And here we are at long, long last — the first new Matchbox Twenty song since 2007′s Exile on Mainstream EP (remember “How Far We’ve Come“?), as well as the lead single from the Rob Thomas-led group’s first full-length album since 2002′s More Than You Think You Are, one of my favorite LPs ever. Matchbox Twenty was my first musical obsession, and it is indescribably joyful to hear them back in action.
“She’s So Mean” is a summer pop-rock single straight from the ’90s. Not ’90s MB20, mind you — this doesn’t sound a damn thing like “Push.” But it’s full of attitude, a danceable guitar riff, and lyrics about a girl who’s both “a hot, hot mess” and “a one way ticket.” It’s certainly not Matchbox Twenty’s most insightful or most well-written song, but it’s the most fun they’ve had since “So Sad So Lonely.” North is out on September 4. Thanks to AOL for the stream!