AMG Review of Mr. A-Z

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

In case you didn't catch the pun in the title of Jason Mraz's sophomore album, Mr. A-Z, it's a play on his last name, which is appropriate since it indicates his self-absorption. Mraz's loose-limbed, litely funky-jazzy pop recalls Dave Matthews and the singer/songwriters who followed in his wake; he loves to have his words cascade in moon/June rhymes and repetitions, and he loves to cram as many words into a phrase as possible. All of these traits were apparent on the debut, but with some success, Mraz is content to indulge himself on Mr. A-Z, constructing songs that ride a groove with the sole purpose of giving himself a place to sing about himself. For those who enjoyed his debut, this will be a delight.