By Jae-Ha Kim
Illinois Entertainer
April 1989
MATTHEW SWEET
Earth (A&M)
Earth is one of those records that sounds better each time you listen to it. On first hearing, Earth is easy to dismiss as merely an album with a few catchy guitar hooks. But Matthew Sweet’s second album has an infectious quality that hooks you with sublime arrangements and a voice that evokes intensity with every verse.
Sweet is an innovative musician who takes full advantage of modern technology, using synthesized rhythm programs on many of the tracks. But while some musicians use synths to hide their lack of musical ability, Sweet uses the instrument to embellish his songs. For instance, “Easy” could have been a disaster if Richard Lloyd’s superb guitar playing had taken a back seat to synth. But Sweet, who programmed the synthesizer, wisely allowed Lloyd to shine on the infectiously catchy song.
One of Sweet’s most appealing aspects is that while he is making a niche for himself as one of today’s hippest singers, his songwriting has maintained a sweet innocence that betrays his ultra-cool musician image.
