Matt Stell released his new EP Friday, titled ‘Better Than That’. The eight-song collection contains previous number one US Country Airplay single ‘Prayed For You’ as well as most recent top ten hit ‘Everywhere But On’. It seems like Stell is right on the cusp of becoming a potentially huge country artist, and this EP might just give him the push he needs to become a household name.
The issue I took with this EP is that every song is about his love life. Since a large portion of country songs are about love or heartbreak, I was looking to hear about something outside the box. However, when Stell was on, he was really on. ‘If I Was A Bar’ is an interesting way to try and erase the memory of an ex he wants to forget, by surrounding his space with everything that would deter her from coming around. My personal favorite line was when he said that her exes would drink for free. ‘Sadie’ fires on all cylinders, from lyrics to production to passion of performance. He knows they belong together even if she doesn’t realize it yet. I’d have no problem listening to an entire album of love songs if they were all as good as ‘Sadie’.
Unfortunately, not every song can be at the highest level, and ‘I Love You Too’ is proof of that. Just like the guy at the center, this song takes a very passive, repetitive approach that’s just not very appealing to the ear. The rhythm is very off-balance and made me uncomfortable listening to it. ‘Better Than That’ is another attempt at saying the new man in her life doesn’t know her like he does, also in a repetitive manner. It’s almost like he thinks if he repeats it enough she’ll change her mind, but as a listener it just makes me want to avoid those songs altogether.
Stell has the ability to engage the listener, as evidenced by his two previous radio hits. If he can get a little better at choosing songs, there’s no stopping him. To judge for yourself, listen to ‘Better Than That’ here.
