Matchbox 20's Exile on Mainstream

Usually, groups with only three albums under their belts do not dare to tackle greatest-hits albums. This is not the case for Matchbox 20. Its new album, Exile On Mainstream, is sort of a greatest-hits album for the band. The album features six brand new Matchbox 20 songs produced by Steve Lilywhite, who is known for his work with Morrissey, Dave Matthews Band and Peter Gabriel. Along with the six brand new songs, eleven Matchbox 20 hits are on the album. Will this greatest-hits album have all the firepower to satisfy the fans?

The first single off of Exile On Mainstream is the aggressive How Far We've Come. The song is much harder and frenetic than you would expect from more current Matchbox 20. The drums hit extremely hard and Rob Thomas' vocals are almost frantic in pace.

I'll Believe You When features a bass line reminiscent to kids television show Fraggle Rock. The song is definitely happier than the first single. The song is up-tempo and features heavily filtered guitars.

All Your Reasons is classic Matchbox 20. The song is the perfect pop-rock song. The song falls and builds in all the right places. This is the song you would expect Matchbox 20 to release if they were still a regularly recording group.

These Hard Times is probably the mellowest track out of the new songs. The song is slower and features Rob Thomas using more of his lower vocal register. The song is okay but not the best of the new material.

Can't Let You Go is Rob Thomas and the boys attempt on more of a bluesy, 1950s appeal. The track just does not stand out; it just drags too much.

In addition to the six new songs, fan favorites Long Day, Push, 3 A.M., Real World, Back 2 Good, Bent, If You're Gone, Mad Season, Disease, Unwell and Bright Lights are featured on the album. These tracks help to make the album the quintessential Matchbox 20 collection. Most of these songs were very well known commercial songs so having them in one package is definitely a benefit.