Listening to the radio one day I heard How Far We’ve come on the radio. I thought man is this a great song and sat there pondering with my wife who was that singing the song though? Here to my shagrin it was Matchbox 20. I have to admit I’ve never kept a close radar on these guys so I had no idea they were writing music again. I was actually quite interested in hearing their new album but was dissatisfied when I heard it was a greatest hits album, six new songs and their eleven singles. I personally believe that if you are making a greatest hits album it should not be until you have Five plus albums out. Either way I’ll rate the first six songs as they are the new ones put out and the others, well, you know them already if you are a fan of Matchbox 20.
How far we’ve come – This is actually a pretty rockin song by Matchbox 20. I must admit I’m not a huge fanboy of this band but this is probably my favorite song by the band. It has a great riff and lyrics. I think for many people – fan or not will enjoy this song. This is a great lead off song for MB20 on their new album Exile on Mainstream.
I’ll believe you when – This song is yet another poptastic song by the boys of Matchbox 20. As poppy and a chick song as this is it is a different aspect musically from the guys. It is actually a little country sounding riff and a polkaish bass line in my opinion. It sounds like guitar from the 60’s and there are some cool clapping parts of the song. If it wasn’t for the wonderful Top 40 Chick lyrics from Rob this song could’ve been great.
All Your Reasons – This is definitely an unmemorable song for this album. It is your routine Matchbox 20 minus some great background vocals and ewww, ahhhs. I think Matchbox 20 is definitely going for a little more vintage rock sound but are missing it on this track.
These Hard Times – This song is classic Matchbox 20 but for me is the 2nd best song of the 6 new tracks. It is a slow jam but very good lyrics and great vocals by Rob Thomas. He sends across the message of it being Hard Times throughout his song. He really captures what he wrote in his voice. This is definitely a good song.
If I Fall – Vintage Matchbox 20 with some musical twists. They are definitely trying to reinvent their sound a little but it is still there. This one is definitely a catchy tune with the small hook of “If I fallallallallall”. It sticks with you compared to many of the other songs. Another good jam from the guys of MB20.
Can’t Let You Go – This is a different tune from Matchbox 20. Not so much from the lyrics / voice of Rob Thomas but I thought I was listening to a John Mayer song. It has a little bit of a weepy almost bluesish tone to it with a soft piano back track. Over all it is nicely done but I can’t say it is one of my favorites on this track.
Overall, the six new tracks were pleasing musically. They have definitely grown since their last album in 2004 when Rob decided to try his own solo career out. I credit this change musically to the drummer turned guitarist. Their guitarist left the band when Rob went on his own in 2004. After this their drummer went forward and began being the guitarist finding a new drummer for recording / touring. Hopefully these guys will put out a full length studio track instead of adding to their “greatest hits”.
3/5 Stars for Exile on Mainstream
