Now looking back, I ask you all, how do some of the bands of my childhood (and... subsequently, my early teenage years) stand the test of time?
First up for discussion? The always catchy, always in key, and, according to many in the music business, always stoned Rob Thomas and "Matchbox Twenty":Formed in 1995 in Orlando, Florida, Matchbox Twenty hit it big with their powerhouse debut album "Yourself, Or Someone like You". Featuring the hits Long Day, Push, 3AM, and Back 2 Good, the CD sold over twelve million copies in the United States alone, packing more of a punch than Mike Tyson.
Their follow-up, the critically acclaimed "Mad Season", released in 2000, was not as well accepted as fans, but with singles Bent, If You're Gone, Mad Season, and Last Beautiful Girl, it still went platinum several times over.
Immediately after the tour for "Mad Season" finished, Matchbox Twenty went back to the studio, and began recording songs for their next album, a harder, slightly less main-stream sounding "More Than You Think You Are". The 2002 album, also several times platinum, featured the singles Disease, Bright Lights, and Unwell.
For awhile afterwards, Matchbox Twenty went on hiatus, releasing an unnoticed EP in 2005, followed closely by Rob Thomas' first (and hopefully, only) solo album.
In 2007, Matchbox Twenty reunited with "Exile on Mainstream", which had to take a small break from recording in order for Thomas to record the single Little Wonders for the movie Meet the Robinsons.
So... my question for you is, how do they stand the test of time? Let's review the singles:
Long Day, Push, 3AM, Back 2 Good, Bent, If You're Gone, Mad Season, Last Beautiful Girl, Disease, Bright Lights, Unwell, How Far We've Come
Are they just another 90s/00s pop-rock band? Are they something that can still be listened to sparingly? Are they still a favorite of yours?
PUSH - Live (From Matchbox Twenty - A Night With Matchbox Twenty)
HOW FAR WE'VE COME - Live
UP NEXT TIME ON 'WHERE DO THEY STACK UP?': 3rd Eye Blind
6 comments:
You really think his self titled is that bad? I think it fits pretty solidly into matchbox 20's style of pop and past cd's.
First Cd > Solo Cd = Follow Up > Latest Cd
All in all I think its more along the lines of the inevitable decline of a pop star. He could be doing worse though at least he's still vh1 relevant.
oh, no no no, I'm saying hopefully he returns to Matchbox Twenty full time, rather attempt to juggle two acts/place himself above the band.
Since Rob Thomas IS matchbox twenty I'll take his music anyway I can get it. Solo, band, collaborations with other artists - he is consistently one of our best songwriters and will not only be around, but extremely relevant, for years to come. (By the way, it was the drummer who wanted to go solo first. See how well that worked out for him.)
Ah that would make much more sense.
Ps Wannabee anonymous: Consistently one of who's best songwriters? Pop music?
if i had to be honest, i would say that Matchbox Twenty lands fairly low on my personal list of great 90s radio bands. I'm quite anxious to see the write up on third eye blind, as I have regularly and publicly stated that they were/are an underappreciated and undervalued band.
Third Eye Who?
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