Comments for Sweet, Matthew, Blue Sky On Mars

When I was learning to play guitar in my teens, I noticed a plateau most of us would hit at some point in our playing - our ability would progress to the point where we learned a few neat tricks that would impress our non-guitar playing friends, and we would get cocky. We wouldn't try. Some got over it, and progressed as musicians. Others stayed where they were, happy with the couple of tricks they learned. I'm afraid I have a big feeling of deja vu in this area when I listen to the last couple Matthew Sweet records, this one in particular. A gifted singer, Sweet just hasn't tried as hard with his material since his breakthru album, Girlfriend. There are some inspired moments (Over It, in particular), but he just doesn't seem to be as willing to work for it. Great Pop should only sound like it's effortless; there's gotta be some sweat, Sweet.

Matthew could be accused of getting "just plain silly" with this album. The music is his lightest, simplest ever (no guitar collaborators this time- he did all the parts and solos himself), and the words are goofy, almost cliche, not like his earlier lyrical triumphs. Still, the album strikes you in the gut with pop appeal. His melodies and harmonies are still excellent. It''s quite a joyous frenzy. He said that a "new wave" album was his goal, and he succeeded, but this album of pure pop might strike you as a little too disposable in these, well, disposable times.