With smooth horns by the recently passed Grammy-winner Roy Hargrove, drums and piano by Roots legend Questlove, and Mayer’s infectious “ooOOooh, ooOOooh” sighs before each chorus, the song comes together for easy-listening perfection. “Clarity” was the second single off 2003’s Heavier Things, and it did not disappoint.
With bold metaphors layered over funky piano and searing guitar solos, “Vultures” is quintessential John Mayer. Traditionally known for his velvety, smooth voice, so when he actually flexes on a couple high notes, you can’t help but notice. Mayer’s vocal range in “Vultures” is what makes the song so great. “Waiting on the World to Change” won the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2006. Releasing a mildly politically charged song was definitely a power move for John Mayer with his Continuum lead single, but the song is something of an anti-anthem - while Mayer sings about waiting, the purposeful lack of urgency in his lyrics and vocals carries throughout the song. “Waiting on the World to Change” ( Continuum, 2006) The song also gives us a preview of his effortless ability to toss unusual words into pop songs without sounding forced: “Either way I wonder sometimes about the outcome of a still verdictless life.”ġ9. Off Mayer’s 2001 debut album, Room for Squares,’“Why Georgia” is an upbeat ode to coming of age and carving your own path.
Below, Billboard ranks John Mayer’s 20 best songs.Ģ0.