Customer Reviews

Twenty Three Places

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

About three years ago, I stumbled across a young songwriter named Matt Wertz in my endless search for great new music. Well, I didn't know at the time what I'd encountered, but I sure do now. I've followed Matt's music since then, and his music has quickly become the soundtrack of my life. He has a song for every mood, every occasion, and every quandry I find myself in. His music speaks to the heart, not just the eardrums, and first and foremost is AUTHENTIC. It's catchy, fun, and poppy at times, and soulful and yearning as well.

"The Day Forever Died" and "Marianne" open the album with a bang - it's the perfect sunny spring day, riding around town with the rag top down kind of music. "Red Meets Blue" is a truly special ballad, and an inspired one at that. "Counting to 100" and "All I Know" are deep, introspective and yearning songs, while "Sweetness in Starlight" is a gentle tune about a happy night. "Wade Through the Night" and "Everything's Right" are just fun, toe-tapping music, and "Wesley, Why" tells the story of Matt's grandfather passing away. "Falling off the Face of the Earth" wraps up the album in a somber, yet poignant way of questioning oneself.

Twenty Three Places is a sensational album - and a testament to the variety, fun, and quality of what all singer-songwriters should strive to produce. You heard it here first, folks - get this album, and jump on the bandwagon, because a talent like Matt isn't likely to remain unknown for long.

I know what you're probably thinking... just another singer/songwriter wiht an acoustic guitar, nothing special, right? Wrong. Matt Wertz is much, much more than a guy with an acousitc guitar, and the album Twenty-three Places proves that. He kicks the party off with foot-tapping The Day Forever Died, then slides right into the radio-friendly tune Marianne with a sing-along chorus everyone knows after hearing it just once. The light-heartedness continues with the clapping anthem Everything's Right, a popular tune in his live shows. The fourth track, Red Meets Blue, mellows thigns out, with haunting lyrics and a melody you won't soon forget. A standout track is Sweetness in Starlight with its standout guitar work and lyrics that will make any female swoon. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, this song should be your lullaby. The disc wraps with Falling Off the Face of the Earth, a mellow anthem of thought-provoking storylines reflecting a life on the road and confessions to go along with it. This album may not make Matt Wertz a #1 chart-topper, but it will surely put him on the path to musical superstardom. Get your hands on him while you can.

I was tempted to give this album five stars but only gave it four for a couple of reasons. One, I feel skeptical of anything that gets too many perfect reviews and perfect reviews give a person an awful lot to live up to. Two, I think he shows a lot of growth on his newest EP - Today & Tomorrow, which is more of a five to me. (Definitely check it out. Wanderin' Eyes has a great sound and the bass is sooo rich. I hope he continues with this style.)

I first got started on Matt Wertz because I was downloading Matt Nathanson and iTunes told me I would like Matt Wertz. I know it was a ploy to get me to download more than I'd intended, but it was right because I've enjoyed all three albums. If you're a fan of Jack Johnson, Marc Broussard, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Matt Nathanson, et. al., you'll definitely love this album. That said, Matt Wertz's only true fault is that he sounds like a lot of talented people with similar styles. Although if you're going to have a fault, it's not a bad one to have.

That said, I think he's a very talented songwriter, which in my opinion is the root of any great song. I also think the quality of his writing richly improves over his earlier album. As a result, I can listen to the whole album from start to finish and not have to skip over subpar songs. He also has an amazing voice that manages to sound both powerful and vulnerable at the same time. And having seen him in concert it's clear it's all him, no editing or audio retouching. In fact, his albums don't quite capture how talented, bubbly, and captivating he is as a performer. Always refreshing to hear someone who is actually BETTER in concert than on CD.

I had heard of Matt a few months back, but was not able to buy his album until I saw him live in concert with Dave Barnes (another great artist to check out). I haven't stopped listening to this album since. His voice rivals that of John Mayer and his guitar skills are incredible. The album is musically and lyrically solid. There are a pretty good mix of tracks with a good grove as well as those mellow acoustic tracks that you can fall asleep to. Find a way to get your hands on this album!

BUY IT, BUT IT, BUY IT!! You won't be sorry
also: his live show is great- the guy is hysterically funny and he loves what he does. Don't pass out the chance to see him live!

Ok ya'll... i have been listening to Matt for about 2 years now and he is probablly one of the most real people I have met... he is down to earth and really connects with his listeners... this CD will just make you feel good... i am soooo glad that his music will finally get mass marketed!!! you won't be dissapointed... There's not a bad song on the dang thing... check out WWW.MATTWERTZ.COM and see how much he really does care about his fans... also check out dave barnes, the two of them are best friends and are absolutely hilarious together in concert... both of them are must haves!!!

I found out about Matt Wertz by stumpling upon his myspace earlier this year and have been addicted to his music ever since! His music/lyrics will make you laugh,cry,smile,dance...you will every emotion you can think of. I predict that Mr. Wertz is going to be HUGE since he is going on tour with Jamie Cullum in 2006.

So a couple of years ago my sister gave me a mix cd that she had made. It had some guy named Matt Wertz on it. With that one song I was hooked. I got this cd over a year ago, and let me tell you I never get tired of it. His lyrics are shear genius. I saw this guy live back in August and his live show just made me an even bigger fan. He has the ability to captivate his audiance in a unique way that is undescribable. This cd is definitely in my top5 list. Check him out!

My cousin handed me his discman and said listen to this guy. Wow, am I glad I did! I couldn't stop listening! His entire CD was excellent - strong vocals, strong arrangements. Check him out, you won't be disappointed : www.mattwertz.com !!

I first saw Matt at a free concert my senior year in high school. As soon as his set was over, I went to the back of the room and picked up his cd (Somedays). I've since bought Twenty Three Places, and it's even better than Somedays. This stuff is great and the only thing that beats listening to it is hearing it live. If you're even considering picking this up, I would highly reccomend it.

I have seen this guy in live concert twice and think he is great. I also own this album, Twenty Three Places, and it is a must. Great for people of all ages and ethnicities. RIP