NORTHCOAST
4x Platinum Member
Joined: October 2003
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Post by NORTHCOAST on Dec 11, 2003 12:11:57 GMT -5
I listened to Matchbox Twenty's More than You Think You are last night. I really love this album. As I listened, I tried to discern what the Grammy voters liked about this CD. I think it is an amazing feat that they were nominated for best rock album. A nice pat on the back to the guys. What do you think impressed the Grammy voters?
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Post by singingsparrow on Dec 11, 2003 12:42:03 GMT -5
Though I think matchbox twenty didn't get enough Grammy respect (they should have had "Unwell" nominated for Record or Song of the Year) I am happy the Grammy committee had heart to give them a couple nominations.
In my opinion, I think Rob Thomas is just continuing to grow as an exceptional songwriter and especially with "Bright Lights", the beautiful ballad "Hand Me Down" and "The Difference", you can clearly see the heart of Rob Thomas and his writing. I think this is where the committee was most impressed, but also as a band overall, they continue to grow and develop for the better. Kyle's solo in the "Bright Lights" video is a brilliant example of that, which they also nailed on Hard Rock Live. They are a maturing band that I only see getting even better in time.
Really the only song that didn't get to me off the album is "Disease", the first single. I'm still not feeling this song, Mick Jagger's lyric didn't help in my opinion, and the song sounds just like a harder, sonic-infused "Smooth".
But overall, "More Than You Think You Are" is right up to par with "Yourself Or Someone Like You", with "Mad Season" being the weakest of the three albums. matchbox twenty truly is one of the best bands out there, simply because they're an inspirational band. How many bands have you seen evolve wanting to write and sing like Rob Thomas and his band? Rob is a gifted songwriter.
Sincerely,
Noah Eaton
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Rural Juror
Gold Member
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 510
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Post by Rural Juror on Dec 11, 2003 14:58:50 GMT -5
I think it is an amazing feat that they were nominated for best rock album. A nice pat on the back to the guys. Definitely agree with that. Mad Season was nominated last year too in the same category but they lost (I forgot to whom). I hate to say this since I'm a huge MBT fan but even though I was thrilled that that album was nominated, I didn't really feel that it was deserving of that honor since I considered as their weakest album. There were just too many things going on in that album and even the guys have admitted that in certain interviews. But with MTYTYA, it certainly deserves to be nominated because it is one heck of an album. From the first track to the last, there's not a bad song in sight. The Difference is, imo, the epitome of Rob's growth as a songwriter. That song is just beautiful - both the lyrics and the music. Such a great song and it's really a shame that this is the only song that they haven't done live. I would have done anything to have heard this one live at their Madison Square Garden show not too long ago. I also agree with Noah's statement that Unwell should have been nominated in either the Song of the Year or Record of the Year categories. I was disappointed when I found out that it wasn't. Here's hoping that the guys will finally win a Grammy. |
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Post by singingsparrow on Dec 11, 2003 15:39:52 GMT -5
Just to let all you matchbox twenty fans out there know, "More Than You Think You Are" has just been certified double platinum, and after more than a year on the chart, remains strong at #72.
Triple platinum? That may prove to be difficult and perhaps unlikely unless the band decides to release a fourth single and a Grammy win helps bolster thei single, generating some extra sales. Nevertheless, to have three multi-platinum albums is a massive accomplishment, especially in difficult times like these in the music industry. Just think of all the other artists who impacted the world heavily from the 90's with their music but died down rapidly. Hootie & The Blowfish couldn't pull off three multi-platinum albums. Alanis Morissette couldn't pull off three multi-platinum albums. It truly is a marvelous victory for matchbox twenty.
Sincerely,
Noah Eaton
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irice22
9x Platinum Member
listening to Kesha. Always.
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Posts: 9,164
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Post by irice22 on Dec 11, 2003 16:26:24 GMT -5
I think this is the worst of all their albums. It shows no growth whatsoever as an artist, everything just sounds so redundant. Their new album is producing a different, and their first album is before their style became old.
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Ragin
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Everybody Wants a Piece of the Action!!!
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Posts: 6,487
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Post by Ragin on Dec 11, 2003 16:41:00 GMT -5
I think this is the worst of all their albums. It shows no growth whatsoever as an artist, everything just sounds so redundant. Their new album is producing a different, and their first album is before their style became old. While you are entitled to your opinion, I think you should realize that musicians and songwriters alike disagree with you. I have a tough time believing you even listened to the album based on your response. |
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irice22
9x Platinum Member
listening to Kesha. Always.
