Mr. A-Z
by Jason Mraz
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jul 26, 2005
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 69
  3. Negative: 11 out of 69

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  1. AbishekJ
    Aug 30, 2005
    1
    This record is a huge disappointment, absolutely trashy pop in some places, poor lyrics and just crap songs in general, wordplay is great but it stands on its own, the rest of this is a bad nightmare that mraz needs to wake up from
  2. BethC
    Oct 16, 2005
    2
    Jason Mraz used to be amazing-before he sold out and became mainstream. His new CD is awful compared to anything I have ever heard by him. Live at Java Joe's is what Jason Mraz should really sound like; instead he makes a CD for little pre-teens. I'm thoroughly disappointed.
  3. AshleyK
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    this album is amazing
  4. WizardU
    Sep 8, 2005
    1
    Sorry, but Jason Mraz is a goofball with slim talent, at best. Vomiting dense hack poetry over generic music does not make him a good songwriter. Did I actually read somewhere that someone compared this guy to Dylan?? That's like comparing Ashlee Simpson to Patty Smith. Sorry, but this guy sucks. Oh, but he uses a lot of words, so he's "smart". Yeah, right.
  5. DanielleM
    Jan 20, 2006
    10
    Wonderful....easy to listen to, and makes you want to sing along--though it is tough to keep up with Mr. A-Z
  6. NewMrazFan
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    This guy is amazingly talented. So poetic in his songwriting. And he sings like no other. One of the nicest pop albums I've heard.
  7. JoeyP
    Sep 10, 2007
    9
    Fantastic lyricist, and part of his charm is his near-arrogant delivery. Like an American Jamie T, but I can listen to more than 2 songs without losing interest! His studio stuff is not in the same league as his live recordings (in particular 'The Dream Life Of Rand McNally' performed at Java Joe's), as the focus is taken away from the lyrics, but in terms of pop music Fantastic lyricist, and part of his charm is his near-arrogant delivery. Like an American Jamie T, but I can listen to more than 2 songs without losing interest! His studio stuff is not in the same league as his live recordings (in particular 'The Dream Life Of Rand McNally' performed at Java Joe's), as the focus is taken away from the lyrics, but in terms of pop music there is no modern-day artist that is more enjoyable to listen to.… Expand
  8. [Anonymous]
    Oct 13, 2005
    3
    Mraz has an exclusive fanbase of white girls and mommies, and he knows it well. His cocky, self-adoring behavior comes off far too easily in his songs, as does his background in musical theater, which may be the reason this album is so awful. Or maybe it's that one could easily imagine him strumming his guitar during lunch break while in costume for "Guys & Dolls," singing "Wordplay" Mraz has an exclusive fanbase of white girls and mommies, and he knows it well. His cocky, self-adoring behavior comes off far too easily in his songs, as does his background in musical theater, which may be the reason this album is so awful. Or maybe it's that one could easily imagine him strumming his guitar during lunch break while in costume for "Guys & Dolls," singing "Wordplay" and melting the collective heart of the girls in the Chorus.… Expand
  9. EliseP
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    Had to warm up to it since I iwas used to his live stuff, but I love it. I love Mraz's voice and lyrical style. I can't stop listening to it.
  10. liaisonmr.
    Oct 20, 2005
    9
    so creative, though a little bit confusing =D
  11. StaceyB
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    Love this CD!!!
  12. CANDICEC
    Oct 26, 2005
    6
    I must say, i am a huge jason fan, all though this cd was kinda bubbly pop, he is very talented , i agree java joes and the old school ones are most def. the best, so check those out before listening to the bad reviews, and well sadly the new cd, some songs are good tho, but its not W.F.M.R.T.C. :)
  13. MightyMouse
    Aug 13, 2005
    8
    Not the deepest album, but Mraz does a good job of putting together some infectious beats with utra-feel good lyrics. No mind blowing affair by any measure, but certainly better than the current 49 critic rating. It's found a place in my iPod.
  14. NicoleB
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    I thought this CD was so much better than his first you can really tell Jason had a lot to do with what went onto the album. To me if there was one word that could describe this album it's sexy.
  15. CathyM
    Aug 14, 2005
    8
    I think Mraz has some growing to do but I liked the salsa sound to some of the tunes. Overall, he is a master of wordplay.
