Is Modern Love a good place to start with Matt Nathanson?

Yes, Modern Love is recommended as a starting point for new Matt Nathanson listeners. A blend of heartfelt folk melodies and introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of modern relationships. By 2011, Matt Nathanson was building on the success of his previous album 'Some Mad Hope' which featured the hit 'Come On Get Higher'. 'Modern Love' marked his sixth studio album, showcasing a matured sound and deeper songwriting as he continued to attract a devoted fanbase.

Who is Modern Love for?

Modern Love works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, introspective lyrics about relationships and melodic hooks for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Modern Love?

Modern Love has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Modern Love

Matt Nathanson · 2011

41 min · 11 tracks · folk music

A blend of heartfelt folk melodies and introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of modern relationships.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Modern Love — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of contemporary romance with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about navigating love in today's world.
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Faster Start here — Opening the album with an upbeat tempo, this song contrasts its energetic sound against themes of urgency in love, setting the tone for the collection.
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Mercy — With poignant lyrics reflecting vulnerability and longing, this ballad highlights Nathanson's emotional depth and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting with emotional depth, though it remains within familiar folk structures.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower songs.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The title track 'Modern Love' employs a prominent acoustic guitar riff that recurs throughout, creating a thematic anchor for the album.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
introspective lyrics about relationships
melodic hooks for sing-alongs
for casual gatherings
engaging storytelling throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy, fast-paced music
seek standalone, punchy singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The title track gained significant radio play, enhancing Nathanson's recognition.
Themes: modern romance complexities· vulnerable love letters· contemporary relationship struggles
Career context: By 2011, Matt Nathanson was building on the success of his previous album 'Some Mad Hope' which featured the hit 'Come On Get Higher'. 'Modern Love' marked his sixth studio album, showcasing a matured sound and deeper songwriting as he continued to attract a devoted fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Gavin DeGraw· Jason Mraz· John Mayer

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Mercy

A moment occurs where the writing shifts from pleading for understanding to an admission of deep emotional pain.

This transition reveals the complexity of vulnerability, showcasing how Nathanson layers his emotional struggles with intimate storytelling.