Young Love

Mat Kearney | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 2, 2011)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Universal Republic
• ASIN: B00545KZR4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,224 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Brand new album featuring "Hey Mama".

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THREE REASONS TO BUY THIS MUSIC, August 5, 2011

By 

Andrew H. Lee "Constant Listener" (Snohomish, WA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Young Love (Audio CD)

Dear Consumer,

Here are three reasons to buy this music:

1. I have found something worth hearing on every track. Be glad to know that this is one of those rare albums that is easy to listen to from beginning to end without touching a button - the kind of album you can put on your car stereo and listen to all week while you schlep back and forth to a job that is not your dream job.

2. You know how television shows these days love to use certain kinds of songs by certain kinds of bands in certain kinds of key moments to heighten the emotional impact of the story? Mat Kearney is a master of the TV show background song. If you find yourself generally liking the songs handpicked by the producers of the shows you're watching and you find yourself saying to yourself "nice song, I wonder who sings that" then you will find something to like on Mat Kearney's new album (and his previous albums for that matter).

3. Mat Kearney combines a catchy, atmospheric, pop-rock, Top 40 kind of sound with real singer-songwriter personality and depth, even if he borders on being a little too closely inspired by a few of his songwriting inspirations. Listen to the opening guitar lick on Kearney's "Young Dumb And In Love" and then cue up "Crazy Love, vol. II" on Paul Simon's GRACELAND. After listening to Kearney's "Rochester," switch to "Highway Patrolman" from Springsteen's "NEBRASKA." Hear any similarities?

FOR FANS OF: Cary Brothers, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Springsteen, Paul Simon, anyone from Hotel Café

TOP TRACKS: "Ships In The Night," "Chasing The Light," "Learning to Love Again," Young Dumb And In Love," "Rochester"

FINAL GRADE: A


Sincerely,


Constant Listener

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kearney the Way He Wants It to Be...Classic LP, August 4, 2011

By 

Bryan A. Mabe "B.A.M. Man" (Portland, Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Young Love (Audio CD)

Mat Kearney has been through a lot in just a short while in the music industry. His original fans have been able to see the fluctuation of stardom that has came from his abilities as not only a songwriter and singer, but now as an entertainer. His debut "Bullet" and "Nothing Left to Lose," bred spoken word hip-hop with Coldplay esque rock ballads. It was harmony and a perfect way to introduce himself as an artist. His sophomore album, "The City of Black & White," aimed to be more contemporary and adult based. It was very laid back and relaxing music but missed Mat's originality that accompanied him with his debut. Many fans were disappointed in the exclusion of his hip-hop influence. "The City of Black & White" was still a great album, but it seemed as if he had something to prove to his fans with his third mainstream album, "Young Love." He has succeeded in making current fans happy while obtaining an entire new wave of listeners who are looking for outstanding music.

1.) Hey Mama - 5/5 - Absolutely one of Mat's best songs ever created. It's upbeat production is the perfect backdrop to Mat's lyrics and soul. One can listen to his love for his wife and what he is creating. It makes the song very inviting and catchy. It could be a song that goes under the radar for a while, but then makes a jump into the mainstream later, well after the album is released. Excellent song. Something that we might be surprised to hear after "The City of Black & White."

2.) Ships In the Night - 5/5 - Lyrically, Mat has always excelled. It's something that has kept his name in my playlists since I had heard of him while growing up in Eugene, Oregon. He is an exceptional songwriter. When he mixes great sounding melodies and choruses together it makes for a great harmony that excels from much of the other music that is currently on the airwaves. He's having fun with these first two tracks and it shows in vibe it creates.

3.) Count on Me - 5/5 - Another upbeat track that is once again single worthy. I can't stress enough the much welcomed style Mat has introduced back into his music. He's going back to his roots with these songs but has created music that can be considered pop without showing the desperation other artists fall victims too. "Count on Me" is another outstanding song from him that is probably going to be the favorite of the album for many.

4.) Sooner or Later - 4/5 - One could mistake this song from one that was included on his first LP, "Nothing Left to Lose." It's classic Mat Kearney and fans will love it. However, it feels as if we have heard this song before, but it shouldn't take away the greatness of the song, but for me it does a bit. If one were to google "Sooner or Later" song, there'd be unlimited results. I wish he would have separated himself a bit more here, but still, great song. The bridge is especially great.

5.) Chasing the Light - 4/5 - Another upbeat track that's production stands out. Execution wise, Mat tries to bring back his spoken word from his roots, but creates more of a sing song voice rather than actual "rapping." It is a toned down version of his style from his debut, but sounds even more fluid and comfortable. It's great that he feels that he can be creative the way he knows he can. It's a great song. The first five tracks are all repeatable, a great start.

6.) Learning to Love Again - 5/5 - Here he goes back to his contemporary style he drenched "The City of Black & White" with. It's a good song and it differentiates itself from the others quite obviously. It slows down the vibe of the album a bit, but it puts Mat's lyrics and voice center stage. Musically and lyrically, one of the best on that album.

7.) Down - 4/5 - The beat is sped up and produced "bigger" than the previous track on this one. It transitions well, because it isn't necessarily an upbeat song, but a faster and harder song than "Learning to Love Again." Again, this album is filled with phenomenal choruses and melodies. This one doesn't disappoint. The subject matter of this track takes Mat back to his roots as a Christian based musician, but is not overwhelming to the listener. Anyone of any religion can relate to the song due to it's lyrics not necessarily catering to one or another. It's about faith and most religion has faith beliefs.

8.) She Got the Honey 5/5 - This is a Mat that we haven't ever heard before. It's got swagger and a style that is not expected from him. It's a single worthy track. It has a tinge of reggae that makes listening to it create an atmosphere that is happy with good vibes. One of the best on the album. The songs that he writes that are influenced by his (now) wife seem to be the best on the album. His passion on these songs separates them a bit from others.

9.) Young, Dumb and In Love - 5/5 - If "She Got the Honey" had a reggae hint, then this track has a country vibe to it. It's another upbeat song. Great lyrics, great vibe. What else is needed?

10.) Rochester - 4/5 - A dedication to his father. It tells the story of his father and the way he came to produce Mat and his brothers. It's a great song that is heartfelt. It reminds me of Johnny Cash. In fact, one can argue that Mat borrows Cash's "Highway Patrolman" (originally written and performed by Bruce Springsteen). But Mat obviously adds his own meaning to it which can not be denied. A good ending to a phenomenal album.

It is great to see Mat shine with his latest. It's great music. Not because it is produced with the greatest pop makers, but because Mat shows his love for music with each and every song. The choruses stand out among the greatness, but also his passion and soul is unrivaled in current music. Call it a bias if you want, but this is the album of the year (maybe even the last 5) for me. 10 outstanding songs creating an album that will be on my Zune forever. I just hope that Mat gets the recognition and credit for one of the best albums of the last couple of years. Do yourself a favor and purchase this album and tell your friends to do the same.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Album - No Track Skipping Necessary, August 3, 2011

By 

D. Stewart (Albuquerque, New Mexico USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Young Love (MP3 Download)

I never write reviews on albums. Just figure other people will do that. One listen through this album and I figured I wouldn't be doing Mat Kearney justice if I didn't say something about his latest "Young Love". From start to finish it kept my attention. His lyrics are extremely personal yet absolutely relatable. Makes you feel better about life after listening. Honestly, who makes music these days that could make you say that. This dude is the real deal. Only wish there were more stars to award and more tracks to enjoy. Thanks Mat, freakin' amazing job.