Earlier this year, we turned you on to nine new female singer-songwriters we love. Now, here's our tipsheet of eight most promising male singer-songwriters.

BRETT DENNEN
The Backstory Thanks in part to fan John Mayer, who's taking him on tour this summer, the 28-year-old Californian's tender, raspy-voiced ballads are gaining wider notice. His songs have also turned up on Grey's Anatomy and American Idol.

For Fans of Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews, and other melody hounds — plus hall-of-famers James Taylor and Paul Simon. Released nearly a year and a half ago, Dennen's debut, So Much More, is a stealthy, still-climbing seller.

Best Track ''Darlin' Do Not Fear'' (myspace.com/brettdennen)