Musicians like Booby Brown who won Grammy’s one season and
faded out by the next, made the mortal mistake of sticking to the same
style. Matchbox Twenty obviously realizes that no matter how big the hits,
a bands’ staying power is decided by their ability to incorporate new
ideas while staying to true to their trademark style.
Though “Mad Season” was produced four years after their
debut release, it was composed within a relatively short period of time
and the bands efforts seemed slightly relaxed and casual.
On the plus side it is the perfect ‘middle’ album that
allows people to fully appreciate their third release “More than you think
you are”. After a two years hiatus they’re back with their first recording
on which the band shared songwriting efforts as a unit. This time they
sound more like an established band that plans longevity. The tracks are a
collection of modern, classic rock, beats which are very expressive and
soul-infused. It simply is one of the best, all-around, alternative rock
recordings to hit the music stores of late.
Matchbox Twenty is not only passionate about what they do
but they know how the music industry works and how to avoid being labeled
as a “once popular band”. Credibility in the music industry calls for an
‘original’ niche with which legendary status can be achieved. With over 10
million albums sold, this post grunge-rock band from
Orlando,
Florida has potential to retain
their global fame through more countless chart topping hits.
Their somewhat poetic lyrics make them more of a cultured
band rather than a commercial one. The result is a band that’s all
eclectic; taking cues from pop, rock and even a bit country. For instance
on their latest release songs like ‘Feel’ (track one) cover a very high
strung rock beat while ‘Bright lights’ (track three) tunes in with a
classical piano introduction and continues with a more guitar based sound
and ‘Unwell’ (track 4) has a touch of modern country western and classic
rock feel to it. Similarly a few of the other tracks posses a tiny flicker
of pop, without the ‘bubble gum’ effect of course.
Music by Matchbox Twenty is a balance between soulful
melodies and rhythmic rock verses — spinning a style that’s completely
their own. Their albums are the perfect choice on an extended road trip,
between jam packed study sessions, or at a party. Or to just sit back,
enjoy and reflect on the soulful aspects of it.
In about 7 years they’ve released 3 albums and countless
hits, where each number one song has been better than the last. This
capacity to advance secures the groups strength as a musical unit.
Similarly their songs are never likely to gather dust on the CD racks. For
the reason that, instead of recording catchy tunes that end up being
played out advertising jingles; they pen original mature tracks that reach
the depths of the musical sole and grow in strength parallel to their
advancing career.
