Exile On Mainstream

iTunes Review

Not only exiled to the mainstream, Matchbox Twenty rules the mainstream, and the band wears the mantle proudly. Making music that appeals to a wide audience while retaining a certain excitement and vitality takes real skill and devotion, and that same force is put to good use by the band — admirably — in using their high profile to promote a number of worthy nonprofit organizations. Exile celebrates the band’s history and astonishing popularity — in ten years, they earned five Grammy nominations and had more Number One hits than any other artist in Adult Top 40 radio history. After a brief hiatus following their last studio release in 2002, Matchbox Twenty returns, this time as a foursome (their rhythm guitarist departed in 2005), to record six new tracks with uber-producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, etc.) at the helm. The second set of tunes here is a readymade gift for loyal fans, containing their biggest hits starting with 1996’s “Long Day,” and the new tracks show a band clearly ready to pick up right where they left off, starting with the first hit single, “How Far We’ve Come,” an optimistic, fist-pumping polemic. The energy driving that track also provides the wattage on “I’ll Believe You When” and “All Your Reasons,” with their vigorous rhythms and catchy background vocals. “If I Fall” really showcases Lillywhite’s production values, with crisp percussion and lively piano interludes playing off the kinetic guitar parts. The two remaining new tracks represent the genre’s inevitable power ballad, with “Can’t Let You Go” treading in classic rock territory. Matchbox Twenty fans rejoice: the band is back, and better than ever.