What makes Plus by Matt Nathanson notable?

Plus gained attention for its authentic sound and intimate performances, contributing to Nathanson's growing popularity. The live tracks highlighted his engaging stage presence and songwriting skill, paving the way for future commercial success and critical acclaim. Released in early 2003, Plus was Matt Nathanson's follow-up to his 2002 album, Still Waiting for Spring. This EP marked an important moment in his career as it showcased Nathanson's ability to connect with audiences through raw, live recordings, further establishing his presence in the folk music scene.

How many songs are on Plus?

Plus has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Plus

Matt Nathanson · 2003

11 min · 3 tracks · folk music

A warm blend of acoustic melodies and heartfelt storytelling that captures the intimacy of live performances.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lucky Boy (live at Ned's) — This track exemplifies Nathanson's storytelling prowess, merging catchy melodies with personal storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Lost Myself In Search of You (live at Ned's) — The emotional depth of this performance reveals Nathanson's vulnerability, showcasing how he navigates themes of longing and self-discovery.
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Sad Songs (live on KFOG) — In this track, Nathanson articulates the cathartic power of music, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences while delivering a compelling live rendition.

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 EP showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks broader impact or depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

Each track features a solo acoustic guitar accompaniment, allowing the vocals to remain at the forefront.
The live recordings capture audience reactions, creating an intimate atmosphere that enhances the storytelling.
The EP consists of three tracks, all of which maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace throughout.

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Showcased Nathanson's engaging sound, contributing to his growing popularity.
Themes: Ned's live performances· emotional storytelling· intimate acoustic moments
Career context: Released in early 2003, Plus was Matt Nathanson's follow-up to his 2002 album, Still Waiting for Spring. This EP marked an important moment in his career as it showcased Nathanson's ability to connect with audiences through raw, live recordings, further establishing his presence in the folk music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Gavin DeGraw· Jason Mraz· John Mayer