Matchbox Twenty is the very definition of a 90s superband-hugely successful, multi=platinum selling artists. Unlike most bands, matchbox twenty has improved with age. Their latest LP, More Than You Think You Are is ample proof of this, firmly establishing matchbox twenty as one of the great alternative bands of all time.
More Than You Think You Are is very different stylistically from the band's previous effort, Mad Season. Gone (for the most part) are the deeply depressing themes of previous efforts, replaced with upbeat, positive lyrics celebrating life. For this outing, the other band members wanted songwriting credit alongside Rob, moderating his sad and lonely tone. Paul Doucette in particular adds a unique perspective, contributing to many of the songs on the album. Perhaps most surprising is the coauthoring of the song 'Disease' by none other than Mick Jagger. The resulting album is a triumph for the band, rocketing them back onto the charts and to their place in musical history.
1. Feel - The album's opener is a fast-paced rocker, lead by a catchy electric guitar hook. The influence of Paul and Kyle Cook is seen immediately; the song is about a failed relationship, but instead of being slow and depressing, it's upbeat and almost positive. Right away, the album lets the listener know that this is something different.
2. Disease - The next offering starts with a catchy, effects-heavy guitar hook and never looks back. Disease has a simple rhythm that instantly draws attention; if you've seen the video, you can't help but see the guy skating through the city when you hear the song. Lyrically, the song is a bit confusing. From one point of view, it's a relationship gone wrong that they guy wants out of. From another, it's a very poignant love song. Only Mick Jagger and Rob Thomas could write a song like this. My favorite matchbox line of all time is "You have on heels and a black dress." You can't help but see a girl in a black dress twirling on a dancefloor. Brilliant.
3. Bright Lights - The first song on the album showcasing Rob's considerable piano-playing talent, Bright Lights tells a very touching story about a girl who's gone to the big city, leaving her love behind. It begins as a slow, semi-ballad, picking up steam by the chorus, then breaking out into a full-blown electric guitar solo. The live version on Show features an extended solo from Kyle, and is truly brilliant.
4. Unwell - You can't help but think 'radio single' when you hear the next song on the album. Unwell opens with a catchy banjo hook, working its way through organ backing on the way to becoming a radio-friendly alternative song. Rob explains that the song is about how "Everybody's just a little bit f*cked up," which the song treats in a light-hearted manner. The song has been spoiled by massive airplay, but remains a good song.
5. Cold - A guitar-driven rocker, Cold almost achieves 'filler' status-almost. The chorus, combined with a nice guitar hook, keeps it in the realm of good songs on the album. Lyrically, it's no different from Feel-a song about a relationship on the rocks.
6. All I Need - A truly great song. However trite it sounds, All I Need is a great song. Musically, it's somewhat similar to Push, illustrating what is sometimes called the band's 'southern' sound. The song also features a solid electric solo from Kyle and a very catchy, positive guitar hook. I can't help but feel upbeat when I hear this song. It also has one of the most poetic lines on the album: "Everybody's trustin' in a heart like a heart don't lie." Quite possibly the best song on the album.
7. Hand Me Down - The first ballad of the album, Hand Me Down is a touching song about a girl who's been through it all finally finding that good guy. It opens with a steel guitar, bringing in the piano and gentle drumming with the lyrics. It speeds up at the bridge, culminating in a bluesy electric solo from Kyle. Very well put together, and one of two real ballads on the album. Unlike previous matchbox ballads, it's acutally positive. A very good song.
8. Could I Be You - The first original matchbox song where Rob doesn't share writing credits, and it shows. Could I Be You opens with Rob at his piano, adding the rest of the band by the chorus. Paul showcases his writing prowess with likes like "And you're laughin' out loud/at just the thought of being alive."
9. Downfall - Downfall could be dismissed as a throwaway until roughly two minutes into the song. The song is basically an upbeat rock song about a troubled relationship-until the breakdown. The band goes quiet, and what sounds like a gospel choir begins to sing, then the rest of the band enters to finish the song-in spectacular style. The choir continues to chant, Rob continues to play piano, and Kyle plays a Malcolm Youngesque rhythm that caps the song off perfectly. It's a real shame they couldn't duplicate it on Show.
10. Soul - Paul's presence is felt heavily in the drum-driven Soul. Overall, it's a mediocre song, pulling bits from the preceding songs.
11. You're So Real - Long the silent member of matchbox, Brian finally gets his day in the sun with a bass-friendly song. You're So Real pulls bits from other matchbox hits, but does so in a much better manner than Soul. Rob uses scat-style vocals, coupled with a catchy rhythm to draw the listener in. Definitely one song on the album you'll find yourself humming along to.
12. The Difference - A simple G-C piano chord progression never sounded so good. Rob delievers a piano ballad rich with visual imagery. On another matchbox album, The Difference might just be another slow song, but on this album it definitely stands out as one of the best songs.
13. So Sad, So Lonely - 20 seconds after The Difference ends, a hidden track plays, the aforementioned So Sad, So Lonely. Rob sings a heavily-distorted vocal section to a fast-paced, shoot-from-the-hip rock song. I could be wrong, but I believe this song is a cover (let me know if anyone knows for sure.)
Very different from its predecessors, More Than You Think You Are is a brilliant album from the ever-maturing matchbox twenty. A common theme threads its way through many of the songs, making for an easily-flowing album. If matchbox twenty ever gets around to putting out another album, expect more like this.