If Foreigner was still an active, young band, it would sound a lot like Matchbox Twenty. The similarities are undeniable. Both are bands that are adept at cranking out arena-friendly rockers with candy-sweet hooks. Both bands are fueled by soulful frontmen who deftly dart from white-knuckled aggression to gentle crooning without breaking a sweat. And both bands have an unabashed affinity for the kind of creamy pop balladry that makes teenage girls swoon. None of this will make Matchbox Twenty a hip, critically revered outfit, but it will keep the masses happy. Actually, More has the tone of a band that isn’t particularly interested in more than offering infectious, well-honed material that’s long on commercial appeal. “Disease” has a funky swagger reminiscent of Rob Thomas’ collaborations with Carlos Santana, while “Soul” is a booming power-ballad that could be Matchbox Twenty’s equivalent to “I Wanna Know What Love Is.”—LF
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news