Man About Town

Released in 2016, Man About Town represents Mayer Hawthorne's fourth studio album and a return to his core strengths as a solo artist after his Tuxedo collaboration with Jake One. The album is a self-produced affair, showcasing Hawthorne's growth as a multi-instrumentalist and studio architect. Sonically, it sits at the intersection of Motown-inspired soul and the smooth, high-fidelity pop of the late 70s, often drawing comparisons to Hall & Oates or Steely Dan but filtered through a modern indie-soul lens. Critical reception, notably from AllMusic, highlighted the album's professional sheen and Hawthorne's ability to craft infectious, radio-ready hooks without losing his retro-soul credibility. While some critics noted it was less experimental than his previous work, most praised its cohesion and 'breezy' quality. The album is notable for its thematic focus on the 'lonely bachelor' archetype, blending swagger with a subtle, bittersweet vulnerability.