Nettwerk America, February 2007
Genre: modern pop
Official Site: www.mattwertz.com
Offensive words: none

There's nothing like the feel of a favorite old t-shirt paired with a worn-in pair of jeans. Some of the best things in life move into their prime as they age, making them more enjoyable, more valuable. And so it is with the music of Matt Wertz, a handsome Missouri-born soulful rocker who has been splitting time between his home in Nashville and hundreds of stages around the world for the past six years. His latest offering, Everything In Between, displays a patina that prompts an even deeper appreciation of his music than initially seemed possible. (bio)

I just finished reviewing two hardcore and metal albums. And then the next album I go to grab is obvious some pop garbage that I am not going to get into and not care anything for. I already know that nothing will be unique about this guy and I know 110% I won't personally like it. Ever eat crow? I'm sitting here finding myself totally getting into this. I find it relaxing from start to finish and then I see the press packet that I got and it ends by saying, 'relax and rock out..' Well, I don't know about the rock out part but it is one of the most relaxing and comforting cd's I have heard in a long time. There is something to say about an artist that can make the cornerstone purely on vocals and an acoustic guitar. "I Will Not Take My Love Away" is a perfect example of everything I just mentioned. The album is pop, but it is pop like Ben Folds or Gavin Degraw. He has even been compared to Jason Mraz and John Mayer. Even though after listening to this album, I find that true but I feel Matt Wertz is a step above even those I mentioned. The music is a soothing and matured brew that would get the stirrers stirring in a coffee shop. I love the folk essence of this album while it is still adding a modern rock overtone in the background. The tone changes for a bluesy style with a mild old school flair. This is an album that could withstand the change of time. This is an album that I will actually be putting in my wife's iPod and also mine, just don't tell anyone about it being in mine.

The vocals of Matt Wertz are also as soothing as the music itself. The lyrics are a great poetic blend of love songs and compassion. By far my favorite track was "I Will Not Take My Love Away". As a Christian reviewing this cd, it seemed more than obvious that this track was referring to the love of God. Maybe I am just reading to much but seeing the compassion of Wertz, I think it seems obvious.

Also I feel like I should mention an amazing ministry of compassion that Wertz is involved with, Mocha Club. The Mocha CLub helps bring relief to those dealing with AIDS, homeless, parentless or genocide victims of those in Africa. For more information visit: MOCHA CLUB.

Review courtesy of www.wisemenpromotions.com