What is the best Matt Nathanson album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Some Mad Hope" (2007). It's the most representative of what makes Matt Nathanson worth hearing.

What are the best Matt Nathanson albums?

The essential Matt Nathanson albums include "Please" (1993), "Not Colored Too Perfect" (1998), "Still Waiting for Spring" (1999), "Ernst" (1999) and "When Everything Meant Everything" (2002).

How many albums does Matt Nathanson have?

Matt Nathanson has 26 releases in their discography, including 16 albums and 7 EPs.

Photo: Julio Enriquez · CC BY 2.0

Matt Nathanson

Q: Who is Matt Nathanson for?

If you're into folk, Matt Nathanson is worth your time. With a steady rhythmic pulse, Nathanson’s music balances gentle strumming against poignant lyrics, creating a sense of movement that gently propels listeners through their emotional journeys.

With a steady rhythmic pulse, Nathanson’s music balances gentle strumming against poignant lyrics, creating a sense of movement that gently propels listeners through their emotional journeys.

United States

Read about Matt Nathanson on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Some Mad Hope (2007)

Showcases Nathanson's signature sound with a blend of emotional storytelling and engaging melodies, making it accessible for new listeners.

The song

“Come On Get Higher”

This track features an immediate hook and highlights Nathanson's style, serving as a strong introduction to his music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"I Saw" — from At the Point (2006)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Solace and Pain" — from Please (1993)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Come On Get Higher" — from Some Mad Hope (2007)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Angel" — from Beneath These Fireworks (2003)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Wings" — from Still Waiting for Spring (1999)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Faster" — from Modern Love (2011)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Matt Nathanson

Matt Nathanson matters for his ability to transform the intimacy of folk music into something deeply relatable and emotionally resonant.

His songs serve as a soundtrack for moments of vulnerability, creating a space where listeners can find solace or companionship in shared experiences.

His songs serve as a soundtrack for moments of vulnerability, creating a space where listeners can find solace or companionship in shared experiences. With an engaging stage presence and an authentic connection with his audience, Nathanson invites people into his world, making personal stories feel universal. Nathanson’s approach to songwriting is grounded in storytelling that balances sincerity with a conversational tone. He crafts narratives that often encapsulate both the warmth of nostalgia and the sting of heartbreak, employing imagery that feels both vivid and accessible. This blend allows listeners to immerse themselves in his tales while also reflecting on their own lives, forging a bond through shared emotions. His lyrical themes frequently center around love, longing, and self-discovery, presented through a lens that merges vulnerability with humor. Nathanson's writing often leans toward the impressionistic, painting emotional landscapes rather than following strict narrative arcs. He uses irony to undercut sincerity, adding layers to his reflections on human connection.

16 studio albums· 26 total releases· 3 decades· United States