…this is not ok… is the curiously titled new album release from singer-songwriter Matt Smith – it’s actually his twentieth studio album to be released, which is very impressive indeed – particularly considering today’s cutthroat music industry! Matt has worked with many famous artists and producers during his deeply accomplished career, and it’s clear that he’s used his veteran musicianship skills here to craft a project rooted in unity and empathy – something which I very much admire!
By Jane Howkins
There are nine killer tracks on offer on …this is not ok…, seeing Matt combine elements of the blues, folk and classic rock into one amazing package. First up is World is a Wheel, a rootsy blues song with more than a hint of old school rock and roll. The clean guitarwork sounds great when laid over the rhythm section and the organ, as the gorgeous gospel vocals echo Matt’s voice on the chorus. It’s a good opener, and one that shows what the listener can expect from the rest of the record.
Cry for America really ramps up the bluesy vibe, introducing a cool guitar lick and a piano melody that follows it nicely. It’s quite a socially conscious song at times, although it’s more of a heartfelt lament, rather than an angry protest number. The track is deliberately paced to create the most impact, allowing the weight of the lyrics to truly land. Orphans is a little more stripped-down – it’s more of a folk/Americana tune, seeing Matt looking inwards and focusing on themes such as aging and the passage of time, instead of more political issues. The vulnerable vocals really work with the style of music here, telling a story most of us can identify with.
Level Ground is more of a rock song, although it’s still fairly stripped-back at times, allowing the piano and vocals to shine through. Matt uses an intimate arrangement here to portray a sense of raw emotional transparency, highlighting the artist’s strengths as an authentic storyteller. Then we come to I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, which has more of a danceable beat to it. It’s quite a positive sounding song, despite the emotional content of the lyrics, adding a classic singer-songwriter vibe to proceedings.
A Life in Love continues the lyrical threads of the previous couple of songs, radiating a quiet yet hard-earned sense of gratitude. The song is pretty haunting at times, using a melancholic chord sequence to really make the music shine through. Outside My Fence brings the pace ramping back up again, infusing more grit into the album. It’s quite a soulful rocker, injecting a nice dynamic shift into the second half of …this is not ok…
Bad Man is another swaggering piece of rock and roll, leaning into the heavy metal/hard rock scene at times, due to the heaviness of the guitar licks on offer here. The sturdy rhythm section really makes the song bounce, showcasing Matt’s effortless command over the dynamics of the piece. From the Ashes is the closing song on the record, ending nicely on a cathartic note. Matt seems to gather the concepts contained within the preceding tracks here, weaving them into a vision of hope and renewal that should sound uplifting to the audience.
…this is not ok… is a real testament to the power of artistic longevity and emotional maturity, with Matt Smith still managing to produce thoughtful piece of music on his twentieth album. This is a comforting sanctuary for those people into the blues, roots-rock, classic rock and folk music, proving that Matt’s creative compass is still as true as ever – even after several decades in the music business.
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