Bigger and bolder – two words that best describe Matchbox Twenty’s latest album, “Mad Season.” The band’s sound has definitely matured since their previous album, “Yourself or Someone Like You.” The addition of a horn and string section provides for a sound that brings Matchbox Twenty to the next level of music production. No longer do they sound reminiscent of the many bands before them; instead they are beginning to form their own sound – a sound that combines characteristics of their earlier work with more enthusiasm and a hint of the “Big Band” style.This new sound conveys the meaning of the songs with more than just the lyrics. It uses the music to support the feeling of the song, so basically it’s not just background noise. “Bent,” the album’s first single, has been all over the airwaves and is a great representation of what the rest of the album has to offer. Not all of the tracks sound similar to “Bent,” but the style is the same, so if you like “Bent” you will most likely enjoy the entire album.The lyrics of the songs, most of which were written by lead singer Rob Thomas, are what make the album bolder. The lyrics offer the same deep meaning as before, but now the meaning is more obvious. So, if it’s a powerful statement you were looking for, Matchbox Twenty’s got one for you.The songs also offer a variety of styles from loud and powerful, like the songs “Crutch” and the title track “Mad Season” to soft and heartbreaking like “If You’re Gone.” But more than that, the songs offer variety within themselves. Tempos change often along with the rhythm and the intensity of the words. The soft and sad “Last Beautiful Girl” lets Thomas express his feelings of losing his girl. “Crutch” is sure to be a hit, with its R & B sound that isn’t expected of the band.One of the major additions to the newest album is the amount of backup vocals used in the songs. This element was basically absent from the previous album. Also there is a lot of orchestral accompaniment with the new sound. The song “If You’re Gone” uses orchestral instruments, which gives Matchbox Twenty the sound of an experienced veteran band. But it’s not just that one song that makes use of this sound; the entire album does the same and as a result, Matchbox Twenty produces a much more dynamic album – one that should result in many people taking new interest in the band. “Mad Season” is the type of album that gets better every time you hear it and is sure to be the same great success, as was the previous album. Matchbox Twenty has definitely grown together as a band and has proven itself worthy of praise. It’s now certain that this band is here to stay. Overall, “Mad Season” is an excellent album. It’s a sure winner with all Matchbox Twenty fans but will also pleasantly surprise everyone else. Be sure to catch Matchbox Twenty at the Schottenstein Center tommorow night.