Matchbox Twenty - More Than You Think You Are

Florida's megaplatinum matchbox twenty prove with their third album to be far more versatile than expected, comfortably outlasting the predictions of naysayers. Reuniting with producer Matt Serletic, the quintet takes credible swings at gospel ("Downfall" features a choir), Traveling Wilburys-type twang ("All I Need"), and big-arena rock with "Disease," cowritten by singer Rob Thomas and Mick Jagger and winkingly recalling Thomas's star turn with Carlos Santana on "Smooth." Pedal-steel great Greg Leisz spruces up several tracks, notably the tearjerker "Hand Me Down," while producer and keyboardist Serletic and percussionist Paul Doucette sprinkle instrumental pixie dust. More Than You Think You Are isn't likely to appease critics, who have consistently accused matchbox twenty of yelling when a whisper would do, but fans of the group are certain to dig these panoramic songs, each drawn in broad, vivid strokes. --Kim Hughes