John Mayer, a name synonymous with soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, has captivated audiences for two decades. As Billboard‘s recent cover star, his journey from adult pop-rock beginnings to a celebrated musician with seven Grammy Awards and numerous chart-topping hits is a testament to his enduring appeal. With seven No. 1s on Billboard‘s Top Rock Albums chart – more than any other artist – and 20 Hot 100 entries, Mayer’s impact on the music landscape is undeniable. This article delves into the heart of his discography, ranking his 20 best songs that have resonated with listeners worldwide.
Adult contemporary music is where John Mayer truly shines, crafting songs perfect for reflective moments. He describes his music as being “for the omelette on the Sunday after the club,” capturing those times of introspection and honesty. Mayer’s music doesn’t just entertain; it connects on a deeper emotional level, exploring the complexities of life and relationships with raw sincerity.
The essence of John Mayer’s artistry lies in its honesty, nostalgia, and vulnerability. His songwriting is both metaphorical and direct, articulating universal experiences and emotions. Mayer has a unique ability to put feelings into words, offering solace and understanding through his music. He provides lyrical metaphors and analogies that bring clarity to life’s often confusing moments. Below, we rank the 20 best John Mayer Tracks that showcase his remarkable talent.
20. “Why Georgia” (From the Album Room for Squares, 2001)
“Why Georgia,” a standout track from Mayer’s debut album Room for Squares, released in 2001, is an optimistic anthem about navigating the uncertainties of adulthood and forging your own path. This song exemplifies Mayer’s skill in seamlessly weaving sophisticated vocabulary into pop melodies. Lines like, “Either way I wonder sometimes about the outcome of a still verdictless life,” demonstrate his lyrical depth even in his early work. “Why Georgia” is a quintessential coming-of-age song, capturing the spirit of youthful introspection and the search for direction.
19. “Waiting on the World to Change” (From the Album Continuum, 2006)
With “Waiting on the World to Change,” the lead single from his critically acclaimed album Continuum (2006), John Mayer made a subtle yet impactful foray into socially conscious songwriting. This track isn’t a fiery protest song but rather a contemplative anti-anthem. Mayer’s lyrics and relaxed vocal delivery create a sense of patient observation rather than urgent demand for change. Despite its laid-back approach, the song resonated widely, earning Mayer the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2006. It’s a testament to his ability to address relevant themes while staying true to his signature sound.
18. “Vultures” (From the Album Continuum, 2006)
“Vultures,” also from the Continuum album, highlights John Mayer’s impressive vocal range and musical versatility. Known for his smooth, velvety vocals, Mayer surprises listeners by flexing his higher register in this track. The song is enriched with powerful metaphors, set against a backdrop of funky piano rhythms and electrifying guitar solos. “Vultures” is a prime example of quintessential John Mayer, blending lyrical complexity with instrumental prowess. The dynamic shifts in his vocal performance and the song’s rich instrumentation make it a standout in his discography.
17. “Clarity” (From the Album Heavier Things, 2003)
“Clarity,” the second single from Mayer’s 2003 album Heavier Things, lived up to expectations with its polished sound and infectious groove. The track features the soulful horn arrangements by the late Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, alongside drumming and piano contributions from The Roots’ legendary Questlove. Mayer’s signature “ooOOooh, ooOOooh” vocal sighs before each chorus add to the song’s easy-listening appeal. “Clarity” is a masterclass in smooth, sophisticated pop, showcasing Mayer’s ability to collaborate with top-tier musicians and create music that is both accessible and musically rich.
16. “Gravity” (From the Album Continuum, 2006)
“Gravity,” another gem from Continuum, is the quintessential John Mayer song for introspective and emotional moments. In this track, Mayer’s blues influences take center stage. He intentionally minimizes the vocals, allowing his guitar to convey the deepest emotions through an extended, soulful solo. The pain and vulnerability are palpable in every note he plays. “Gravity” holds a special place in Mayer’s heart, evident from its inclusion on three separate albums. The live version from 2008’s Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles earned him a Grammy for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance, further cementing its status as a fan favorite and critical success.
