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May 2000 CD Reviews

© Chad Bowar

Each month I review my favorite new CD's of the past 30 days. I listen to dozens of new releases each month, and only the best make the cut. It doesn't matter if it's on a major label, independent label, or no label at all. I just have to have it so I can listen to it! And if I don't have it, it can't be reviewed! If you are a record label, manager, publicist or musician and would like your new release considered for review, send it to me: Chad Bowar, Suite 101.com Pop Music Editor, PO Box 1723, Rapid City, SD 57709. Here are this month's best new CDs, in no particular order:

Hanson - This Time Around

Hanson is not a boy band. They are teenagers, and male, but have nothing in common with groups like N-Sync or Backstreet Boys. They play instruments and write their own songs. Ike, Taylor and Zac have grown up into a real rock and roll band. This Time Around rocks a lot harder than their debut CD, but is still filled with memorable pop hooks. There is a little more blues feel to this CD, and features guest appearances by fellow teenager Jonny Lang and Blues Traveler frontman John Popper. DJ Swamp of Beck's band is also featured.

Hanson's voices have deepened since their last album, but their harmonies haven't lost a step. This Time Around will satisfy Hanson's core audience of pre-teen girls because there is plenty of pop and upbeat songs. It will also expand their audience because of their improved musicianship, better lyrics and beefier sound. This Time Around proves Hanson is not a one hit or one album wonder. They will be around long after their teenage years end.

Matchbox Twenty - Mad Season

Matchbox Twenty has a tough act to follow. Their debut CD sold several million copies and was on the charts for a couple of years with hit single after hit single. They changed their name from Matchbox 20 to Matchbox Twenty for their second CD. Mad Season is not quite as good or memorable as Yourself or Someone Like You, but it is still a very good CD. Lead singer Rob Thomas won a Grammy for writing "Smooth" for Carlos Santana, and he can definitely craft a melodic rock and roll song. There are several excellent songs with great hooks on this CD.

Mad Season has a little looser and more improvisational feel to it. You can definitely hear a little Counting Crows and Live influence in there. The band has progressed musically and are expanding their horizons a little. This band will never have any trouble writing hit songs as long as Rob Thomas is on board. Mad Season is a worthy follow up, and I'm sure we'll be hearing several songs from this CD on the radio for the next couple of years!