By Nicole Kobie
Matchbox Twenty’s debut sold millions, and lead singer Rob Thomas had a hit single last year with "Smooth" thanks to Santana. Could their new release Mad Season match that financial success? Not likely. Mad Season has potential, but it just doesn’t reach it.
Sticking to their tried and true formula of tightly written pop-rock songs, Matchbox Twenty haven’t lost their slick, listenable sound. Thomas is still trying really, really hard to be a good songwriter; the disc is full of catchy hooks, over-baked lyrics and a surprising variety of instruments.
Though the band’s sound is more focused on Mad Season, the songs just aren’t interesting. The entire disc sounds exactly like the first; previous fans will be bored and no new fans will be won over.