Joined: October 2003
Posts: 9,164
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Post by irice22 on Dec 11, 2003 16:50:56 GMT -5
Oh, wow, I got the albums mixed up! Yeah, I don't like "Mad Season." "More Than You Think You Are" is great! (But I haven't heard much of it, I still like what I've heard... except for "Disease.")
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Post by FreakyFlyBry on Dec 11, 2003 16:57:56 GMT -5
I actually think that, while decent enough, "More Than You Think You Are" is my least favourite Matchbox Twenty album. I like "Mad Season" the best, I like practically every track on there.
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NORTHCOAST
4x Platinum Member
Joined: October 2003
Posts: 4,285
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Post by NORTHCOAST on Dec 11, 2003 17:04:06 GMT -5
I am wondering if some of the little unusual touches that they put on this album helped distinguish it. A choir on Downfall, banjo and French horns on Unwell, the beautiful pedal steel on Hand Me Down (and Kyle Cook's beautiful guitar solo at the end!), Sir Mick on Disease, the cool bass intro to You're So Real. Any others?
Several people mentioned The Difference and it reminded me of an interview with Adam Gaynor. He said that when he heard that song it reminded him of Rob's earlier writing on YOSLY. I agree with that.
The thing I really enjoy about this album is the different tempos it takes along the way. I disagree with the redundant comment. I think it is a very diverse record. Hard rock, disco, country-ish, ballads. It certainly covers the gamut!
Couple of questions:
Did Mick Jagger's reputation help this album?
Why haven't they ever done The Difference live?
Does the fact that they were previous nominees and Rob a previous winner help?
Do their reputation as "good guys" help or hurt with the Grammy's?
Does Rob's collaborations with a myriad of artists of different genres help? Do country Grammy voters like them because of Rob's work with Willie, etc.?
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Ragin
6x Platinum Member
Everybody Wants a Piece of the Action!!!
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 6,487
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Post by Ragin on Dec 11, 2003 17:21:40 GMT -5
Commenting on Mick Jagger, Disease was originally going to go on Mick Jagger's last solo effort, but Mick didn't think it was quite right because he thought it would sound better if Matchbox Twenty did it (and I agree). Rob liked the song and was glad he didn't have to give it up, but since they had worked on it for Mick's album, he was obligated to credit Mick and keep his contribution to the song intact. Rob's contribution to Mick Jagger's solo record were clearly the best tracks on the record, and if anything, I'd say Rob Thomas' reputation helped that album a little.
I don't think Mick Jagger's reputation has helped the record really at all. Mick Jagger really doesn't have that great of a rep when it comes to song writing anymore.
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NORTHCOAST
4x Platinum Member
Joined: October 2003
Posts: 4,285
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Post by NORTHCOAST on Dec 11, 2003 17:36:48 GMT -5
Commenting on Mick Jagger, Disease was originally going to go on Mick Jagger's last solo effort, but Mick didn't think it was quite right because he thought it would sound better if Matchbox Twenty did it (and I agree). Rob liked the song and was glad he didn't have to give it up, but since they had worked on it for Mick's album, he was obligated to credit Mick and keep his contribution to the song intact. Rob's contribution to Mick Jagger's solo record were clearly the best tracks on the record, and if anything, I'd say Rob Thomas' reputation helped that album a little. I don't think Mick Jagger's reputation has helped the record really at all. Mick Jagger really doesn't have that great of a rep when it comes to song writing anymore. I do think that Mick would have trouble actually singing that whole song. Ever try to sing along with it. It is exhausting! Don't know how Rob does it night after night! LOL! I did read somewhere that Rob gave 20% royalties to Mick for those two little lines that he wrote. So Mick's bank account is getting a little help from it! |
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Post by singingsparrow on Dec 11, 2003 21:11:55 GMT -5
