Room For Squares (Aware/Columbia, 2001)
Less erratic than Dave Matthews, happier than Nick Drake, and capable of making some the most comfortable pop you've heard in a long while, Mayer wants to be the best of all worlds. Fortunately, he's got a well-sanded voice and deft way with the guitar. And don't forget his ear for a tune. "No Such Thing" could be someone from The Breakfast Club tripping on Steely Dan's "Reeling In the Years."

Inside Wants Out (Aware, 1999)
Looking for a copy of John Mayer's lost DIY debut? Good luck. A copy recently sold for $125 on eBay. Split between solo and band tracks, several songs from Inside were later remade for Room for Squares. But if you're looking for the gems "Love Soon" and "Comfortable," better dig deep. Or pray for a reissue.