With his soulful voice and mesmerizing guitar skills, John Mayer has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Recognized for his versatility and ability to create rock and blues-influenced pop music, he has undoubtedly made a mark in the music industry.
But if you’re in search of some other artists that are similar, who should you check out? Well, in this article, we’ve put together a list of 13 amazing singers like John Mayer, who you’re going to love. Let’s take a look.
1. Hozier
Born Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, Hozier is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to prominence with his breakout hit “Take Me to Church.” With a distinctive baritone voice and a blend of blues, folk, and soul influences, Hozier’s music carries a haunting and reflective quality, which fans love.
Like John Mayer, Hozier is celebrated for his ability to convey raw emotions through his powerful vocals and poetic songwriting. His music explores themes of love, religion, and social issues, inviting listeners into a thought-provoking experience.
Hozier’s musical background and knack for crafting soul-stirring compositions make him a great artist for fans of Mayer to explore. Check out his two chart-topping albums, Hozier and Wasteland, Baby, to get started!
2. Jason Mraz
Hailing from Mechanicsville, Virginia, Jason Mraz is celebrated for his charming vocal style and acoustic-based pop melodies. Though distinct, his musical style shares traits with John Mayer’s, appealing to listeners who crave sincere and melodic music.
Mraz’s breakout hit was the Grammy Song of the Year–nominated single “I’m Yours,” released in 2008. This song, with its optimistic message, became an anthem for many, showcasing Mraz’s ability to create feel-good music.
Throughout his career, Mraz has released several successful albums, including We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. and Love Is a Four Letter Word.
With his soothing voice and genuine charm, Mraz continues to captivate audiences the world over. Should you decide to delve into his discography, a new album to explore will be released this June 2023: Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.
3. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Born in 1954 in Dallas, Texas, Stevie Ray Vaughan was an iconic artist in the world of blues and rock. Hailing from a musical family, he honed his guitar skills from a young age, and it wasn’t long before his raw talent began to shine through.
Vaughan’s guitar playing was nothing short of extraordinary. With his mesmerizing solos, blistering speed, and soulful bends, he effortlessly breathed life into the blues, captivating audiences with every note.
Breaking into the mainstream with his band Double Trouble, Vaughan’s 1983 album Texas Flood propelled him to stardom. Known for his dynamic performances and emotional delivery, he became a force to be reckoned with, just like John Mayer.
Tragically, Vaughan’s life was cut short at the age of 35 in a helicopter crash in 1990, but his legacy lives on. His influence can still be heard in the guitar playing of countless musicians who were inspired by his virtuosity.
4. James Bay
English singer-songwriter James Bay gained recognition for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Born in Hertfordshire, England, Bay’s music resonates with fans of John Mayer due to their similar musical styles—both artists incorporate folk, rock, and blues into their sound.
Known for his signature look of long hair and a wide-brimmed hat, Bay has a distinct sense of style that reflects his musical persona. His music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth, with his lyrics resonating with fans on a deep level.
The 2014 single “Hold Back the River” propelled Bay into the spotlight. His debut album, Chaos and the Calm, which followed soon after, was met with critical acclaim as well and further showcased his talent for crafting heartfelt and relatable songs.
Over the years, Bay’s music career has been marked by numerous accolades, including Brit Awards and Grammy nods. His follow-up albums, such as Electric Light and Oh My Messy Mind, continues to showcase his evolution as an artist.
5. James Blunt
Another British singer-songwriter who has made a name for himself with heartfelt ballads and a soulful voice reminiscent of John Mayer is James Blunt.
Born in 1974, Blunt’s musical journey began while serving in the military. It was during his time there that he started writing songs and discovered his passion for music.
With the release of his debut album, Back to Bedlam, in 2004, Blunt gained widespread recognition. The album’s lead single, “You’re Beautiful,” became a massive hit, taking the top spot of charts in several countries, including the UK, US, and Canada.
Despite sometimes being criticized for his style, Blunt’s songs have touched the lives of many, becoming anthems for moments of love, heartbreak, and reflection.
With his distinctive voice and relatable lyrics, he continues to captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of a well-crafted, emotionally charged song.
6. Amos Lee
Hailing from Philadelphia, singer-songwriter Amos Lee has captured the hearts of many with his soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting. With a sound that strikes a chord with admirers of John Mayer, Lee has established a strong presence in the realm of music.
In 2005, Lee released his self-titled debut album, introducing the world to his mesmerizing blend of folk, soul, and blues. Songs like “Arms of a Woman” and “Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight” became instant classics.
Over the years, Lee has continued to enchant listeners with his captivating albums. From the hit Mission Bell to the latest My Ideal: A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings, each release showcases his growth as an artist and continues to captivate listeners.
7. Ben Harper
With his soulful blending of blues, folk, and rock music, singer-songwriter Ben Harper has captured the hearts of listeners. He started as an independent artist, producing his own records before signing with Virgin Records in 1992.
