Ranking Every John Mayer Album
John Mayer’s career began back in 2001 with Room for Squares. Since then, Mayer has put out 7 additional solo studio albums. Each one different from the next, but they all have one thing in common. They are all very well-made, well-written, and well-produced. Let’s see how they stack up against each other…
8. Paradise Valley (2013)
The chill vibes of a western summer are very prominent in Paradise Valley. This album, like anything John Mayer, is certainly not bad. Something had to be last on the list. The track list in and of itself appears strong on a song to song basis. However, it sometimes lacks consistency overall. This is the most “collaborative” John Mayer album, as it utilizes features from both Katy Perry (“Who you love”) and Frank Ocean (“Wildfire”), as well as covers a J.J. Cale Track (“Call me the breeze”). What this album lacks in consistency, it makes up for in some of Mayer’s most memorable tracks in “Dear Marie” and “Wildfire”.
7. Heavier Things (2003)
True to its title, Mayer’s sophomore album sheds the charm and glamour of Room for Squares. This leaves room for a more serious and profound platform. This is delivered in a lyrical sense, but is sometimes lacking the musical support for the message to shine. Thematically, this album is among Mayer’s most consistent, with the exception of “Daughters” which fails to match the vibe of the other tracks.
6. Battle Studies (2009)
A collection of some of Mayer’s finest songs. And that’s what it seems like. A collection of songs. But that doesn’t take too much away from it because we get some of Mayer’s best studio guitar playing and songwriting. These songs are Mayer at his best, but can be difficult to interpret the story in their intended listening order. The perfect “quick fix of John Mayer” album. The one you can go to when you want to hear some of Mayer’s best, while not being tied into the narrative.
5. Room for Squares (2001)
The one that started it all. Mayer’s first album contains some of his biggest hits to date. The likes of “your body” and “no such thing” give this album plenty of pop and star power within the first few tracks. The early 2000s soft pop sound is perfectly captured in this album. However, Not entirely sure that 2000s sound has aged well. Nevertheless, the nostalgia combined with some of Mayer’s more musically complex tunes make for a fantastic album.
4. Sob Rock (2021)
John Mayer’s love letter to the 80s. The most recent Mayer album is a modern take on the musical styles of the 1980s. The 80s style combined with Mayer’s existing style is a recipe for near perfection. His guitar chops are on display, as always. Perhaps better than ever (studio) on the bluesy outro of “I Guess I Just Feel Like”. Perseverance, joy, and pain are among the major themes in this upbeat, yet emotional, chapter in the career of John Mayer.
3. The Search For Everything (2017)
Perhaps one of the greatest breakup albums ever written. With emotionally wrenching tracks like “Never on the day you leave” and “You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me”, this is easily Mayer’s most emotional and touching album yet. Combine this emotion with Mayer’s exceptional musicianship and you get some very compelling tracks. There is something for everyone on this album as it seamlessly skates across multiple sub-genres like funk, rock, and country. This album feels close to a culmination of all Mayer’s prior work. An unintentional thematic anthology.
2. Born and Raised (2012)
A VERY close second. Born and Raised is John Mayer at his best in terms of songwriting as he explorers themes such as: love, aging, and identity. This is incomparable coming-of-age perspective and a folk-rock style combines for a holistic and spiritual listening experience. “If I ever Get Around To Living” and the title track “Born and Raised” represent some of Mayer’s greatest songwriting. All-around excellent.
1. Continuum (2006)
No surprises here. What else is there to say that hasn’t been said already? This album is simply brilliant. Both from a thematic and musical perspective, Mayer hits the bullseye. This is best described as a social commentary album. “Stop This Train” and “The Heart of Life” perfectly achieve the mellow vibe set by Mayer. “Gravity” is the pinnacle of Mayer’s career. Never has a song better described an artist and their career. This album has essentially been immortalized by fans, and for good reason. This is not only, Mayer’s best, but one of the best there’s ever been within the genre. Extraordinary.
