John Mayer [ tickets ] will release his fourth studio album, "Battle Studies," Nov. 17. The album is the follow-up to Mayer's critically acclaimed 2006 release, "Continuum."

Co-produced by Mayer and Steve Jordan, "Battle Studies," is described by the artist as a "confessional, relaxed and liberated album" that incorporates "the warmth, melodies and simplicity of '70s and '80s California rock/pop," according to a press release.

"I approach music like a director doing a period piece," Mayer said. "Where 'Continuum' was R&B and Soul, 'Battle Studies' was written with the timelessness of Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young in mind. The melodies and message are concise and from-the-gut with the efficiency of simplicity."

Mayer continued his penchant for collaborative work on this album and invited Taylor Swift to join him on the song "Half of My Heart." Previous Mayer collaborations, which have ranged from rock to blues to hip-hop to jazz, include performances and/or recordings with Eric Clapton, BB King, Dixie Chicks, Jay Z and Alicia Keys, among others.

Mayer, who is planing a North American tour for early 2010, will play two gigs with his trio (featuring Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino) later this year. The John Mayer Trio is scheduled to perform Dec. 29 at the Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego and on New Year's Eve at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The December shows will raise money for two veterans' charities: Military Outreach Ministry Camp Pendleton and NCIRE, the Veterans Health Research Institute.