Exile on Mainstream - Matchbox Twenty

A little whiny, but pop rock songs are solid.

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Common Sense rates it
4
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Music details
  • Artist(s): Matchbox Twenty
  • Genre: Rock
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Parental Advisory: No
  • Edited Version: No
  • Release Date: 10/02/2007

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this CD is a greatest hits compilation of sorts that includes only six new songs and no explicit language ("hell" is as raunchy as it gets). Content is neatly settled in end-of-the-relationship, self-absorbed angst without dwelling too much on the depressing side of things. Many teens and tweens will find this comforting and validating -- a stroll through familiar territory in more ways than one.

Families can talk about what happens when a relationship seems to be hitting the skids. It's so easy to think only about yourself and your own pain. Can you think of some things you might do to help yourself get over it and move on? Some kids talk to their friends, keep a journal, or create songs, poems, stories, or paintings. How about you?

Message

Social Behavior:

A subtle (or maybe not-so-subtle) message of self-absorbed pessimism that's comfy territory for many tweens and teens: "You left a stain/on every one of my good days/But I am stronger than you know/I have to let you go."

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Only in metaphor, as in "I believe the world is burning to the ground...the world is coming to an end."

Sex

Nothing explicit -- more about the end of relationships than the fun parts.

Language

"Hell" is as strong as it gets.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Diehards may wonder why it took so long -- five years -- for Matchbox Twenty to come up with their new CD, EXILE ON MAINSTREAM, since it contains only six new songs along with eleven "greatest hits." But true fans get a lot of extra bells and whistles for the buck -- video, lyrics, and a photo gallery on a bonus DVD. Lyrics like "I believe the world is burning to the ground…I believe it's all coming to an end/oh well, I guess we're gonna pretend/let's see how far we've come" may not inspire dance-party fun, but do reflect the real feelings involved at the end of a relationship, not to mention fears about frightening world events.

Is it any good?

4
Rob Thomas' distinctive vocals ride over the band's powerful instrumental tracks with intensity and pathos, delivering one message after another about self-absorbed end-of-relationship/end-of-the-personal-world pain. Teens, however, may find comfort in the fact that they are not alone in what they are going through.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

4


Posted on 10/25/07 by U cAnT ToUcH tHiS Kid contributor, age 15

A Must Listen to for Fans of Matchbox Twenty

I enjoyed listening to this CD. A couple of the new songs are a little mediocre, but the majority of the new songs are pretty good. And the CD also includes old favorites like Bent, If Your Gone, Bright Lights, Disease, etc... I would recommend this to all people

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

4


Posted on 10/25/07 by U cAnT ToUcH tHiS Kid contributor, age 15

A Must Listen to for Fans of Matchbox Twenty

I enjoyed listening to this CD. A couple of the new songs are a little mediocre, but the majority of the new songs are pretty good. And the CD also includes old favorites like Bent, If Your Gone, Bright Lights, Disease, etc... I would recommend this to all people

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