status quo, something in him told him to change it up at the last minute.

However, I'd be wrong. Mayer told ContactMusic.com he chose not to perform vocals on his cover of "Human Nature" because he felt he couldn't reach the high notes in the style of Michael Jackson. "I don't have a great vocal range," he said. "The decision not to sing was just out of knowing what's best for me."

He also admitted that while he never met Michael Jackson, he felt spiritually connected to him. I think the same could be said for many of us who never met the man who is to become the legend; we feel like we can never replicate what Michael Jackson delivered to our world, but we all feel like we're connected to it in a very deep way.

[kerry livermore]

I don't like the guy after he did the dirty on JA but that was my favourite part of the show, sorry, service. I can see what JA saw in him if he nailed her like he nailed that song.

[Daniel Lefebvre]

I happened to think that John Mayer's performance of Human Nature was amazing. For all those who say he has no talent you are all mistaken and you may need to get your ears check cause you obviously wouldn't know what a great musician sounded like if he or she bit you in the ass. His performance although un conventional seeing as though he didn't sing was a great way to honor the awesome music and song writing capabilities of an artist like M.J. Him playing the melody of Human Nature just goes show how amazing Michael was musically. It really made you notice and pay attention to the music and note selection Michael made durning the recording and writing process of this song. People seem to forget Michael didn't play any instruments but he wrote really great melody's that get stuck in your head with his voice. With that said go bashing Mayer for his playing or decision to so he did it out of respect. You will be missed M.J. Long Live the King of Pop.

[leah]

It was so beautiful!!!

and touching, I loved it. so fitting for a service

[Terence]

Being both a guitarist and great admirer of Michael Jackson's music, I thought Mr. Mayer's interpretation of "Human Nature" was beautifully performed at The Michael Jackson Memorial. For those of you who commented on Mr. Mayer's choice to play instead of sing should see Larry King's Show on which Mr. Mayer later appeared. John Mayer clearly stated that his choice to play instead of sing was based on his respect for Michael Jackson's abilities (as a vocalist) of which he could not match, hence, his choice to express himself the best way he could . . . through his guitar.

And although Mr. Mayer did not graduate from The Berklee College of Music (he only spent two years before leaving the school), the fact that he did attend Berklee says a lot about his abilities as a competent musician. This was evidenced by his choice to play the song without displaying "tons of chops (i.e.: technique)" but a lot of heart and emotion . . . which is what both great music and Michael Jackson were about: Emotion, expression, honesty and sincerity.

[stopitalready]

I think the John Mayer fans posting here are completely delusional..... John is a narcissist (full of himself) and a drama queen.... he laps up the attention in any way he can....

the writers' words are totally appropriate:

"I don't know why John Mayer is here. Was Slash not available?"

hilarious!

[Jack]

I'm really sorry Ann, but you do not have a god honest clue what you are talking about. His music is better than any of the rubbish that is currently dominating the UK top 40. If you actually listened to some of his music and got some evidence of how good he is, you know, like a journalist is supposed to do, then maybe you would have produced a better review. Mariah Carey, does nothing but warble. It is torturous. If you honestly think that Usher is a better artist than John Mayer, then I'm sorry, but you're seriously deluded. But that is besides the point. These songs weren't to please anybody, they were dedicated to Michael Jackson's memory. You weren't there to judge the performances, you were there to remember Michael's fantastic work. On the other hand, i thought that Mayer's performance was touching and soulful, and if Michael was there to see it he would have enjoyed it. I also applaud all of the other artists, even if Usher and Mariah Carey aren't the most popular for me, it wasn't for me, and they made the memorial what it was: Off The Wall.

[cathy]

John Mayer is beautiful. His music is beautiful. He did a fabulous rendition and it was quite a tribute to the late, great Michael Jackson.
I will certainly replay it often. I thoroughly enjoyed the show yesterday and his performance was an asset.

[musiclover]

I absolutely agree with Powers. I understand that Mayer is a good artist, drives sales, pulls audiences and shapes a tiny bit of today's pop culture. However, its still weird seeing him up there. Its not his talent that put him there. Nor was it his relationship with MJ. He must know a political heavy weight in the music business. Sure he can write a nice melody and play a good solo, but his biggest talent is his ability to successfully navigate his image through the entertainment business. Similar to likes of Lil Wayne, or Paris Hilton, or Britney Spears, or to be more relevant, maybe even the Jonas Brothers.

[musiclover]

I absolutely agree with Powers. I understand that Mayer is a good artist, drives sales, pulls audiences and shapes a tiny bit of today's pop culture. However, its still weird seeing him up there. Its not his talent that put him there. Nor was it his relationship with MJ. He must know a political heavy weight in the music business. Sure he can write a nice melody and play a good solo, but his biggest talent is his ability to successfully navigate his image through the entertainment business. Similar to likes of Lil Wayne, or Paris Hilton, or Britney Spears, or to be more relevant, maybe even the Jonas Brothers.

[David]

First of all, John Mayer is one of this generation's best and most influential guitarists. He's performed with several HALL OF FAME musicians.

