Matchbox Twenty

This set of overtly aggro rockers was Rob Thomas' last stand with Matchbox 20, and the dearth of hits makes a solid case for his departure. The problem isn't that tunes like the beefy rockers "Feel" and "Soul" aren't performed with enough vigor; it's the opposite. The cranking riffage and barnstorming production is way over the top. And though the lone hit, "Unwell," is a fine parting shot for a '90s hot AC staple, the whole record makes a dodgy farewell.

Practically every radio-rock band that's not rap metal or punk sounds like a louder version
of Matchbox Twenty. So it's to be expected that the real thing would crank up its guitars.
Surprisingly, Rob Thomas and cohorts have managed to improve upon and diversify their
familiar blend of classic rock and alterna-rock lite on More Than You Think You Are.
Having proved on their last album -- 2000's quadruple-platinum Mad Season -- that... More >