Tuesday's Tunes Review (Mat Kearney)

Well, about two months ago, Beth, Mike, Sarah, her mother and I went to check out Mat at one of the great venues in Charlotte, the Fillmore. He kicked off for Owl City (Beth, Mike and I didn't stay for that, we hit VBGB for a pint) and while it was a short set, he did a great job of running through some great songs from his first two albums. And his greatest hits album aside (I'm sorry, you can't put out two albums and then have a "greatest" hits) this is his new album, released on Aug 2nd, called Young Love. Like Wertz, I have no idea what Mat is doing with this album cover. Doesn't he know this will be out there for eternity?

His only song from the latest album he played during his set was "Hey Mama" which, while peppy and upbeat, isn't my favorite. Likewise, the return of "sprap" to the album was moderately disappointing. (Check out my post from 2007 for more info on sprap - http://thelerveswerve.blogspot.com/2007/04/undeniable-sprap.html) "Ships in the Night" and "Down" are perfect Kearney, good rhythm, words flow freely, hits his voice right.

He does some interesting beats with this album, "Count on Me" certainly is different sounding although when he sings the title in the song, I keep thinking of another song that eludes me at the moment, the notes sound identical. "Sooner or Later" has a very powerful chorus and some good beats behind it, although he does his higher voice too much at times in the song. The big thing for Mat is that when he starts "speaking" lyrics, I tune out. I mean, you're not Shawn Mullins, right?

The most annoying song that I'll end up liking the most is "She Got the Honey" which has the weirdest bridge music and some pretty random lyrics tied into the song. I don't recommend listening to the song, but that chorus for some reason gets me going. However, I think it's great to have clapping in songs, but as a rule of thumb, I'd only do it for one song per album. I can see us at the next concert being told before every song to clap it up.

I always look for that one soft, acoustic song that Mat has on an album. "What's a Boy to Do" and "City of Black & White" both had those great moments in each song that made me enjoy the rest of the album that much more. I think "Rochester" could be that, but I think it'll be a distant 3rd.

I won't tell you this is his best album. I think his 2009 "City" album is better at this point. And over time, that may change, as I think that while his singing is good, the track rhythms, varying sounds have been causing me to get more into the songs. I remember getting his sophomore album and instantly playing the hell out of it. It certainly wasn't a letdown and this one isn't either, but I don't think it's on the same level. I think I'll like him performing this album in person the best though, definitely a concert album. And if you like Mat, even a little bit, go out and grab the album. It was only $8 on iTunes...