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Matchbox Twenty
More Than You Think You Are


5.0
classic

Review

by masterarcha USER (4 Reviews)
September 12th, 2005 | 23 replies


Release Date: 2002 | Tracklist


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.


user ratings (271)
3.4
great
other reviews of this album
nakedmolerat (3.5)
Robbie and the lads get crazy....



Comments:Add a Comment 
Rudd13
September 12th 2005


952 Comments


.............................no.

Toaster
September 12th 2005


343 Comments


Now that.. is a controversial review. I may not agree with your taste, but I have to respect your audacity.

kolzig33189
September 12th 2005


335 Comments


i wouldnt give it a five. personally i think this was their weakest album. maybe a three or three and half would be better

Thor
September 12th 2005


10360 Comments


This is just mediocre radio rock like 3 Doors Down and Nickelback. Nothing more.

masterarcha
September 23rd 2005


2 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

You know, I just realized i gave this five stars...I meant to give it four. My bad.

kolzig33189
September 23rd 2005


335 Comments


yeah their first cd was awesome, mad season was almost as good but this was a letdown

SkodaATOM
September 29th 2005


69 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

No better than a 3 from me (unless I have accidentally voted otherwise). Their debut and sophomore album are folds better. "Bright Lights" "Disease" and "Soul" are the best songs on the album....."Unwell" is all right. The rest are all right, but not great.This Message Edited On 09.29.05

CushMG15
January 18th 2006


1810 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

This is a good album. I've not heard anything but the singles off of their others. Disease, Downfall, and the hidden track are my favorites.

Cravinov13
January 19th 2006


3854 Comments


I really like Unwell, Hand Me Down, Soul, and The Diffrence. M20 actually introduced me to the modern rock world when I was younger

CushMG15
January 19th 2006


1810 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

A lot of people have that likeness.

El_Goodo
March 21st 2006


1016 Comments


Im a big matchbox 20 fan but this is definetley there worse album, the only thing classic about this album would be Bright Lights which really has an epic feel to it. But other than it is nowhere close to their first albums in quality.

Patrick
June 4th 2006


1891 Comments


Great album. Nice review. You're getting my vote.This Message Edited On 08.31.06

IronStove
June 8th 2006


1 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thor, how dare you compare this CD to such generic rock as Nickleback. This was much better than Mad Season but not as much as YSOSLY. The lyrics and vocals alone are enough to put a large steel wall b/w it and the mediocrity of Nickleback. My theory is that you were so desparately trying to prove it's mediocrity, which clearly was over emphasised by your reference to nickleback you went off and said something irrational

nag*with*a*gun
June 8th 2006


420 Comments


matchbox 20 has rob thomas in it, right?

nag*with*a*gun
June 8th 2006


420 Comments


thanks. for some reason I've got this lying around but haven't bpthered to listen to it.

CushMG15
April 11th 2007


1810 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I dusted this off the other day and remembered how much I enjoy it. It made me smile.

Yazz_Flute
April 11th 2007


19174 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I actually own this album believe it or not



i never really liked it much, but feel, downfall, and your so real are my favorites, the difference and bright lights were pretty good as well.

CushMG15
April 11th 2007


1810 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Downfall owns hard.

jazza225
February 3rd 2008


15 Comments


5? you've got to be joking, right?

mikeeatsworld
September 17th 2010


17 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Correction *"You're hell on wheels in a black dress"



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