Matthew Sweet's third album is a remarkable artistic breakthrough. Grounded in the guitar pop of
the Beatles,
Big Star,
Byrds,
R.E.M., and
Neil Young,
Girlfriend melds all of
Sweet's influences into one majestic, wrenching sound that encompasses both the gentle country-rock of "Winona" and the winding guitars of the title track and "Divine Intervention."
Sweet's music might have recognizable roots, but
Girlfriend never sounds derivative; thanks to his exceptional songwriting, the album is a fresh, original interpretation of a classic sound. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine