Search - Matt Wertz :: Twenty Three Places

The absolute, REAL DEAL

A. Rainey | Tuscaloosa, AL | 04/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"About three years ago, I stumbled across a young songwriter named Matt Wertz in my endless search for great new music. Well, I didn't know at the time what I'd encountered, but I sure do now. I've followed Matt's music since then, and his music has quickly become the soundtrack of my life. He has a song for every mood, every occasion, and every quandry I find myself in. His music speaks to the heart, not just the eardrums, and first and foremost is AUTHENTIC. It's catchy, fun, and poppy at times, and soulful and yearning as well.



"The Day Forever Died" and "Marianne" open the album with a bang - it's the perfect sunny spring day, riding around town with the rag top down kind of music. "Red Meets Blue" is a truly special ballad, and an inspired one at that. "Counting to 100" and "All I Know" are deep, introspective and yearning songs, while "Sweetness in Starlight" is a gentle tune about a happy night. "Wade Through the Night" and "Everything's Right" are just fun, toe-tapping music, and "Wesley, Why" tells the story of Matt's grandfather passing away. "Falling off the Face of the Earth" wraps up the album in a somber, yet poignant way of questioning oneself.



Twenty Three Places is a sensational album - and a testament to the variety, fun, and quality of what all singer-songwriters should strive to produce. You heard it here first, folks - get this album, and jump on the bandwagon, because a talent like Matt isn't likely to remain unknown for long."

The only thing bad about this CD is it's so good I've been l

Chicago Book Addict | Chicago, IL | 10/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was tempted to give this album five stars but only gave it four for a couple of reasons. One, I feel skeptical of anything that gets too many perfect reviews and perfect reviews give a person an awful lot to live up to. Two, I think he shows a lot of growth on his newest EP - Today & Tomorrow, which is more of a five to me. (Definitely check it out. Wanderin' Eyes has a great sound and the bass is sooo rich. I hope he continues with this style.)



I first got started on Matt Wertz because I was downloading Matt Nathanson and iTunes told me I would like Matt Wertz. I know it was a ploy to get me to download more than I'd intended, but it was right because I've enjoyed all three albums. If you're a fan of Jack Johnson, Marc Broussard, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Matt Nathanson, et. al., you'll definitely love this album. That said, Matt Wertz's only true fault is that he sounds like a lot of talented people with similar styles. Although if you're going to have a fault, it's not a bad one to have.



That said, I think he's a very talented songwriter, which in my opinion is the root of any great song. I also think the quality of his writing richly improves over his earlier album. As a result, I can listen to the whole album from start to finish and not have to skip over subpar songs. He also has an amazing voice that manages to sound both powerful and vulnerable at the same time. And having seen him in concert it's clear it's all him, no editing or audio retouching. In fact, his albums don't quite capture how talented, bubbly, and captivating he is as a performer. Always refreshing to hear someone who is actually BETTER in concert than on CD."

Not just another guy with an acoustic guitar

Amanda M. Wolfe | W. Peoria, IL | 03/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know what you're probably thinking... just another singer/songwriter wiht an acoustic guitar, nothing special, right? Wrong. Matt Wertz is much, much more than a guy with an acousitc guitar, and the album Twenty-three Places proves that. He kicks the party off with foot-tapping The Day Forever Died, then slides right into the radio-friendly tune Marianne with a sing-along chorus everyone knows after hearing it just once. The light-heartedness continues with the clapping anthem Everything's Right, a popular tune in his live shows. The fourth track, Red Meets Blue, mellows thigns out, with haunting lyrics and a melody you won't soon forget. A standout track is Sweetness in Starlight with its standout guitar work and lyrics that will make any female swoon. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, this song should be your lullaby. The disc wraps with Falling Off the Face of the Earth, a mellow anthem of thought-provoking storylines reflecting a life on the road and confessions to go along with it. This album may not make Matt Wertz a #1 chart-topper, but it will surely put him on the path to musical superstardom. Get your hands on him while you can."