More than worth a listen.
'Passing Stranger' is Scott Matthews' debut album, following up the Wolverhampton-based singer-songwriter's first single 'Elusive', which received a warm welcome to the music scene last month. The album continues the mood and style set by 'Elusive' – bluesy folk with a rock edge; and with more of an American sound and influence than one might expect. Scott Matthews has been likened to the likes of Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake and Elliot Smith, and in this album he is given the chance to prove whether or not those are worthy comparisons.
The album opens with a forty second instrumental track, the first of six interval tracks on the album, which add to the originality of the album and frame the longer tracks nicely. This flows smoothly into 'Dream Song', which, in the best possible way, is anything but a lullaby. Its upbeat pace prompts the listener to sit up and take note, whilst the wide array of instruments employed to accompany Matthews' voice provide a good showcase of what he can produce, musically and lyrically.
Third track, 'The Fool's Fooling Me', has an almost country feel, so much so that it's almost impossible to believe this was recorded in Birmingham rather than an American desert. Another upbeat song, it would make perfect driving music and manages to keep up the pace without becoming annoying or calling to mind repetitive indie-pop. Other tracks, such as 'Sweet Scented Stranger' continue this country atmosphere, and Matthews' American influences are very apparent once more, but that isn't something to complain about when he can pull it off as well as this.
Title track 'Passing Stranger' is placed at the centre of the album, and with its stop-start pace and catchy melody is a certain stand-out track and a good bet for a future single release. Other stand-out tracks include first single 'Elusive', which is arguably the strongest track on the album and unarguably a beautiful piece of music. None of the other ballads on the album manage to achieve the same level of emotional intensity as 'Elusive', but it isn't implied that they want to. 'Prayers', for example, has a more chilled-out feel in comparison, and it is clear that that is the impression Scott Matthews was hoping to give. 'City Headache', another slow song, borders on the forgettable, as does 'Eyes Wider Than Before', but it remains easy to hear the ideas and intention behind these tracks, unlike in the case of so much other music around today.
If the music-buying public have any sense, Scott Matthews is set to become a huge success and 'Passing Stranger' one of 2006's most important albums. Although none of the album's other tracks quite reach the standard set by 'Elusive', his vocal and musical style is consistently yet restrainedly brilliant. Fans of Jeff Buckley will love this album, and fans of James Blunt will throw away his albums when they hear what Scott Matthews can do. Modern yet classic, bluesy yet rock, laidback but not easily ignored, unusual yet with mainstream appeal, this is an album almost anyone can enjoy.