John Mayer - Room for Squares [Aware] (CD)

All Music Guide

Producer John Alagia's fingerprints are all over this major-label debut for Atlanta-based singer/songwriter John Mayer. On songs like "Not Myself" Mayer seems almost to be parroting Dave Matthews, whom Alagia produced on several albums, including Crash and Before These Crowded Streets. The fault is not Mayer's -- his songs are always heartfelt, occasionally poignant, and sometimes even funny, but the jazzy hooks, echoed lyrics, and occasionally forced falsettos that adorn them sometimes seem to be a little much. Despite this, Room for Squares is an easy album to like. Mayer has a soulful voice and he opens himself up emotionally, showing a vulnerability that makes all of the slick production seem forgivable. From the contrite reflection of "My Stupid Mouth" to the sweetly sensual "Your Body Is a Wonderland" to the closing song, "St. Patrick's Day" (which, ironically, is about not wanting to end things), on this album, it's the thoughts that count.

- Stacia Proefrock, All Music Guide