the song as Mayer's best yet. Critical reception Upon its release, the album received generally positive reviews from music critics; it holds an aggregate score of 67/100 at Metacritic. Billboard magazine stated that it "firmly establishes him as a legitimate--albeit still puppy-eyed--singer/songwriter." Chicago Tribune writer Allison Stewart gave the album a favorable review and wrote that Mayer "[has] crafted a sturdy, soulful pop album that credibly expands upon — but never abandons — his core sound". Despite writing that "his self-conscious lyrics can get in the way", Russell Baillie of The New Zealand Herald praised Mayer's musicianship and gave the album 4 out of 5 stars. Rolling Stone magazine's James Hunter called Heavier Things an "equally available yet more sophisticated album" than Room for Squares. In his own review for Esquire, Mayer gave the album a "B minus", adding, "Am I the only one who finds this record creepy to make out to?" Spin said, "Sadly, Mayer's idea of a good time involves hiring jazz musicians to make himself sound like '80s James Taylor." Accolades Mayer earned his first number-one single with "Daughters" as well as a 2005 Grammy for Song of the Year, beating out fellow contenders Hoobastank, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw, and Kanye West. He dedicated the award to his grandmother, Annie Hoffman, who died in May 2004. He also won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, beating Elvis Costello, Josh Groban, Prince, and Seal for the award. At the 37th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2006, Mayer was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award. Track listing Personnel Main musicians John Mayer – vocals on all tracks, guitars on all tracks David LaBruyere – bass guitar on all tracks except 8 Jamie Muhoberac – keyboards on all tracks except 9 Lenny Castro – percussion on all tracks except 6, 9 and 10 Additional musicians Matt Chamberlain – drums on tracks 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 Steve Jordan – drums on tracks 3, 4 and 5 Greg Leisz – lap steel guitar on tracks 2 and 5 Questlove – drums on track 1 Roy Hargrove – trumpet on track 1 Michael Chaves – guitar on track 3 Dan Higgins – saxophone on track 5 Jerry Hey – trumpet on track 5 Leroy – programming on track 7 J. J. Johnson – drums on track 9 Additional personnel John Mayer – art direction Jack Joseph Puig