Amazon.co.uk Review
There aren't actually 20 of them, although it does occasionally sound that way. With only one
previous album, Matchbox 20 front man Rob Thomas has already racked up three Grammy Awards, while his band was chosen as
Rolling Stone magazine's Best New Band, having sold over 10 million copies of their debut by the close of 1999. Although hailing from Orlando, Florida, there's nothing Mickey Mouse about the band's muscular rock sound--what really impresses about
Mad Season By Matchbox Twenty is that, despite the depth of emotion that oozes from their tracks, they never forget that a good song needs a good tune and lyrics which, although often thoughtful, can be immediately grasped by anyone. The distinctive vocal harmonies of Thomas and Adam Gaynor, combined with chiming twin-guitar lines from Gaynor and Kyle Cook gives them a unique sonic identity, placing them in line to become--eventually--another Bon Jovi. Meanwhile, though, there's more than enough rough edges and passionate moments to avoid any accusations of selling-out to AOR.
--Johnny Black
CD Description
Like it or not, Matchbox Twenty's songs have an uncanny ability to take near-permanent residence in your musical consciousness. Returning with MAD SEASON BY MATCHBOX TWENTY, the band cashes in their 20, perhaps in an effort to avoid getting lumped with other "number bands".
Matchbox Twenty is atruly complimentary vehicle for Rob Thomas' pen and voice. An obvious contender for single status, "Crutch" features modern R&B flavoured verses and a driving chorus that could easily rival "Smooth" for longevity. "Last Beautiful Girl", with its thick vocal harmonies and dynamic extremes, has Thomas struggling through bittersweet heartbreak. "If You're Gone" makes tasteful use of Chicago-styled horns and orchestration very much in the David Foster production style. Title track "Mad Season" explores insecurity and emotional vulnerability, while in "Rest Stop", a woman musters the courage to end a failing relationship. "The Burn" describes frustration over lack of inspiration, and the breakaway single "Bent" hasan '80s essence, with triggered drums and Journey-influenced keyboards. MAD SEASON will surely liberate the band from any lingering opinions that they're just a flash in the pan.