On his fifth album, CRAZYTALK, he mixes his most timeless songwriting to date with a wide, genre-bending set of interests. There are organic instruments, electronic samples, chill house grooves, tropical sounds, and collaborations with DJs like AFSHeeN, filous, and RAC all glued together by an emphasis on ageless hooks and thought-provoking lyrics. The result is one of the most adventurous, nuanced albums of his acclaimed career, filled with EDM drops one minute and acoustic guitars the next.
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Love Songs with a Beat| Posted May 28, 2018
I have to admit that I’m not very familiar with Mat Kearney’s music. I knew he had toured with NEEDTOBREATHE a few years back, and I enjoyed “Better Than I Used to Be” when I heard it on the radio. I found Crazytalk to be a likeable record of mostly love songs with infection beats and good hooks. He incorporates beats and other components of electronic music into his singer-songwriter song structure. While I really enjoyed the beats on the record, I found the very personal lyrics (mostly love songs to his wife) a little underwhelming. While musically I enjoyed it, it’s probably not a record that I’ll go back to often.
Here are a few comments about each song: Better Than I Used To Be – This song is written by AFSHeeN, Josh Cumbee and Kearney. It is produced by NONFICTION and features AFSHeeN. The song opens with acoustic guitar and then moves into a catchy easygoing tune with a good hook and with finger snaps. Key lyric: Things don't go just the wayyou planned it, but I never thought we'd have, so much to take for granted. Face To Face - This song is written by Kearney and produced by David Garcia and Kearney. Opens with acoustic guitar and then moves into a catchy beat. Probably my favorite song on the album, it could be taken as either written to God or his wife. Key lyric: I feel your thunder pouring like rain Down on the mountains of all my mistakes
Rolling like rivers, running with grace
Into the ocean of your embrace
Your hand on my side, leading the way Kings & Queens - This song was written by Judah Akers, David Garcia and Kearney and produced by Garcia. This song opens with acoustic guitar and then moves into an infection beat with a catchy chorus. He’s got everything he’ll ever need with his girl. Key lyric: Richer than Solomon with you by my side, we’ll be Kings & Queens in our own mind. Money - This song is written by Bryan Simpson, Zach Crowell and Kearney and is produced by Kearney. The straight-up love song has a catchy beat, complete with cash register sound effects, but is probably the weakest song lyrically. Changes – This song is written by Nick Bailey, Rob Persaud, Ryan Ogren and Ryland Blackinton. It is produced by Filous and Kearney. The song opens with acoustic guitar, and then quickly moves into a comfortable beat with finger snaps. We hear about a friend whose relationship falls apart. Key lyric: Growing up breaks you down, all the leaves have fallen to the ground. Memorized – This song is written by Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller and Kearney. It is produced by RAC and Kearney. It tells some of the story of Kearney and his wife in their early days. The love song starts off laid back and then moves into an easy-going tune. Don't Cry For Me – This song is written by Nate Cyphert and Kearney and produced by Kearney. This song begins with acoustic guitar, and then moves into a laid-back tune with a good beat. The singer is in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, singing to his lover back home. Key lyric: All the lights they shine for you, you don't have to cry for me when I'm gone. Wanted Man – This song is written by Nick Bailey and Kearney and produced by Kearney. This catchy song is based around an acoustic guitar. It tells some of the back story of his love story with his wife, with another reference to their Honda Accord. Keep on Loving You - This song is written by AFSHeen, Josh Cumbee and Kearney and produced by NONFICTION. The song opens with Kearney’s vocal over keys then moves into a catchy chorus in high pitched vocal as he sings about minor disagreements in their relationship. The vocal reminded me of TobyMac. Key lyric: You're my favorite kind of trouble There ain't no love without the struggle. Sleeping at The Wheel - This song is written by Heather Morgan, Oumou Sangare, Ross Copperman and Kearney, and produced by MdL and Kearney. He is going through the motions, sleeping at the wheel, while trying to revive what he believes. The song has a good beat and some interesting vocal aspects. By Your Side - This song is written by Andrew Hale, Paul Spencer Denman, Sade and Stuart Matthewman, and produced by Kearney. Kearney delivers a song of unconditional love in a higher pitch vocal over keys and light percussion. Fortress – This song is written by Ruslan Odnoraloy, Trent Dabbs and Kearney. It is produced by Ruslan Odnoraloy and Kearney. This song opens with keys, adds a beat in the chorus with finger snaps. He adds a rap late in the song. I Can't Wait For You To Get Here – This song is written by AFSHeeN, Josh Cumbee and Kearney. It is produced by NONFICTION. Kearney uses some high pitch vocals in this easy-going vibe over keys. The song, about his wife and soon to be born daughter joining him, features a nice guitar solo. Key lyric: Paint for the room you'll live in Mama's eyes and your daddy's chin
I know you'll love it I know you'll love it
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