  16. KatieInsect
    Aug 22, 2005
    10
    I love you Jason! All I listen to anymore is your music. YOu are a master of words, and melodies. I must admit, your first album was better, but Mr. A-Z did not let mr down. O. Lover is fun to dance to, and I sing to Geek in the shower everynight. Never stop making music!!!!!
  17. MikeL
    Aug 26, 2005
    0
    Grating to the nth degree, irritating beyond belief. Jason Mraz has a penchant for singing about ... well ... himself. Just try to count the numer of times he says "me", "my", "I", "I'm", etc. It's as if me mixed the absolute narcicissm of rap with the goofiness of frat house neo folk. "Dude, like did you totally hear that new Jason Mraz song?" "Yeah dude, that was freakin Grating to the nth degree, irritating beyond belief. Jason Mraz has a penchant for singing about ... well ... himself. Just try to count the numer of times he says "me", "my", "I", "I'm", etc. It's as if me mixed the absolute narcicissm of rap with the goofiness of frat house neo folk. "Dude, like did you totally hear that new Jason Mraz song?" "Yeah dude, that was freakin dope." "Word. Let's put on our trucker caps and big sunglasses and go to the Starbucks and get a latte." Here's a tip, song writing is not a contest to see who can get the most words to fit into a 4 minute block of time. Here's another tip, most people don't want to listen to an album full of you singing about yourself. You can hear Mraz WAY too much on the radio as it is. I advise strongly against this CD and that you change radio stations.… Expand
  18. SunnyMom
    Sep 16, 2005
    8
    BOY! What a tough crowd! I heard "Did you get my message?" as a ringtone and purchased the CD on itunes. Get over it, critics! This guy is great! He's creative, goofily articulate, and a damned site better than most of the top 40 artists in his range of style. I am finding this CD thoroughly enjoyable. My favorite is "Geek in the Pink". Oh - and about the maturity thing - I think BOY! What a tough crowd! I heard "Did you get my message?" as a ringtone and purchased the CD on itunes. Get over it, critics! This guy is great! He's creative, goofily articulate, and a damned site better than most of the top 40 artists in his range of style. I am finding this CD thoroughly enjoyable. My favorite is "Geek in the Pink". Oh - and about the maturity thing - I think it's quite mature to make good music and lyrics without profanity or overt references to sexuality. Jason - ignore the critics - Do your thang !!!… Expand
  19. EllieD
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    Give the guy a break on this album, i have to say that its definatly as good as his last and 'did you get me message?' is an awesome song!
  20. JaxC
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    awesome cd, he really exhibits his versatility in all different styles of music and how he has grown up from "Waiting For My Rocket to Come". although, i love him when he keeps things simple with him and his guitar, this album really showed off his ability to add neat effects where he wouldn't be able to do live. sounds great!
  21. jw
    Apr 12, 2006
    5
    What IS it about sophomore albums, anyway? This is the SECOND hip neo-songwriter bandwagon I've been unceremoniously thrown off of in as many years. I get that narcissism is the new black and all, but this disc, like "Heavier Things," is completely ridiculous. Both Mraz and John Mayer arrived on the scene so brilliantly it's almost impossible to believe how far they fell with What IS it about sophomore albums, anyway? This is the SECOND hip neo-songwriter bandwagon I've been unceremoniously thrown off of in as many years. I get that narcissism is the new black and all, but this disc, like "Heavier Things," is completely ridiculous. Both Mraz and John Mayer arrived on the scene so brilliantly it's almost impossible to believe how far they fell with these two albums. Both seem to have listened too closely to their own hype. In Mayer's case, he seems to have swallowed whatever was left of that "Wonderland" pill and gone off the deep end. Apparently buoyed by the swoons resulting from that single, he is tireless in the assertion of his man-ness. Radio play refuses to let us forget the mind-numbing chant of "Daughters," with the immortal lyric: "On behalf of every man looking out for every girl/You are the god and the weight of her world." Are women really okay with lines like that? Enough of them must be. But please John - never speak on my behalf again. Mraz is similarly basking in the glow of himself here - though admittedly it is not so much offensive as it is annoying. Obviously he has made an effort to feature what he had heard were the top selling points of his first effort (i.e., his clover-honey falsetto and the ever present "wordplay," which is now featured as a topic unto itself). Wordplay, wordplay, wordplay..."It's all about the wordplay," he tells us. Nevermind that the wordplay of the first album was based on what were generally useful and exciting lyrics. These songs are scarcely more than a topic sentence followed by prolonged Brat Scat. And there are so many of them! All attesting to the brilliance of the first album without ever duplicating it. The opening track, "Life Is Wonderful" is a fake-out, much like the better "Clarity" was from Mayer. Both songs seem remnants left over from the debut albums, and both belie the silliness to come.… Expand
