I was introduced to Matt Nathanson's music through his 2003 album Beneath These Fireworks, and quickly became a fan of his blend of pop/rock and acoustic songs. His new album, Some Mad Hope, is his first studio album since Beneath The Fireworks, and the four year wait for new songs has been worth it. The theme of Some Mad Hope is about the good and bad moments in relationships. Matt describes it best:
"I definitely think of the album as capturing the arc of a relationship. It starts out on a positive note and it goes to some really dark places. But after touching bottom, there's a sense of optimism in the end. Maybe coming from a realization that two people can be a team, not just two individuals who happen to be together."
Matt has said that the process of writing and recording Some Mad Hope was done with a "newfound songwriting confidence." This album has more depth, both musically and lyrically, than his previous releases. The songs range from fast-paced rock ("Car Crash", "Detroit Waves") to quiet ballads ("Bulletproof Weeks", "Still", "Sooner Surrender"). It's one of those albums that you can listen to from beginning to end without hitting the fast forward button, because there is not a bad song on the album. I highly recommend it. Matt is also known for his great live show, so be sure to check out the link below to the concert that he recorded for NPR.
Listen to More of Matt Nathanson @ The Hype Machine
Matt Nathanson - All We Are
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