"North" Finds Matchbox Twenty Moving In The Right Direction

Some time apart helps friends appreciate each other. "North" is a diverse collection provided us by a foursome of artists dedicated to their passion, and willing to put it on full display. Not bad at all for a supposed comeback album. The leadoff single "She's So Mean" straddles the line separating playful and naughty. "Parade" flat out floors it. The chemistry within the band couldn't be more evident. It's the best rocker of the lot. The same set is responsible for "Overjoyed", which buoys listeners with its unavoidable undeniable warmth. The song is proof that Matchbox Twenty is never far away from expanding on its sensitive side. "Radio" emits the modern day big city chaos only Rob Thomas could make digestible on first listen. The hullabaloo essentially leaps out in its attempt to shake you awake. Not that the boys have completely sliced their efforts into the two camps of acoustic heartstrings and bracing pop/rock slabs. "English Town" struck these ears as being an eye-popping curiosity. For added effect there are symphonic strains that serve to heighten the mood's overall darkness. Matchbox 20 deserves props for flexing all of its musical muscle instead of using "we're making a comeback record" as an excuse to play it safe. "North" appears primed to strike chart gold regardless of what region of the country record buyers come from.