Secondly, Ann Powers needs to be removed from this paper. Someone so naively critcizing a great musician that is performing at a MEMORIAL needs to have their head shaken a bit and really think about their future in the writing business. I understand you're trying to be provocative but pick your battles.

If someone stepped up to give tribute to your father despite how much he knew him personally, and played a song RESPECTFULLY and TASTEFULLY (as mentioned in her own words) would you disrespect that person by speaking like that about him, and that goes to all the negative quotes. Get out of the Hollywood crap of trying to make a name for yourself and respect talent, respect praise, and respect RESPECT. If you can't write tastefully or meaningfully go back to writing obituaries since your outlook on life is so negative.

[Ondrea]

I had never heard of John mayer until this memorial and I thought he did an excellent job with Human Nature. I am trying to find a way to purchase it to listen to on my iPod. I think Michael Jackson would have liked it. Everyone has their own style as clearly indicated by MJ himself. Just because you don't like it does not mean you have to be so mean-spirited about it. For those who are true MJ fans, I am sure he is shaking his head at your negativity and thinking you guys still just don't get it.

[CupcakeDD]

As a John Mayer fan, I wondered why he had been asked to preform at the memorial - not sure what the connection was. BUT, I thought that he did an excellent job!! I missed hearing his voice, but it was a very classy tribute non the less. Well done, John!

[CupcakeDD]

As a John Mayer fan, I wondered why he had been asked to preform at the memorial - not sure what the connection was. BUT, I thought that he did an excellent job!! I missed hearing his voice, but it was a very classy tribute non the less. Well done, John!

[Jeff Price]

To Whom It May Conern, I would like to comment on Mr. Mayers performance on yesterday it was totally awesome I really do believe Micheal was smiling down from Heaven what great skill and Soul wich I think Mike would have I have one last question who was in the Band and who was on drums and percussion please let me know can not stop playing it on Youtube contact me ASAP at jpnetpro.blogspot.com I appreciate it Thanks Jeff Price

[Ann]

John Mayer rocks! A beautiful, beautiful contribution from him to a classy event.

[David]

I been playing guitar for many years as an amateur, and my brother has been a professional guitarist all his life, and in my opinión this was a really special guitar performance by John Mayer. I remember the song "human nature" when I was studying at university. We were in a high story building overlooking the city and at night we could see all the city lights down below, and this song was playing on the radio at that time....

[Sailesh Pradhan]

The best performance of the day by far. One can tell John Mayal performed from his heart in all sincerity, nostalgia and respect for the great soul of MJ without a word being said....
Great stuff JM !!

[Rajiv Hassan]

Whats wrong with everyone? I mean he did it perfect for a ceremony this sad he just let his guitar talk.

[ST]

I went to a show in Atlanta about nine or ten years ago. John Mayer played as the opening act. He was still up and coming at that time. I had never heard of him and I am not a huge fan even now. But the coolest thing I remember from that show was him playing interpretive MJ songs on his guitar. Half the little teens didn't even know what they were hearing, they were all from Off The Wall album. SO he was obviously influenced by MJ and who knows maybe MJ was a fan of him. Who knows, but I thought he did a good job and wasn't there to get the face time on tv, all he has to do is start dating a girl to do that.

[bethk1]

I myself wondered, why, in particular, was John Mayer there. Saw him on Larry King later and he said it was at the request of the Jackson Family. He did not know Michael but certainly admired him. In fact when he was first contacted to perform, he did considerable due-diligence to insure that the Jackson family had requested him, that it wasn't some promotor's publicity stunt. He said he himself wondered "what am I doing here?" So, there's your answer as to why - he was asked to perform. He also didn't sing because he felt with his limited vocal range he could not get anywhere near doing justice to the song. I am sure you can see the intervew on CNNs website somewhere.

[Kene]

I did not know John Mayer before his performance at MJ's memorial service, but when I listened to his rendition of the song I thought he's one of the best musicians ever. His performance was clean and and very envoking, it reminded some of us why there was that event in the first place, to mourn the death and celebrate the life of one of the greatest musicians ever. Well done John mayer and your guitar did all the singing, and the clapping of the hands by the crowd did all the sing along needed for an event of that nature!!!!!

[Kene]

I did not know John Mayer before his performance at MJ's memorial service, but when I listened to his rendition of the song I thought he's one of the best musicians ever. His performance was clean and and very envoking, it reminded some of us why there was that event in the first place, to mourn the death and celebrate the life of one of the greatest musicians ever. Well done John mayer and your guitar did all the singing, and the clapping of the hands by the crowd did all the sing along needed for an event of that nature!!!!!

[Philip from Oz]

People bagging out John Mayer's performance of 'Human Nature'. "Was Slash not available?" - Don't get me started on that comment. Also -"there's no need to hear it beyond Tuesday afternoon." Do me a favor If you ever see a music review from — Ann Powers and Todd Martens - Don't waste your time.

[michael McQuade]

I never knew what John Mayer was doin at all until I saw his treatment of Human Nature, It was so beautiful...