If you’re looking for the perfect song to accompany you on a road trip this summer, Last Train Home, may just be the one! 

Two seconds in, the song will have you in the groove, clicking your fingers and tapping your steering wheel and as the song progresses, you’ll no doubt find yourself singing along and taking in the scenery around you. 

The intro features an 80’s style synth Steve Winwood would be proud of, and conga drums mixed into the production, which is reminiscent of Toto’s mega 80’s hit, ”Africa”. 

Everyone knows John Mayer is a guitar god, and is capable of so much more, however Mayer decided only to chip in with the occasional small lead parts in this song. He implements just enough lead guitar at just the right time, for the betterment of the song and never overdoes it, which is a stroke of genius in and of itself. Sometimes it’s more about what you don’t choose to play, rather than what you do play. 

In the vocals, Mayer shows us his characteristic, laid back, understated style we’ve come to know and expect from him. Mayer’s style is instantly recognizable and lends itself so well to a song with a relaxed vibe. 

In the hook and chorus you’ll find the main idea of the song. Last Train Home, being a metaphor for love. Surrendering to the idea of love shines through in Mayer’s lyric “Maybe you’re the last train home”. 

Musically, the synth chords set the foundation of the arrangement. The guitar jazz chord parts in the pre-chorus feature a clean guitar sound mixed with compression and a touch of reverb, which has to be a homage to the 80’s. Reflect back to Nile Rogers classic tone with his 1960’s Fender Strat used on so many 80’s hits, and you’ll notice the symmetry here. 

In Last Train Home, John Mayer delivers a perfect chilled out vibe with relatable lyrics. Although Mayer borrows ideas, sounds and inspiration from hits made before he could strum a guitar, he has produced a contemporary classic that’s uniquely John Mayer. 

Author: Rob Costa

Rob Costa is a freelance writer & Ghost songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. Rob helps us out with music reviews.