Matthew Sweet

In Reverse

A step forward for Matthew Sweet, and music in general.

Review Score:

(10/10)
Being a casual obsever of Matthew Sweet, then a fan, I decided to listen to this album at a local music store. The opening track "Millennium Blues" was so fantastic and energetic, I knew I needed to purchase the album. The opening is an explosion of horns, guitars and power-pop perfection. This leads into the interesting juxiposition; the album is rather low key and soft. This is by no means a weakness, however. The songs are kept interesting by ornate production, first rate compostion and Sweet's unique take on classic pop. Rockers like the seventies rock styled "Spilt Personality", the jangly "Faith in You" and peppy country of "I Should Never Have Let You Know" add even more intrest and variation than they might if the album were littered with fast songs. The brilliant "What Matters" restates the horn and reverse guitar intro style that began the album, then leads into the angry "Write Your Own Song", probably in response to poor reviews of "Blue Sky On Mars". The masterpeice, and what makes this album unforgettable is the closer "Thunderstorm". This song blends Beach Boys style production, CSNY harmonies, Buffalo Springefeild style pop-country flourishes and Paul McCartney "pop symphony" style melding of three songs, with a brilliant Matthew Sweet twist. This combination makes "Thunderstorm" listenable thorughout its almost ten minute running time, and its unified lyrical approach makes it enjoyable long after. Even if the other songs in the album become annoying, or lose their charm, "Thunderstorm" will remain timeless, that is just the way it is. In short, this album is great, more than just a sun of its parts. It is a concept album in a true style not often seen in the ninties. The "In Reverse" name carries through with the backwards guitar solos, constant references to time, and even the album art and packaging design. Genius, pure genius.

More Reviews: