Summer is finally here and the search for light, feel good, mood lifting music to match the good weather is on. Enter Nashville via Missouri singer Matt Wertz whose newest album Everything in Between offers up folk poppy melodies that make me wish I had a car so I could play it loud with the windows rolled down or had plans for a trip to the beach. If anyone wants to take me to the Hamptons, I promise to bring this cd.
This is Matt’s third release and he has a pretty large fan base, especially within the Christian music scene, which makes sense considering its light cleanliness. Themes of love and love lost run throughout with sentimental tender breeziness reminiscent of early John Mayer and Howie Day. Described as a “pair of worn in jeans” on his bio, his sounds are familiar and comfortable in a way that you can just feel good in.
His curly hair and fresh face adds to the whole wholesome persona, but his press pics, which show him in a navy tee, white jacket and Nicole Richie-sized white sunglasses seem a bit too L.A., too touched by pr and ultimately too contrived. Because of this, I was surprised to discover that, to his credit, Matt has shied away from major labels saying on his web site “I love being independent. If I succeed or fail, it’s not based upon someone else’s decisions, but my own. I like the freedom and ownership that comes from keeping things small and in house.”
Everything in Between jumps start with the toe-tapping “Way I Feel,” which brings catchy riffs and easy lyrics. The next track, “Carolina” continues to amuse with playful, folksy country sounds. He never makes clear if he is singing about a girl or the geographic place, but it doesn’t matter because your too busy bobbing your head to really care about the meaning. The head bobbing continues on “Heartbreaker,” a standout, highly danceable song that sounds a lot like Hall & Oats “You Make My Dreams Come True.” Another standout track, “5:19” is sure to be loved by the Abercrombie & Fitch wearing set and finds Matt getting a bit more serious, slowing down slightly to belt out words inflicted with emotion of longing for love and a phone call.
Those Christian fans I mentioned early, will not be disappointed. "I Will Not Take My Love Away," a pretty sounding soft lullaby, expresses God's faithfulness, and "Capitol City" tells of an unconditional love that is left ambiguous enough to be attributed to the Lord. This roundly generic lyricism is a smart move and gives these songs the ability to be enjoyed by all religions and beliefs.
As a whole, the album flows together well, remaining consistently poppy and bubbly. There is nothing unpredictable or truly amazing, making Everything in Between something that is just simply fun. Get in your car, roll down those windows, and pump up the volume! Or, just a reminder, I am still free this summer if someone wants to bring me to the Hamptons.
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