There is a number of artists that work in the quite complex area of what many call sophisticated pop, without getting the attention or acclaim they really deserve.
Why the mention of complexity? Because working within the often limiting constraints of a pop song requires serious musical knowledge and capability to make those songs work, as well as some serious playing capabilities to come up with a properly finished song that can resonate with the listeners. If you try and add elements from different genres, that makes your effort even harder.
Austin Texas-based composer, guitarist, vocalist, studio producer and engineer Matt Smith is one such artist, and all his capabilities are amply shown on his new release with his rejuvenated band World, titled Into The Light.
It is a set of truly sophisticated pop, covering a wide ground from soul, R&B, to jazz and (not so simple) rock. Sure, there is a score of such releases around, but this one has such an acute melodic sense and is executed by Smith and his collaborators almost to perfection (or right there), that the listener is left only with the option to enjoy.
