Billboard Magazine, 10/4/86
RECOMMENDED
Auspicious Columbia debut outing for singer/instrumentalist Sweet benefits
from multiple producer approach. Material is pleasantly upbeat pop fare.
Highlights are Alan Tarney-produced "Save Time For Me" - a Sweet-Jules
Shear composition released as first single--and two cuts with Stephen Hague
at knobs.
CMJ Music Report
Talk about playing with a full house! For his solo debut, ex-Buzz Of Delight man Matthew Sweet has pulled together a stellar team of New Music All-stars. Among those sitting in the producer's chair are David Kahne (Bangles, Translator), Don Dixon (R.E.M.), Alan Tarney (A-Ha, Dream Academy), Steven Hague (OMD, Pet Shop Boys), Francois Kevorkian (Kraftwerk, Midnight Oil) and Dave Allen (The Cure, Human League). Providing the musical background are Anton Fier, John McGeoch, Aimee Mann, Fred Maher, Bernie Worell, Debbie & Susan Peterson, Valerie Simpson, Jody Harris and many others. Together they concoct a likeable brew of buoyant modern pop that suitably complements Matthew's winning, gentle vocals. With such distinctive and strong presences working behind him, you'd expect Matthew's music to have more oomph than it does-though they're not going to set any rockers on fire, Inside's 11 tracks are choice radio material, with many potential hits among them. First on your airplay launching pad should be "Catch Your Breath," "Blue Fools," "This Above All," and the initial single release, "Save Time For Me."