Title: Yourself or Someone Like You Artist: Matchbox 20 Release Date: 10/1/1996 Label: Atlantic Duration: 46:43 Album Type(s): lyrics/libretto UPC: 075679272126 Genre: Rock Styles: Alternative Pop/Rock, Pop/Rock, Post-Grunge, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, American Trad Rock Moods: Earnest, Theatrical, Playful, Refined/Mannered, Sentimental, Slick, Soothing, Sweet, Energetic, Passionate, Reflective, Stylish Total Copies: 185 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Real World
2. Long Day
3. 3 A.M.
4. Push
5. Girl Like That
6. Back 2 Good
7. Damn
8. Argue
9. Kody
10. Busted
11. Shame
12. Hang

Year Type Label Catalog # 1996 CD Atlantic 92721

Yourself or Someone Like You [Australia]

Yourself or Someone Like You turned out to be the standard-bearer for post-alternative rock because it has a '90s sheen in its production, but, for all the world, its core sounds like classic rock. Lead singer/songwriter Rob Thomas adopted some of Eddie Vedder's vocal mannerisms, but they were smoothed out, lacking the angst and pain that were Vedder's hallmark. Matchbox Twenty functioned much the same way, picking up at Pearl Jam's fascination for album rock, but deciding to stick to the classic blueprint instead of personalizing it. All of this resulted in a record that is much more straightforward than most alt-rock albums, even if it follows the pattern of a classic '90s album -- not just in its production dynamics, but down to the acoustic-based slow number that closes the record. It blends the most familiar elements of the two golden eras of album-oriented rock, finding a balance that is comfortable for mainstream fans of either side. Other bands with similar sounds that could have done the same thing, yet Matchbox Twenty distanced themselves from the pack with sturdy songs and fairly strong hooks, all delivered forcefully with Thomas' distinctive bravado. Their music is not flashy, nor is it as ingratiating as Third Eye Blind's pop instincts. It is, however, solid, American rock, reminiscent of a blend of Petty and Pearl Jam. So, it shouldn't have been surprising when the album found a wide audience. For many observers it was still unexpected, because the sound seemed a little plain. What they didn't realize was that Yourself or Someone Like You wound up being the point where mainstream American rock stopped being willfully eccentric and returned to being unassuming and kind of ordinary. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Adam Gaynor Guitar (Rhythm) Amy K. Porter Flute Brian Yale Bass Chris Cuffaro Photography Craig Poole Guitar Technician Dean Serletic Assistant Producer Don C. Tyler Editing Doug Smith Clarinet (Bass) Elizabeth Burkhardt ?, Leader, Bassoon Greg Archilla Mixing Jan Smith Vocal Coach Jeff Tomei Engineer John Nielsen Assistant Engineer Katrin Thomas Photography Kyle Cook Guitar Malcolm Springer Mixing Assistant Matchbox Twenty Main Performer Matt Serletic ?, Arranger, Producer, Mixing, Percussion, Keyboards Paul Doucette Drums Rob Thomas Vocals, Guitar (Acoustic) Stephen Marcussen Mastering Tabitha Kahlhamer Assistant Producer Ted Gurch Clarinet Tony Adams Technician Valerie Wagner Art Direction, Design Yvonne Powers Oboe