Couple of questions: Did Mick Jagger's reputation help this album? Why haven't they ever done The Difference live? Does the fact that they were previous nominees and Rob a previous winner help? Do their reputation as "good guys" help or hurt with the Grammy's? Does Rob's collaborations with a myriad of artists of different genres help? Do country Grammy voters like them because of Rob's work with Willie, etc.? 1) He only contributed two lines to "Disease", so I don't think it amounted to much. I personally dislike "Disease", the only track I dislike from MTYTYA. 2) I have no idea, but I'm appalled they haven't! :( 3) I think has more to do with how "Unwell" graced the airwaves, and thus helped the album commerically too, making them a 2003 success story to get them a couple nominations. 4) I think whether you're "good" or bad really doesn't matter in the Grammy committee. 5) Definitely. Rob is still getting paid boatloads of royalties for "Smooth", and when collaborating every which were, from Willie Nelson to Mick Jagger to Enrique Iglesias to Marc Anthony, it gives off healthy exposure. Actually, my country station was playing "Bright Lights" for a while, which I am not all that suprised as it does have that country-guitar feel mid-way through the song and at the end and works as a ballad. Sincerely, Noah Eaton |
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Post by singingsparrow on Dec 11, 2003 21:24:14 GMT -5
I actually think that, while decent enough, "More Than You Think You Are" is my least favourite Matchbox Twenty album. I like "Mad Season" the best, I like practically every track on there. I think "Mad Season" is a favorable album at best. I suppose my main critique of that album is that the production was overdone, it got so over-produced their rock sound couldn't penetrate through the heavy use of horn selections and 12-piece orchestras, with the exception of "Crutch", "Bent" and "Stop". Then you have a funky musically-hip single ("Mad Season") and the heartfelt ballad ("Bed of Lies") but I think some songs sound a bit rough or incomplete, like "The Burn" and "Leave". And the band has mentioned in interviews that they couldn't imitate the heavy production of the albums tracks in concert, and they lacked confidence to play live back then. "More Than You Think You Are" I feel has just the right amount of production it needed. Though you have sonic undercurrents, banjos, pedal steels and a New York gospel choir, the rock atmosphere remains the imminent force. All these features fit right into the rock atmosphere without sounding contrived or fuzzy. "Downfall" has a strong, soulful rock sound that the choir only adds emphasis to. And when you have an album with just the right amount of production, you are destined to give a strong performance live. "Bright Lights" sounds like a epic whenever I see them perform it in a live setting. Sincerely, Noah Eaton |
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Ragin
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Everybody Wants a Piece of the Action!!!
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Post by Ragin on Dec 12, 2003 9:02:22 GMT -5
I think "Mad Season" is a favorable album at best. I suppose my main critique of that album is that the production was overdone, it got so over-produced their rock sound couldn't penetrate through the heavy use of horn selections and 12-piece orchestras, with the exception of "Crutch", "Bent" and "Stop". Then you have a funky musically-hip single ("Mad Season") and the heartfelt ballad ("Bed of Lies") but I think some songs sound a bit rough or incomplete, like "The Burn" and "Leave". And the band has mentioned in interviews that they couldn't imitate the heavy production of the albums tracks in concert, and they lacked confidence to play live back then. "More Than You Think You Are" I feel has just the right amount of production it needed. Though you have sonic undercurrents, banjos, pedal steels and a New York gospel choir, the rock atmosphere remains the imminent force. All these features fit right into the rock atmosphere without sounding contrived or fuzzy. "Downfall" has a strong, soulful rock sound that the choir only adds emphasis to. And when you have an album with just the right amount of production, you are destined to give a strong performance live. "Bright Lights" sounds like a epic whenever I see them perform it in a live setting. Sincerely, Noah Eaton Interestingly enough, I thought when they did play those songs live, they did a great job. I ended up liking the live versions much better than the album cuts. The live versions seemed a bit "jazzier" somehow. |
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Post by ExActLy99 on Dec 12, 2003 16:34:46 GMT -5
I like "Mad Season" the best because it have a little a bit of everything on it, "More Than You Think You Are" is great, but there seems to be just one particular sound going on through the entire album.
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Post by Devil Marlena Nylund on Dec 13, 2003 15:05:15 GMT -5
I owned all three albums during the times of their peaks. (got the first before 'real world' was released, the second during 'if you're gone' was a single and the third before 'bright lights') but for some reason, this album is the only one I've really given a chance to. The others just didn't really catch my attention or I didn't bother to give them a chance. I admit to only listening to their first CD maybe twice in full while 'Mad Season' I was more generous to but nothing really jumped out at me. This CD I listen to once in a while and it's slowly growing on me, one track at a time.
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