Is Some Mad Hope a good place to start with Matt Nathanson?

Yes, Some Mad Hope is recommended as a starting point for new Matt Nathanson listeners. A blend of introspective lyrics and acoustic melodies that evoke a sense of yearning and emotional vulnerability. Released in January 2007, Some Mad Hope was Matt Nathanson's fifth studio album and marked his first major breakthrough. Following years of independent releases, this album brought him wider recognition, particularly with the hit single 'Come On Get Higher', which significantly boosted his profile in the folk music scene.

Who is Some Mad Hope for?

Some Mad Hope works well if you're into steady mid-tempo flow, introspective late-night listening and heartfelt acoustic moments.

How many songs are on Some Mad Hope?

Some Mad Hope has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Some Mad Hope

Matt Nathanson · 2007

43 min · 12 tracks · folk music

A blend of introspective lyrics and acoustic melodies that evoke a sense of yearning and emotional vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Come On Get Higher Start here — This track became Nathanson's breakout single, showcasing his ability to blend catchy melodies with deep emotional resonance. Its commercial success played a pivotal role in elevating his career.
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Wedding Dress — With its poignant storytelling and vivid imagery, this song encapsulates themes of love and longing, becoming a fan favorite and a staple in Nathanson's live performances.
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Bulletproof Weeks — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, illustrating Nathanson's growth as a songwriter and his knack for crafting relatable narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with a mix of tempos and emotional depth, though it follows familiar folk patterns.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks, while the second half transitions into slower, more introspective songs.
Several tracks utilize a consistent acoustic guitar foundation, allowing the vocals to take center stage.

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: 5/10
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 mid-tempo flow
introspective late-night listening
heartfelt acoustic moments
melodic background ambiance
consistent emotional storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Matt Nathanson's first major breakthrough and wider recognition.
Themes: wedding day longing· acoustic heartbreak· intimate storytelling
Career context: Released in January 2007, Some Mad Hope was Matt Nathanson's fifth studio album and marked his first major breakthrough. Following years of independent releases, this album brought him wider recognition, particularly with the hit single 'Come On Get Higher', which significantly boosted his profile in the folk music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Gavin DeGraw· Jason Mraz· John Mayer