15. “Edge of Desire” (From the Album Battle Studies, 2009)
“Edge of Desire,” from the 2009 album Battle Studies, showcases John Mayer’s ability to articulate vulnerable and often unspoken feelings with poetic beauty. The raw honesty of lines like, “I want you so bad I’ll go back on the things I believe,” delves into the complexities of desire and the lengths one might go to for love. The song builds in intensity, culminating in an almost desperate plea at the track’s conclusion. Lyrically, “Edge of Desire” is exceptionally creative, featuring memorable lines such as, “Maybe this mattress will spin on its axis and find me on yours.” It’s a powerful exploration of longing and vulnerability.
14. “Bigger Than My Body” (From the Album Heavier Things, 2003)
“Bigger Than My Body,” from Heavier Things, is an uplifting and motivational track characterized by its prominent drumbeat and buoyant guitar riffs. The song carries a message of self-belief and untapped potential. Mayer conveys the idea that individuals are capable of far more than they or others might recognize. He delivers this empowering message without resorting to clichés or sounding patronizing. “Bigger Than My Body” is a feel-good anthem that encourages listeners to recognize their own strengths and possibilities.
13. “No Such Thing” (From the Album Room For Squares, 2001)
“No Such Thing” marked John Mayer’s breakthrough onto the music scene as his debut single from Room For Squares. Reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, it quickly became one of his signature songs. This track is the first instance where Mayer touches upon themes of family and aging parents, a recurring motif in his later work. However, the central message of “No Such Thing” is one of self-awareness and humility – urging listeners not to take themselves too seriously while also recognizing their own worth. The line, “I’d like to think the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve,” encapsulates this balance perfectly.
12. “Your Body Is a Wonderland” (From the Album Room For Squares, 2001)
“Your Body Is a Wonderland,” Mayer’s second single from Room For Squares, peaked at No. 18 on the Hot 100 and marked a turning point in public perception, revealing his sensual side. With evocative lyrics like, “One mile to every inch of your skin like porcelain,” and the repeated phrase “I’ll use my hands,” Mayer brought a subtle yet undeniable sex appeal to this acoustic ballad without ever sounding crass. The song’s delicate instrumentation and intimate lyrics made it a sensation, showcasing his ability to blend romance and sensuality with artistic finesse.
11. “Who Says” (From the Album Battle Studies, 2009)
“Who Says,” from Battle Studies, is unapologetically carefree and rebellious, a gentle yet firm dismissal of naysayers and societal expectations. It’s an IDGAF anthem delivered with Mayer’s signature smooth vocal style, making the message palatable and even charming. The opening line, “Who says I can’t get stoned?” injected a new edge into Mayer’s persona, adding a layer of cool confidence that has become part of his public image. “Who Says” is a liberating track that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and disregard judgment.
10. “Love on the Weekend” (From the Album The Search For Everything, 2017)
“Love on the Weekend,” from The Search For Everything (2017), celebrates the simple joys of spending quality time with a loved one. In contrast to many of Mayer’s more melancholic romantic songs, this track is purely optimistic and heartwarming. He blends straightforward sentiments like, “I can’t believe I get to see your face,” with more complex, multi-syllable phrases, such as, “And I’ll be dreaming of the next time we can go into another serotonin overflow.” This lyrical blend creates a unique charm, even prompting listeners to contemplate their own serotonin levels. “Love on the Weekend” is a refreshing and feel-good track in Mayer’s catalog.
9. “The Heart of Life” (From the Album Continuum, 2006)
“The Heart of Life,” from Continuum, showcases the captivating beauty of John Mayer’s voice, so mesmerizing that it’s easy to get lost in the sound. However, the song’s true power lies in its poignant lyrics, filled with relatable observations like, “Bad news never has good timing,” which encapsulates the often-unpredictable nature of life. The simple yet profound line, “The heart of life is good,” offers instant comfort and gratitude, regardless of life’s complexities. “The Heart of Life” is a deeply emotional and uplifting track that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
8. “You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me” (From the Album The Search For Everything, 2017)
“You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me,” from The Search For Everything, opens with a nostalgic whistle that immediately evokes a sense of simpler times and wholesome emotions. The song is profoundly moving, showcasing Mayer’s raw emotion as he performs on piano rather than his usual guitar. Listeners are drawn into the song’s emotional landscape, sharing in Mayer’s heartfelt sentiments. “You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me” is a tender and timeless ballad that explores themes of enduring love and memory.
