If you grew up in the '90s and ever listened to the radio, you have most likely heard the majority of songs on Matchbox Twenty's new album, Exile on Mainstream. According to their website, the group had planned on getting back together for a greatest hits album but ended up recording six new tracks out of 17 total songs. The album is an interesting combination of songs never heard before and songs heard enough to last a person for the next 10 years and still bring back memories upon listening to them.
One of the best songs on the album is the first track and the group's new single, How Far We've Come."" This is an extremely catchy and upbeat track to start the album, and it reveals how lead singer Rob Thomas' solo work has influenced the group's sound. Although ""I'll Believe You When,"" ""All Your Reasons"" and ""If I Fall"" pull the album down with their unoriginal sound, songs like ""These Hard Times"" show that sometimes Matchbox Twenty don't get the credit they deserve. This song in particular is more like their older music but showcases Thomas' exceptional vocals, which are sometimes overlooked.
One song that gives the group a new sound is ""Can't Let You Go,"" which almost sounds like an oldie with its slow drum beat and romantic vibe. In contrast with the more depressing lyrics of their older songs, the chorus ends on a slightly more positive note with ""You're part of my soul / you're all that I know / I can't let you go.""
The rest of the songs are all previous hits, though some less popular than others. ""Back 2 Good"" is probably the least enjoyable, partly because using numbers unnecessarily in the song title likens Matchbox Twenty to a boy band. Some of the other tracks were also played a few too many times on the radio for anyone to be able to listen to them ever again. ""Real World,"" ""Bent"" and ""Unwell"" are classic Matchbox songs that could unfortunately make you depressed enough to not listen to the remainder of the CD.
The songs that seem to withstand the test of time are ""Mad Season"" and ""Bright Lights."" Neither get too annoying when played over and over, and they're both slightly more upbeat than the other Matchbox Twenty songs. ""3 A.M."" is another song that can still be enjoyed and actually evokes feelings of the '90s because of its extreme popularity at the time.
It seems a little suspicious that the group created six new songs, just short of an entire new CD. It is confusing why they didn't just make a new CD and save the greatest hits for a later date instead of overcompensating with 17 songs.
After listening to the entire album, it still isn't entirely clear why the album is entitled Exile on Mainstream. However, Matchbox Twenty make a point that their music doesn't sound like any other band. Instead, the many hits they've had over the years have allowed the group to develop a mainstream genre all their own.
If you didn't get enough of Matchbox Twenty in their older days, then by all means go out and buy this album. But if you already have most of these songs on your iPod or never want to hear them again, then your best bet is to download a few of the songs from iTunes.
