Track of the Day: ‘Falling Apart’ by Matt Nathanson

By MICHAEL VAN DER HARST

To listen to the track, click here (.mp3).

Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson has released six studio albums, a five-song EP and one live album in his 15-year music career. But most people probably haven’t heard of him.

Lost in today’s world of James Blunt’s and Josh Kelley’s, Nathanson brings quality to a genre overcrowded with one-hit-wonders.

“Falling Apart,” from Nathanson’s 2007 release “Some Mad Hope,” showcases the very best he has to offer.

The melody, beginning with a piano intro from Ben West, brings the listener from a soft start to a loud and enjoyable climax when the bridge of the tune hits.

The lyrics “All I say doesn’t matter anyway / I’ve given up, so call my bluff / ‘cause I just need to be reminded who I am” portray a broken man who needs to get back on track — which is what Nathanson did in between 2003’s “Beneath These Fireworks” and his newest release.

Nathanson is a perfect example of success without using MTV or radio play to gain popularity. He just finished a nationwide headlining tour, where he played at the House of Blues in Chicago. He will be on tour this spring with Lifehouse.