  22. DanielleH
    Nov 10, 2005
    8
    Oh how i love jason mraz. The tongue twisting lyrics, keeping a jumble in the lyrics (get it). But some how he kind of fell flat with the whole innocent sexual vibe, almost a "did he just say what i think he said" sort of lyrical mix-up. He voice is very mellow, chill. If it songs like "bella luna:" and "song for a friend" werent on the album i dont know what i would do. it is a permant Oh how i love jason mraz. The tongue twisting lyrics, keeping a jumble in the lyrics (get it). But some how he kind of fell flat with the whole innocent sexual vibe, almost a "did he just say what i think he said" sort of lyrical mix-up. He voice is very mellow, chill. If it songs like "bella luna:" and "song for a friend" werent on the album i dont know what i would do. it is a permant staple of my playlist though. I just want a little less tasting all over his face, I know what you are trying to say you dirty little boy....call me jason my number is... call your buddy John Mayer we will have good time ::wink wink::… Expand
  23. Bill
    Oct 17, 2005
    9
    Critics be damned! It has a completely new and fresh sound that doesn't just throw guitar rifts or poorly written lyrics out there. It brings a new feel with jazzy style and originality that so many cookie cutter bands can't compair to. I'd highly recommend this and other works by Mr. A-Z.
  24. sarahj
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    MRAZTASTIC!!!!!!!
  25. Matt
    Aug 15, 2005
    4
    Should take lessons from girlfriend Tristan Prettyman on how to make heartfelt music.
  26. AdamM
    Aug 17, 2005
    10
    Awesome album. Great soundtrack for my every day life. Music that puts me in a good mood and ready for the day, all day long. Mraz is awesome!
  27. valenar
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    yall all son of bitches all yall who say this album is a piece of crap i would shoot u if i knew where u were yall whores,ass bitches go suck ur mom's left ear
  28. EricD
    Aug 26, 2005
    2
    What's happen with Jason! Now he play pop music. Geek in pink sound like a Backstreet Boys song!!!! «Waiting for my rocket to come» was a very good album... but Mr A-Z sound like all the pop music that we can hear again and again at the radio. Hope Jason go back to the source for the next album!!!
  29. CStack
    Aug 28, 2005
    7
    As his own lyrics say: a sophmoric effort. But, give the guy a break. He's only in his twenties ( I think) He's got a much better voice than most of the untrained musicians and vocalists out there masquerading as professionals and alot of natural talent. If he can withstand the "dog eat dog" world of entertainment and music for a while, his efforts will probably produce more As his own lyrics say: a sophmoric effort. But, give the guy a break. He's only in his twenties ( I think) He's got a much better voice than most of the untrained musicians and vocalists out there masquerading as professionals and alot of natural talent. If he can withstand the "dog eat dog" world of entertainment and music for a while, his efforts will probably produce more mature and praiseworthy results.… Expand
  30. CelesteL
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    I was very impressed. I saw him in concert in Seatlle and the album was just like it. It's great to finally hear someone with real talent that doesn't need a voice-editing machine to be able to sing. I'd love to jam with him sometime
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    50
    For those who enjoyed the wise-ass undercurrent of his debut, this will be a delight. For those who enjoyed "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)," there will be too much narcissistic tomfoolery here to make this enjoyable. For those who never understood the appeal of Jason Mraz in the first place, Mr. A-Z will make them realize that they've really been taking John Mayer for granted.
    Read full review
  2. Amazon.com
    60
    Fortunately, producer Steve Lillywhite is on hand to clean things up, giving even the most bumbling lyrical experiments, such as "Wordplay" and "Geek in the Pink," at least the illusion of a newfound maturity.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    60
    There's an overriding sense of preciousness that permeates "Mr. A-Z," and a few instances ("O. Lover," "The Forecast") where his homages to '70s AM radio sneak over into copies.
    Read full review
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