John Mayer has a new album out. I've listened to one song, Wild Blue. What's striking, and why I'm sharing it here, is the strong Mark Knopfler influence in his playing on this song. (I'm also hearing some Grateful Dead influence (Touch of Grey?) in the sound of the chorus section.)
Listening while walking, and it must be an ear of the beholder Dave, I hear late-1980's (post-L. Buck) Fleetwood Mac! I totally get what you hear though. It's there. He has definitely made a journey. I have very much enjoyed what he's done with Dead & Co. the past few years.