When John Mayer's Room for Squares came out in 2001 it was somewhat of an unknown album to many. Based on No Room for Squares by Hank Mobley, who was an American hard bob and soul jazz saxophonist, it wasn’t until word of mouth had garnered John the popularity he deserved that the album hit the radio.
I first heard the single “No Such Thing” on the radio a year later, and it was a surreal experience to say the least. Being in high school at the time I really connected with the song. The song spoke about growing up and having your parents tell you to stay within the lines. But then John did something magical, he told me I was invincible and that I should go beyond those lines, to the other side, where there was something better. I was ecstatic, I wanted to be famous, I wanted to inspire people like he inspired me. Yet this is where things got a bit complicated. The time I spent in middle school and high school, all I listened to was hip-hop and rap. It was the hip and cool thing to do, and deep down inside I liked it. Room for Squares was my first foray into a different genre of music, and it scared me. I was worried that people would mock me for listening to "girl music," and that whatever credibility I had in high school would be gone. But the more I listened to this album the more I discovered myself. While listening to “The Great Indoors” I went on an adventures through my house. “Why Georgia” would teach me to travel and enjoy not only the journey but also the destination. “Your Body is a Wonderland” taught me to love, Neon taught me to leave her and Comfortable taught me to remember her fondly.
For me this wasn't just an exploration of a different genre, it was my education and the discovery of myself. The singer/songwriter artist isn't just a musician who plays a few songs he'd written once upon a time, he is a teacher, he is your companion through the hard times and the good time. He holds your hand when you cry and laughs with you when you're happy. But apart from my obvious bias for John Mayer I believe this to be true for all singer/songwriter, and they shouldn’t be taken for granted.
So if you haven't ever listened to Room for Squares, pick it up next time. But don't just buy the songs, go and buy the actual album. This is an object that transcends the music that it holds. Without the album, you are missing a very important piece, John's personal touch. I know this is cryptic, but for all of you who do pick up the album, you will be very surprised.
My parting words to you would be: don't stick to your guns when you come across a singer/songwriter, for they will teach you things you never knew about yourself.
Artist to discovers:
Cat Power
John Mayer
Matt Nathanson
Ron Pope
City and Colour (Dallas Green)
Iron & Wine