Harper debuted with Welcome to the Cruel World in 1994. He released five more albums before hitting a breakthrough with Both Sides of the Gun in 2006. The Platinum album peaked at #7 on Billboard 200 and topped the charts of other countries, like Australia and Italy.
Additionally, Harper is known for his skillful guitar playing, particularly his proficiency with slide guitar, which mirrors John Mayer’s instrumental prowess. For those drawn to Mayer’s genre-bending approach and heartfelt expression, Harper’s captivating sound offers a similar musical experience.
8. Dave Matthews
Singer-songwriter Dave Matthews has been making music for over three decades. Similar to John Mayer’s diverse style, Matthews incorporates rock, folk, jazz, and pop into his music.
As founder and frontman of the Dave Matthews Band, he gained widespread recognition and a devoted fanbase with their breakthrough album, Under the Table and Dreaming, released in 1994.
The album produced several hits, like “What Would You Say” and “Satellite.” Since then, the band has released nine more critically acclaimed, including the chart-topping Before These Crowded Streets and Everyday.
In addition to his musical talents, Matthews is also involved in various philanthropic efforts. He co-founded the Bama Works Fund, which supports charitable causes ranging from environmental conservation to education and healthcare.
9. David Gray
Similar to John Mayer, David Gray is a British singer-songwriter celebrated for his captivating fusion of folk, pop, and rock. He’s been wowing the alt-rock/folktronica crowd since his fourth studio album, White Ladder.
This multi-Platinum album became a massive success, propelled by the hit singles “Babylon” and “This Year’s Love.” It marked a turning point in Gray’s career, garnering critical acclaim and bringing his music to a broader audience.
Through a career that has lasted over three decades, Gray has garnered a dedicated fanbase who appreciate his ability to evoke deep emotions through his music. He continues to create music that speaks to the soul to this day.
10. Jack Johnson
Born and bred in Hawaii, Jack Johnson initially made waves as a professional surfer before a fateful accident redirected his path toward music.
With his signature blend of folk, rock, and surf influences, Johnson’s music offers a tranquil refuge for listeners seeking mellow acoustic melodies.
Like John Mayer, he showcases intricate guitar skills and pens deeply personal lyrics, though Johnson’s sound leans more towards laid-back beach vibes than Mayer’s bluesy undertones.
Songs of his that might interest Mayer fans are “Flake,” “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,” and “Upside Down.” All three took the top spot on Billboard‘s Adult Alternative Airplay chart, though these are not the only ones of his to land first on this chart.
11. Norah Jones
Born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar, Norah Jones captivates audiences with her sultry voice and a distinctive blend of jazz, pop, and country. Raised in Texas after her father, sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, left the family, Jones found solace and artistic expression in music.
Her 2002 debut album, Come Away with Me, garnered five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, as she enchanted listeners with her intricate piano work and smooth, soulful vocals.
While Jones leans towards jazz and country, she shares a common ground with John Mayer in their songwriting and genre-blending abilities, forging deep emotional connections through their music.
12. Daniel Powter
From British Columbia, Canada, we have Daniel Powter, a pop singer-songwriter and pianist. He released his debut album in 2000, but it didn’t achieve significant success. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2005 with the release of his self-titled second album.
Although the album itself didn’t top the charts, it became immensely popular thanks to one standout track, “Bad Day.” This triple-Platinum hit soared to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and held its position for an impressive five weeks.
“Bad Day” became an anthem of sorts, capturing the universal experience of having a rough day and finding solace in music. Its success propelled Powter’s career forward, introducing his music to a broader audience and solidifying his place in the pop music landscape.
13. Gavin DeGraw
And finally, a rising star from South Fallsburg, New York, Gavin DeGraw, began his musical journey performing in local Catskills venues. His breakthrough arrived with the 2003 debut album, Chariot, which features the hit single “I Don’t Want to Be,” renowned as the theme song for the drama series One Tree Hill.
Following the success of Chariot, DeGraw continued to release well-received albums. Of note is his fourth album, Sweeter, which contains DeGraw’s best-selling hit, “Not Over You.” By 2022, the song was certified 4x Platinum.
DeGraw’s music shares similarities with Mayer, boasting soulful vocals, intimate lyrics, and a fusion of pop and rock elements. Both artists infuse their compositions with heartfelt emotion, leaving listeners wanting more.
Summing Up Our List Of Singers Like John Mayer
From soothing acoustic tunes to soulful pop-rock anthems, the artists discussed in this article all share similarities with John Mayer while offering their unique contributions to the music world.
Deepen your appreciation for Mayer’s music and pop rock in general, and add the works of these singers to your playlist. They will surely get you singing along!
Who have we left off that should be on this list? Let us know, and we’ll add them for you!
