Wish it was a full release Rating: 4
First off I must lament the same as others are about this not being a full release. But I am also one of the first to admit that their new songs with the exception of one are all excellent and up to par with Matchbox Twenty standards. When I first heard their new song How Far We've Come I was enamored with it and listened to it constantly. Although it was a bit rough in parts it was still very catchy with the always heart felt singing of Rob Thomas at the helm. Two of my favorite tracks though are I'll Beleive You When and Can't Let You Go. Both delve into a bit of new territory with I'll Believe You When being kind of a jazzy Maroon 5 meets Matchbox Twenty song and Can't Let You Go being kind of a throw back to 50s big band kind of styling and writing. Both are a bit of departure and make Rob Thomas' talents in writing and composing stand out. After all, you have to admit that without Rob Thomas Matchbox Twenty is nothing. Sad but true, he is the creative force behind this band. All that said, I think the cd is well worth the money since you not only get the greatest hits but also six brand new songs. A bit of a disappointment since I would've liked a full new album, but still pleasing nonetheless.
Holding back? Rating: 2
I was excited when I heard this 2 disc set was coming out initially. I knew there would only be 6 new songs. I accepted that. I knew it would be packaged with a greatest hits disc. I accepted that as well. Then when I saw what was on the greatest his disc, It was my first bout with disappointment. All of the "have to" songs are there. I understand that. But there are so many other songs that should have been included. At least 4 or 5 more songs. But that's no biggie. I have all the other albums anyway. So I got by that.
I heard the first single "How Far We've Come". I thought it was "ok". So I figured to myself that the other 5 would be even better. I couldn't have been more wrong. I couldn't help but feel that Rob Thomas and company are holding back. These songs don't really sound like the MB20 I have grown to love over the years. Yeah, bands need to try something different sometimes. But it didn't work in this case in my eyes. I couldn't help but get the feeling that these songs were written in like, a week or something. Like the guys were holding back and putting something out simply because they knew the name would sell. Seems like Rob may be trying to turn Matchbox 20 into something new...while turning his solo stuff into what Matchbox 20 used to be since a lot of it sounded like Matchbox stuff.
I hope this isn't the last we hear of the guys from Matchbox 20. This would be such a disappointing way to go out.
Great idea Rating: 5
Greatest hit cd's are usually a set of a few hits and maybe one extra track of a hopeful hit but this one is unique because there are 2 discs with a significant number of fabulous new songs and their very best past tracks. If you have their earlier cd's download the new ones.
Incredible talent back together with substantial somethings new and the best of what they've already done.
$9.99 
