It’s been half a decade since Matchbox Twenty's double platinum album, More Than You Think You Are, and I don’t believe anyone was holding their breath at this point for a new album. But just in case you were, go ahead and exhale. The foursome are back in the studio working on the upcoming Exile on Mainstream. A retrospective hit set that will include six new songs and 11 previously released tracks.
Slated to be released on October second by Melisma/Atlantic and produced by Grammy winner Lilly White (U2, The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads), the record will contain their first new material in five years and marks the premier time in which all members take an equal part in the process. "For the first time, we're all writing as a band," says lead singer Rob Thomas. "In the past, I would write all the songs and the guys would write all their parts. Now it's a band in the hand. We all fight it out... we fight over melodies and lyrics. It's completely unique from anything we've done before."
Hopefully, this collaborative effort works in their favor, since sometimes the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” rings true. Thomas’ solo efforts have proved him a strong talent, collaborating with Itaal Shur on the song "Smooth" for Carlos Santana's comeback album, Supernatural. It was the album's lead single and earned him three Grammys for writing and performing on “Smooth,” including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
But then again, you never know — there could just be another “3 Am” and “Mad Season” somewhere on the album. If not Thomas has plans to record a second solo disc next summer.
Article comments
1 - Ginger Haycox
Yes! This is the best news I've heard, well, in over five years. I wished Rob Thomas all the best on his single endeavor & we even caught him at the Hard Rock in Vegas. But I've always hoped they would recognize they had something together as a band and to not let go of that too fast.
Welcome back sticks!