There are plenty of highlights to be found on John Mayer’s official debut including songs released on the radio. “No Such Thing” is a song I wasn’t crazy about back when it was released but over the years it has grown on me. This song doesn’t even begin to show what he’s capable of with the guitar fading into the keyboard riffs and behind his pop flavored vocals. Yet there is something inherently likable about this pop ditty. It’s about breaking conventions, finding your own path in life and rubbing it in the faces of those who tried to limit you. “Why Georgia Why” gives us a hint of what’s coming in the future as he plays his guitar beautifully as he ponders about life. The guitar work on this is strong and his expressive tenor really captures the flecks of longing and questioning that drive this song. The drums eventually kick in but it doesn’t take away from the basic musical premise of this song. Those churning guitars and his pure tenor stay front and center. Probably one of the biggest hits from the album is the romantic strumming and lyrics of “Your Body Is A Wonderland”. The acoustic guitar is lovely and his warm voice delivers the lines in this laidback, every man style that is endearing. Anyone who has ever spent a lazy afternoon making love can appreciate this song. If there were a mix-tape for such a thing this should be one of the songs included.

Worthwhile album tracks are not hard to find here either. B “Neon” has always struck a chord with me with its more bluesy, less pop vibe. I think this song more than any other hints at the direction he would be going in the future . The song seems to be about a love affair complicated by the wild ways of his love interest and I think it’s one of the best songs on the album. “City Love” also has more of a bluesy vibe in the opening but unfolds into an almost elegant affair laced with strengths on the chorus. It’s a simple love song and while the lyrics aren’t overly complex they paint the picture just the same. I became more familiar with “83” when it was featured on the Serendipity Soundtrack and all though I didn’t buy the album for this song it became a favorite for its nostalgic vibe, lilting guitar and interesting percussion. “Here I stand six feet small and smiling cause I’m scared as hell” he ponders as he wishes for simpler times. This is a theme he would explore with more grace on Continuum but this is a great song on the album. “Back To You” and “Love Song For No One” are both examples of more good album tracks on this debut.

There are some misses for me. “Great Outdoors” isn’t really that much different from the other songs but I find it to be boring and a little blah. It’s dangerously close to the melody of an old Air Supply song at times and it just never moves me. “Not Myself” isn’t bad but I don’t consider it a memorable track either. The guitar is slightly sad and respectfully beautiful but it fades into the background for me. By this point in the album he’s not doing anything he hasn’t already done better so it doesn’t really keep you interested. You can apply this description to the decidedly non-descript “St. Patrick’s Day”.

Overall, this album was a great start for a guy who would prove to be one of the best artists of the new millenium. His guitar prowess has grown exponentially, his lyrics have matured and become more meaningful and he’s really mastered his vulnerable voice to deliver a song. These all show on here but there are some more generic moments as well. If you are a John Mayer fan I still recommend the album though. There are some nice pop moments and its overall a relaxing album to listen to.