Music Review: Mat Kearney - Nothing Left to Lose

The best part about listening to a rather unknown artist is being able to say to those late on the bandwagon, " I told you so". So when the name Mat Kearney crosses everyone else's ears later, you can say you heard (or read) it here first.

Mat Kearney's Nothing Left To Lose is his sophomore album and first release on a major recording label (Aware/Columbia). While the complete twelve track record is set for an April 4th release, many Kearney faithful are already getting a sneak peak at single download Nothing Left To Lose. It's currently available through iTunes, Napster, Yahoo, and Rhapsody to name a few.

This smooth single download showcases Kearney's hip-hop with new folk blend. His groundbreaking sound has earned Kearney a top twenty spot on Billboard's Radio Monitor Triple-A audience chart. In plain speak, Joe and Jane public is hypnotized by this artist who breaks down genres by creating his own music mantra. His hope is to go from the underground to mainstream with this album.

For those who purchased Kearney's initial release Bullet (Inpop Records-2004), expect more of the same: poetic flow, spoken word, a pure vibe backed on simple acoustic cords. The singer/song writer has also worked his pen on the paper. Even from the stripped down and acoustic Nothing Left To Lose single, it's clear that Kearney's writing style has matured along with his music.

Something's in the air tonight
The sky's alive with a burning light
You can mark my words something's about to break

And here we go there's nothing left to choose
And here we go there's nothing left to lose

-Nothing Left To Lose

Kearney's lyrics and Brit-Pop ballad takes you along the ride of his life. The song is actually a life lesson: in order to know where you are going, you have to know where you have been. In essence, it's a retrospect piece. The melody allows you to follow Kearney on his life journey as he examines the past in hopes of better understand where he is going in the future. And what a future it will be. It also doesn't hurt to have the producing talents of Robert Marvin (Stacie Orricco, Toby Mac) backing Kearney's play to help guide you along the way.

Don't worry. If you are arriving late to the Mat Kearney party, you are not alone. Just think Coldplay meets Citizen Cope after running into Dave Mathews. Sprinkle a little hip-hop influence in the mix and there you have Mat Kearney. It makes for a tasty stew my friends. So grab a spoon and take a bite of this kid from Oregon by way of California (who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee).

Some though are quick to judge Kearney's mainstream aim and personal beliefs.

Mat Kearney is a Christian and Bullet's success was primarily due to those who shared in his faith. Kearney however has his own take on the matter.

In one interview, Kearney spoke openly about Bullet.

"When I made Bullet, I didn't make it to be completely exclusive to the Christian market. I'm a Christian, but I felt like I had a message for a lot of people. So I made a record that I felt could stand up to any artist out there, from any market based on excellence of music."

Anyone who has turned an ear to Bullet's "Won't Back Down", "Undeniable", or "Tomorrow", can't resist Kearney's contagious style and acoustic rhythm. The music, his talent, and the overall grabbing feel are purely, as Kearney himself sang, undeniable.

Couple this with Kearney's strong sense of himself and the desire for Nothing Left To Lose to make it mainstream, and there is no reason any label or market should contain this upcoming album.

In another interview, Kearney shared his thoughts on precisely this.

"Hopefully there is depth and intimacy of songwriting that goes beyond the novelty of a funky guy with an acoustic guitar. When I set out to write, I want to write something that will rip your heart out and connect with you. Great songs connect beyond genre and style".

Bottom line: the guy makes music for everyone. It's up to you to listen and decide.

Kearney should feel right at home with Aware/Columbia. Another white funky white guy with an acoustic guitar was once brought to Aware. And ever since, John Mayer has down all right for himself. If Kearney has half the success and humbleness of Mayer, then he will be just fine.

Mat Kearney is wrapping up his tour with Cary Brothers (of Garden State soundtrack fame) and Fray. In May, Kearney will hit the road again on his own headlining tour. For available tour stops, please log onto www.matkearney.com for upcoming show dates. You can also pre-order Nothing Left To Lose. Why wait for the April 4th release. The first 500 pre-ordered copies sold with be autographed by Mat Kearney himself.

Remember, the Kearney bandwagon is pulling away quickly. Download the single, or just buy the pre-order release. You really have nothing left to lose.