I’m finally getting around to writing about one of my favorite artists, and his thrid album, “City of Black and White.” It’s been three years since Mat released his last album, “Nothing Left to Lose” and I was looking forward to what Mat would bring to the table.

To get to the point, I like the album. A lot. Mat has one of the most honest and soothing vocals around. Same goes for his lyrics, honest and down to earth. Mat’s been getting some off reviews for what appears to some as taking the easy, safe path on this album, but I don’t quite buy that. Yes, it’s not as ground breaking as “ ”, but Mat can tell a good story and that makes up for it in my mind.

The radio single is “Closer to Love”, it reminds that all of us are just phone call away from tragedy and has one of my favorite lyrics off the CD, “It could happen to me, I guess we’re all one phone call, from our knees.”

My favorite tracks are “Lifeline,” a song about trusting in God and “Fire and Rain”, which proclaims God’s never fading love. Other strong tracks would be “Straight Away” and the title track, “City of Black & White.”

The album has a strong acoustic vibe with more drums and piano than Mat’s previous work. It definitely gives the CD a more polished feel. I was able to see a couple of summers ago and this album feels a lot like that concert did, personal and comfortable. All in all, I think it’s a solid release.

Tracks

1. All I Have
2. Fire & Rain
3. Closer To Love
4. Here We Go
5. Lifeline
6. New York to California
7. Runaway Car
8. Never Be Ready
9. Annie
10. Straight Away
11. On and On
12. City of Black & White

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