'North' is the first full-length studio album with original material released by the alternative rock group Matchbox Twenty since their third album back in 2002. The four-piece band made their mark with energetic hits like '3 AM and 'All Your Reasons' that earned them multiple awards and critical recognition. Their latest effort features more of lead vocalist Rob Thomas' emotive singing that really fits the moody passages provided by the band. Yet, as a whole, the album unfortunately falls rather flat.
The highlights are really promising. The single 'Overjoyed' is pure Matchbox Twenty: passionate musical storytelling with just a touch of melancholy. Thomas doesn't overload the system with dramatic lyrics, and shows his impressive vocal talents without drowning out the acoustic guitar passages. 'Sleeping At The Wheel' is another example of where Thomas' heart-broken singing complements soft and mellow music well, reaching listeners by evoking sadness without diving into excess. The faster upbeat 'Parade' lyrically achieves what the aforementioned tracks do so well: evoking the comfort of the past and the hope that the future holds similar days.
Despite these positive aspects, the album also has much at fault with its other songs. Melodically most of them are up there, but often the subject matter and how the lyrics approach them are bland. 'English Town' is a good example of this: again Thomas' skill with his emotive singing needs no questioning, but overall the song just doesn't say much - let alone anything new. Similarly, 'Like Sugar' is brimming with energy and great to tap your foot to, but quickly becomes just another song about Thomas' latest infatuation. 'She's So Mean' is upbeat and again packs a punch even reminiscent of the band's classic 'Push', but sadly reveals itself as an uncreative tune.
Then there are the songs where Matchbox Twenty are clearly experimenting with new directions. Unfortunately the results are poor and prove that the band should quickly stop before doing any more damage. Look no further than 'Put Your Hands Up', an unabashed and monotonous dance song, with its club beat and generic vocals that will certainly leave fans wondering where the real music disappeared to.
'North' demonstrates that Matchbox Twenty still has creative talent given their willingness to experiment musically. Unfortunately these explorations leave behind the merits of what defined their earlier sound, and even though Thomas' vocal substance and feeling are somewhat retained, overall these songs are simply uninteresting and not something fans of Matchbox Twenty would expect the band to limit themselves to. The highs of 'North' are truly promising and need to be continued, otherwise the alternative rock group will quickly become nothing special with frightening speed.
Matchbox Twenty released ‘North’ on 3rd September on Atlantic Records. The band will perform in London later this month.
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The highlights are really promising. The single 'Overjoyed' is pure Matchbox Twenty: passionate musical storytelling with just a touch of melancholy. Thomas doesn't overload the system with dramatic lyrics, and shows his impressive vocal talents without drowning out the acoustic guitar passages. 'Sleeping At The Wheel' is another example of where Thomas' heart-broken singing complements soft and mellow music well, reaching listeners by evoking sadness without diving into excess. The faster upbeat 'Parade' lyrically achieves what the aforementioned tracks do so well: evoking the comfort of the past and the hope that the future holds similar days. 
