John Mayer

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. [The French release of Room for Squares comes with a bonus VCD. The video component of the disc contains the electronic press kit for the album which includes interview and performance footage. The audio portion has four bonus tracks: acoustic versions of "Back to You" and "No Such Thing" and live versions of Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary" and Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Lenny."]~ Stacia Proefrock, All Music Guide