Mad Season
by Matchbox Twenty
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 23, 2000
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    80
    The record boasts a huge, smooth production and is considerably more varied and accomplished than its predecessor.
  2. Billboard
    70
    On "Mad Season" the band serves up another slick collection of R.E.M. and Pearl Jam-influenced post-grunge classic rock tailor-made for ubiquitous radio play.
  3. Spin
    70
    Each song isn't particularly interesting or life-changing, but, damn, if every one of them doesn't boast a hook that sticks in your head until you're humming "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" just to exorcise it. For better or worse, this is talented songwriting...
  5. Wall of Sound
    68
    Matchbox Twenty never claimed to be original or challenging or anything more than a lightweight and entertaining pop band. Which is why Mad Season, with its rather casual and jammy feel, is so surprising, so substantial, and much more satisfying than expected.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed Album of 2000
35
#35 Most Shared Album of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 5 out of 35
  1. HadPersons
    Aug 12, 2019
    9
    Matchbox 20 is the band I miss the most. I hate almost all new music and I’m really nervous for 2020 with these guys. I only hope they don’tMatchbox 20 is the band I miss the most. I hate almost all new music and I’m really nervous for 2020 with these guys. I only hope they don’t chase the trend, but rock music and even pop rock music is dead. That being said, I love looking back on their music and this is a great album. I really love the songs Rest Stop, Mad Season, Bent, and a few more. A common criticism of this band is that they overuse filler. I strongly disagree as I can feel every song and that’s what makes this band so good.… Full Review »
  2. ajh0795
    Oct 29, 2011
    8
    i really enjoyed this record. though it has some miss steps the strengths easily cover them up and man oh man rob thomas vocals are superb.i really enjoyed this record. though it has some miss steps the strengths easily cover them up and man oh man rob thomas vocals are superb. you will also be able to some nice guitar from kyle cook and paul doucette… Full Review »
  3. Curefreak
    Apr 26, 2009
    8
    I like the ballads and the mid-tempo stuff but the rockers sound overly processed and over produced and don't really "rock" Rest Stop is I like the ballads and the mid-tempo stuff but the rockers sound overly processed and over produced and don't really "rock" Rest Stop is probably my favorite song and is probably the most personal.… Full Review »
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