They are wrong. Continuum was tracked to analog tape in many instances (Mayer is a known tape enthusiast). The 24-96 FLAC captures the analog saturation. Furthermore, pop music benefits most from high resolution because of the density of information. A modern pop track has 80+ tracks of audio. In 16-bit, that density collapses into a wall of sound. In 24-bit, each instrument retains its digital "breathing room."
If you are organizing this library, a standard naming convention for this quality would look like: John Mayer - Continuum -2006 Pop- -Flac 24-96-
For audiophiles, this high-resolution version is the definitive way to experience the album. The production on Continuum is lush and layered. They are wrong
Often cited as Mayer's best work. The sustain of the guitar notes in the solo section requires the bit-depth of a 24-bit file to truly decay naturally. Furthermore, pop music benefits most from high resolution
Continuum is defined by a shift toward restraint and groove. Mayer abandoned the rapid-fire acoustic strumming of "No Such Thing" in favor of slow-burning, pentatonic-based guitar work.
Albums of this caliber often benefit from meticulous mastering intended for high-end digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to maintain a natural tone and timbre. comparisons