Perry is shown draped on the couch in a black slip while Mayer sits on the ground beside her with his de rigueur acoustic guitar. Shot by Mario Sorrenti, the black-and-white photo was revealed late Monday on both Mayer's Tumblr and Instagram.

Almost instantaneously, fans and critics alike had some pithy barbs ready to submit. Here's the some of more scathing reactions. Jezebel.com had this reaction to the cover, "John Mayer looks like the most irritating person in your freshman year dorm, all pensive with an acoustic guitar."

Nicole E. Spears Tweeted, "Still haven't come to terms with this whole John Mayer "loving" Katy Perry thing, but #hotdamn guys... vanityfair.com/online/oscars/…"