What makes Matt Kennon by Matt Kennon notable?

The album's standout single, 'The Man I Used to Be,' achieved notable chart success, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Its raw honesty and relatable themes helped solidify Kennon’s place within the country genre, contributing to an era of storytelling in music that appealed to fans looking for authenticity. Released in early 2010, Matt Kennon's self-titled debut album marked his entry into the country music scene after several years of writing songs for other artists. The album came during a time when Kennon was seeking to establish his own identity as a performer, following his songwriting successes and aiming to resonate with a broader audience.

How many songs are on Matt Kennon?

Matt Kennon has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Matt Kennon

Matt Kennon · 2010

43 min · 12 tracks · country music

A blend of gritty storytelling and polished production that captures the spirit of modern country music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Man I Used to Be — This track serves as an emotional centerpiece, where Kennon's reflective lyrics about personal transformation resonate deeply with listeners navigating their own changes.
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Mama Raised the Hell Outta Me — With its catchy hook and spirited narrative, this song encapsulates the rebellious side of Kennon's upbringing, showcasing his ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.
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Cry Like Memphis — This track stands out for its rich imagery and strong vocal delivery, allowing Kennon to explore themes of loss and longing in a way that feels both impactful and relatable.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its contemporaries.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
Several tracks feature a prominent use of electric guitar riffs that complement the storytelling lyrics, enhancing the overall narrative drive.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Man I Used to Be

Kennon confronts past decisions directly, addressing the contrast between who he was and who he strives to become.

This moment marks a pivotal shift in perspective that underscores the theme of personal growth, moving from regret to hope.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Drive It Like You Stole It 3:09
2 The Man I Used to Be 3:49
3 The Call 3:57
4 Mama Raised the Hell Outta Me 3:10
5 If I Was Any Kind of Man 3:52
6 Ride With Me 3:27
7 Some People Piss Me Off 4:04
8 Too Loud 3:28
9 Then There Was You 3:21
10 You Can Still Wear White 3:03
11 Cry Like Memphis 4:28
12 That's Love 3:42

What to play next

Full Matt Kennon discography Artists like Matt Kennon

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata