Album Review: Dave Matthews Band – Come Tomorrow

Article by Andrés Alvarado

At some point in time a wise human accurately stated that what makes us happy are the little things. I’ll circle around to this sentence later on. For now, happy FriYAY, it’s a Dave Matthews Band album release Friday, so indeed, YAY! Come Tomorrow is the ninth chapter in the storied career of these jam-band Virginia legends, and the first offering since 2012’s Away From The World. Clocking in at roughly 55 minutes, this LP arrives at a time of need for balance and soothing simplistic stories that drift us away from the feather ruffling of everyday Hollywood and politics. Not that there is anything simple about Dave Matthews and his mates, but their complex sound does calm and bring smiles to those willing to delve in.

As previously stated, little things. It figures as we get older, people tend to find joy in everyday occurrences. Let’s not talk about government or our divided neighbors, let’s shy away from the music industry beefs and the unfair turbulence caused by the rich few. These topics have their importance, of course, but sometimes we just need a break. That is where Dave Matthews and the gang’s new offering chimes in. Come Tomorrow is a record about the simple things. Relatable material. In a world that’s taken a turn to Kafkaesque settings, Dave Matthews is another voice reminding us that maybe we could take a step back and enjoy – say it with me – the little things.

Album opener “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin),” titled after a sub-par film released in 1991 with a cool title, is a drums-n-guitar driven power-ballad focused on the hopeful purity that overtakes us when a newborn arrives. By contrast, “Do You Remember” is an upbeat swanky mix of playful strings and horns that reflects on our time on this fickle Earth and what love is supposed to look like. Namesake “Come Tomorrow” is a mid-paced tune of both optimism and acquiesce. Croons Matthews “An old man spat and cursed as he spoke // It’s all going to hell and the whole world is broken // The little kid is busy making plans // To save the whole world // Along with that old man,” to a future generation that takes the reins and looks to fix our past missteps – at least that is the plan.

Material from yesteryear shines through on Come Tomorrow as well. The late great Mr. LeRoi Moore‘s notorious horns make a cameo on straight-out-of-the-vault anthems “Can’t Stop” and “Idea of You.” Rounding out the stronger core are the funky soul trappings of “Again and Again” and the longing tales of childhood on the maturely suave “Virginia In The Rain.” Nonetheless, the spectacular apotheosis within Come Tomorrow rests in the unlikely “That Girl Is You.” A tune detailing a casual meet cute that plays simple enough by tune, but is high and mighty through a seldom used gritty-falsetto from Matthews. This is Dave like you have never heard him before – and it is refreshing.

Overall, Come Tomorrow is a sane and vulnerable album. No outlandish statements are made and much of the material comes across as organic and synced. Per usual, Rashawn, Stefan, Carter, and the rest of the gang play it tight, play it right, and create beauty within the elation of sheer musicianship. There are no auto-tunes or computerized gimmicks of enhancement. Come Tomorrow is just a bunch of gifted artists making simple themed jams in a world looking to save itself, from itself. You know, the little things. Cheers!

Score: 7/10 — Key Tracks: “That Girl Is You,” “Do You Remember,” and “Again and Again.”