Mat Kearney Review

August 29, 2011, 3:17 pm

A KINK Community Listener review

KINK Community member Cynthia Orlando weighs in on the new Mat Kearney Album


Mat Kearney continues to satisfy with "Young Love"


It's been five years since the captivating imagery of Mat Kearney's "Nothing Left to Lose" caught the ear of radio stations and music aficionados alike. And though it's been just two years since his hit single "Closer to Love," here comes Kearney with yet more music for us to appreciate on his new "Young Love" CD.

 The new release opens with the high-spirited "Hey Mama," and a chorus that's immediately danceable, fun, and catchy. But there's much more that merits listening on this new work. Pounding drums and upbeat kids' harmonies on "Count on Me" create more satisfying sounds, and Kearney's heartfelt vocals on "Sooner or Later" remind us of what's drawn us to his music from the start.

 "Young Love" is chock-full of easy-to-like songs that could all constitute more hit singles for Kearney, and "Sooner or Later" is just one of them. The rich, alluring arrangements of both "Chasing the Light" and "Learning to Love Again" are further proof of Kearney's artistic growth and songwriter staying-power. Indeed, perhaps the stripped-down Kearney is still the most compelling, as the universal theme of "Learning to Love Again" backed up with Kearney's soothing, sincere vocals makes this song a standout on a CD packed with just plain great music. 

Though Kearney resides in Nashville, he originally hails from Eugene, Oregon. The new release closes with some biographical storytelling, in the form of the acoustic and Springteen-esque  "Rochester," which Kearney introduces as "my father's story."  It's a little different genre than the rest of the release, but a poignant reminder of Kearney's ability to write honest, reflective, engaging songs. In short, there's much to love about "Young Love," most notably its rock solid content, and Kearney's ability to keep pulling us in for the ride.


Thanks Cynthia~ Dave Scott