Mat Kearney - City of Black & White

Producer:  Mat Kearney & Robert “Aurel M” Marvin
Record Label:  Columbia Records/Inpop Records
Website:  http://www.matkearney.com

Mat Kearney debuted on the Christian music scene after signing with Inpop Records (Superchick, Shane & Shane, Jimmy Needham) and released his debut record, Bullet in 2004.  Critics fell madly in love with Kearney’s unique vocal delivery and mix of adult alternative rock, pop, and hip hop.  Kearney was quickly scooped up by Columbia Records in 2006 and released Nothing Left to Lose - an album that relaunched Kearney to the mainstream market featuring seven songs from Bullet and six new songs.  Kearney had a pretty good run in the mainstream market - but it’s been three years since anyone’s heard from him (aside from “Breathe In, Breathe Out” which was featured on Grey’s Anatomy).  City of Black & White picks up right where Nothing Left to Lose left off - only showcasing a more AAA/Adult Alternative sound this time around.  All of the hip hop elements of Kearney’s debut are all gone at this point - and instead Kearney has settled into a nice, glossy pop sound - similar to acts like Jason Mraz, Matt Wertz, and touches of Jack Johnson.  Songs like the first radio single and catchy “Closer to Love,” “New York to California,” “All I Have,” and album highlight “Never Be Ready” help show off Kearney’s knack for writing clever and memorable melodies.  It’s all atmospheric and ethereal - a sound that Kearney pulls off exceptionally well.  Lyrically, those looking for a strong spiritual foundation will surely be disappointed - even though Kearney has never really been known for that kind of writing.  Relationships are the main focus on City of Black & White - everything from romantic relationships to relationships with friends, families, and how we treat others who are different from us.  Overall, City of Black & White is another excellent release from Kearney, even if it does suffer from a lack of originality and versatility.