7. “Daughters” (From the Album Heavier Things, 2003)
“Daughters,” from Heavier Things, is a song that only John Mayer could create – a track that delicately addresses the sensitive topic of intergenerational trauma and its impact on relationships. Mayer explores the recurring theme of parental influence, specifically how fathers’ relationships with their daughters can affect their future romantic relationships. Set against a backdrop of folk-inspired guitar strums and gentle percussion, the song is both beautiful and thought-provoking. “Daughters” earned the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2005, a testament to its lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
6. “Emoji of a Wave” (From the Album The Search For Everything, 2017)
“Emoji of a Wave,” from The Search For Everything, boasts a modern, almost whimsical title, yet its message is timeless. Mayer uses the metaphor of ocean waves to describe life’s cyclical nature, particularly the ups and downs of relationships and personal struggles. The song encourages acceptance and resilience in the face of hardship. The subtle string arrangements elevate the track’s emotional impact, and the lyric, “Your heart is where my head should be, the dissonance is killing me,” is classic Mayer – insightful and emotionally charged.
5. “New Light” (Non-album single, 2018)
“New Light,” a non-album single released in 2018, signaled a stylistic evolution for John Mayer. Uncharacteristically, the song portrays Mayer in a state of romantic yearning and friend-zone frustration. Co-written and produced by No I.D., this funky track showcases a new sound influenced by Mayer’s collaborations with artists across genres, including Shawn Mendes and Travis Scott. While sonically distinct from his earlier work, the signature mid-song guitar solo provides a comforting link to classic John Mayer. “New Light” is a refreshing and genre-bending addition to his catalog.
4. “Half of My Heart” (From the Album Battle Studies, 2009)
“Half of My Heart,” from Battle Studies, was released at a time when Mayer’s public image was heavily shaped by his reputation as a ladies’ man. This song directly addresses that persona, offering a more nuanced perspective by acknowledging the shared responsibility in tabloid romances. The harmonious blend of Mayer’s voice with Taylor Swift’s vocals is a highlight of the track, creating a sense of musical synergy. Mayer himself praised Swift’s contribution, suggesting she would be a perfect Stevie Nicks to his Tom Petty in a now-deleted tweet. The interplay between their voices and the song’s sharp guitar riffs resulted in a well-balanced and Grammy-nominated hit.
3. “Stop This Train” (From the Album Continuum, 2006)
“Stop This Train,” from Continuum, directly confronts the anxieties associated with growing up, using a train as a powerful metaphor for life’s journey. It articulates the often-indescribable feelings of unease and nostalgia that many experience in their twenties, offering a more profound expression than fleeting slang terms like “adulting.” Mayer reflects on his own life and family, poignantly referencing the universal fear of losing parents: “Don’t know how else to say it, don’t want to see my parents go.” “Stop This Train” is a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant track about the passage of time and the complexities of life.
2. “Free Fallin'” (From Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles, 2008)
John Mayer’s rendition of Tom Petty’s 1989 classic, “Free Fallin’,” from his live album Where the Light Is, is not just a cover but a masterful reimagining. It pays homage to the original while injecting new life into the song through melodic variations and Mayer’s vocal prowess. His vocal range shines in the chorus, emphasizing his strength as a singer. Similar to his popular cover of Beyoncé’s “XO,” Mayer successfully transforms a Tom Petty song into a distinctly John Mayer experience. This cover is a testament to his interpretive skills and ability to make any song his own.
1. “Slow Dancing In a Burning Room” (From the Album Continuum, 2006)
“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” from Continuum, stands as the quintessential John Mayer track. The title itself, “Slow dancing in a burning room,” is a striking metaphor – beautiful yet chaotic, representing intimacy amidst turmoil. The song is layered with intimacy, from its evocative lyrics to its slow-burn groove, setting it apart even from his other top-tier songs. Uncharacteristic lyrics like, “You’ll be a bitch because you can,” add a raw edge, making the line even more memorable. “Slow Dancing” subverts typical song structures, concluding with a series of questions (“Don’t you think we oughta know by now?”) rather than posing them at the beginning.
While the studio recording on Continuum is exceptional, “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” truly comes alive in live performances. Watching Mayer perform this song is witnessing an artist fully immersed in his craft. His extended guitar solos and improvisational direction make each live rendition a unique and mesmerizing experience. John Mayer elevates live music, and it is this captivating stage presence that contributes to his recognition at Billboard‘s Live Music Summit on Nov. 13-14.
