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Top 10 John Mayer Songs Not by John Mayer

Here are 10 artists whose music was either inspired by or sounds eerily like John Mayer

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Published Dec 13, 2018

Don’t get me wrong, there is only one John Clayton Mayer. The seven-time Grammy winner is still going strong 17 years after his first studio album, Room for Squares, debuted in 2001. In the past year, he’s logged tour stops alongside Dead & Company, performances with Dave Chappelle, got styled for a Nike Air Fear of God collaboration and launched an Instagram Live show called Current Mood.

But this article isn’t about John Mayer, the 41-year-old guitar icon. It’s about the artists he’s inspired or artists who are dabbling in the playful twist of pop, rock, country, blues and soul that he's helped bring to life over the past two decades. As a tribute, here are some tracks that will make you think about his impact on the future of music.

10. ”Morning” by Marc E. Bassy

Coming in at No. 10 is Marc E. Bassy, the former vocalist of the L.A.-based band 2AM Club. His mix of pop, R&B and soul reminds me of John Mayer’s most recent single, “New Light.”

9. ”Hold Back The River” by James Bay

English singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay uses an impressive range of vocals to earn him this No. 9 spot.

8. ”Forrest Gump” by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean and John Mayer have been featured on each other’s songs, so it makes sense to see him on this list. Don’t those guitar chords sound familiar?

7. ”Loving is Easy” by Rex Orange County

Alexander O’Connor, better known by his stage name Rex Orange County, is a 20-year-old indie recording artist. The best ones always start young.

6. ”Photograph” by Ed Sheeran

Lot of comparisons here. I’ll keep it short. Both Sheeran and Mayer have put out hits for a long period of time while also using their talents in a wide variety of ways. Did you see Season 7 of Game of Thrones?

5. ”The Bird” by Anderson .Paak

Anderson .Paak is having himself a year. His soulful and funky vocals and instrumentals are reminiscent of Mayer’s Room for Squares and Heavier Things.

4. ”Mercy” by Shawn Mendes

This one is pretty easy. They have performed together, written music together and posed for Instagrams together.

3. ”Cold War” by Cautious Clay

Cautious Clay is very cool, and he’s one of John Mayer’s best friends. Keep an eye out for this guy and check out this video of the two jamming on Instagram Live.

2. ”Sunshine” by Tom Misch

Perhaps I’m a tad biased here because Tom Misch is one of my favorite artists, but doesn’t he sound like a 2018 version of John Mayer? Check out his debut studio album, Geography, and tell me you don’t hear it.

1. ”Small Worlds” by Mac Miller

Seems fitting to leave you with this tribute. RIP Mac ❤️

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