Just warning you: I haven't written any reviews for a while, and I'm not very good at it, but here goes:

Rolling Stone recently (well, in 2007, so not so recently) labeled him as "Slowhand, Jr." in reference to Eric Clapton. Maybe it's the timing of when I discovered this album, but I've been listening to a lot of Clapton's stuff as well, and I must say I agree. Mayer is a master of the blues guitar. He produces a crisp, clear sound with every note he plays, regardless of how fast it may be.

Highlights:

"Waiting on the world to change": politically charged lyrics, great jam, you've probably heard it on the radio.

"Belief": one of the best guitar songs I've ever heard from any singer. Great harmonies during the chorus.

"Heart of life": very calm, beautiful lyrics.

"I'm gonna find another you": OK, so this one was not released as a single, or given any awards. But I think the lyrics are hilarious, and the performance of it is great.

"Say": only on the newer version of the album. You've undoubtedly heard this on the radio. The lyrics are good, but the chorus is VERY repetitive. The best part about this one is the guitar - I'm usually not a fan of high-pitched guitar playing, but the execution of this one is phenomenal.

One last thing: I had heard a lot about this album (I'd heard a couple songs on the radio), but I had never actually heard it straight through until a few weeks ago when I stumbled across it in the public library. Most of what I'd heard was not positive, but I figured - why not? I checked it out and listened to it, but I wasn't planning on liking this album at all. It grows on you.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you consider looking up this album. I'm definitely glad I did.