Despite their phenomenal achievements west of Galway, success on this side of the pond continues to elude the Dave Matthews Band. Their seventh studio album, Stand Up is unlikely to have any impact on such a change.
A move away from the slick produced sounds of the group’s previous efforts –Everyday and Busted Stuff – it has split those unimpressed by the decision to recruit hip-hop producer Mark Batson (Beyoncé, 50 Cent, The Game) over long-time cohort Steve Lillywhite.
Batson’s contribution does bring a noted shift in gears, lending a jazz and funk-filled sound to Stand Up’s tracks. Not as intense as the acclaimed live shows key to their popularity (the group have released more live albums than studio albums), the chilled out feel to tracks such as ‘Dreamgirl’, ‘Smooth Rider,’ and ‘Stolen Away On 55th and 3rd’ suits Matthews' untreated, raspy and weather beaten vocal. It also affords his band, particularly saxophonist LeRoi Moore a freer role.
If the record’s production and musical execution are among its finer points, then the slack comes in the form of Matthews' songwriting. There’s little to latch onto in terms of melodic hooks throughout songs such as ‘Hello Again’ and the current single ‘American Baby’.
Matthews himself sums Stand Up best when mid-way through he desperately hollers, “Everybody wake up”. It’s as if he’s clutching at straws.