Roots Music Report

The R&B singer Matell's newest LP, titled Skull: Shadows, was released in October 2025 (or Oct 28, 2025.

Based on typical chart cycles, it is likely that the album is still relevant enough to appear on Amazon's Hot New Releases charts for the week of November 3, 2025. However, a manual check of the specific, real-time Amazon chart would be required for absolute confirmation, as chart positions fluctuate constantly based on sales and popularity 

The album has achieved the following chart placements:  

• Amazon Music Soul Charts: The album reached the No. 1 spot.
• Amazon Music Best Selling House Charts: A specific track from a previous release, "Honest Man," reached No. 2 on this chart.

 The Vinyl and CD versions are available at https://elasticstage.com/matellskullshadows.

The Digital version is available everywhere: Matell

Some critical reviews of Matell's album Skull: Shadows have been published in advance of its October 28, 2025, release date. The reviews highlight the project's unusual mix of classic cover songs and different musical styles, which has generated early positive reception. 

Key takeaways from early reviews

• Positive reception for cover choices and style: Publications such as Tinnitist have covered the album and praised Matell's "new spin on some of your favourite classic pop and rock cuts". The covers encompass a diverse range of genres, including R&B, pop, EDM, and house.
• Specific tracks have been highlighted:
  • An EDM version of Crystal Gayle's "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" and a retro-house version of Andy Gibb's "Shadow Dancing" are mentioned as album highlights.
  • Matell's cover of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" received special attention. It features a new R&B groove and is noted for being one of the rare times Dylan has allowed changes to a composition.
• Unique collaborations noted: Reviews mention a track with DJ Tremolo, a dance-floor remix of Matell's song "Honest Man".
• The album's unique sound is recognized: Some critics acknowledge the album's unconventional blend of different eras and genres, which creates a "darkly claustrophobic, haunting gem" out of classic tracks. 

Overall, the early critical response suggests that the album is an inspired, albeit eclectic, set of cover tunes that has been positively received by critics who have had early access. More reviews are expected following the official release. 

Beyond Matell's cover of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young," several other tracks from the album Skull: Shadows have received critical acclaim for their unexpected and inventive reinterpretations. 

Tracks praised by critics

• "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue": The country-pop classic by Crystal Gayle is transformed into a "striking and surprisingly soulful EDM revamp". The Tinnitist review highlights this as the album's opening track and one of its standout moments.
• "Shadow Dancing": Originally a disco hit by Andy Gibb, Matell reinvents it as a "funky retro-house version" that has been specifically mentioned in reviews for its successful transformation.
• "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much": The Bobby Womack gem is re-imagined as a "moody, mind-expanding slice of psychedelic soul and R&B," and it has been singled out for praise.
• "Is It Still Good To You": Matell takes on the Ashford & Simpson track and, according to critics, transforms it into a "darkly claustrophobic, haunting gem". 

Notable remix track

• "Honest Man": While not a cover, the album features a dance-floor remix of Matell's own song with DJ Tremolo. The song, written for the late pop star Aaron Carter, has received attention for its inclusion and collaboration.

Matell's musical style contributed to the critical acclaim for Skull: Shadows through his talent for reimagining classic tracks across different eras and genres. Critics have praised his ability to transform familiar songs into something new and unexpected, using a varied palette that spans R&B, psychedelic soul, EDM, and house music. 

Inventive and eclectic arrangements

Matell's willingness to experiment with the source material is a defining element of his style. Instead of producing faithful covers, he infuses each track with a new identity, showing a creative range that appeals to modern listeners. 

• Genre-blending: He takes songs from one genre and fully recontextualizes them into another. This is seen in his conversion of Crystal Gayle's country-pop track "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" into a "striking and surprisingly soulful EDM revamp".
• Mood creation: His inventive approach allows him to build unique atmospheres. He transforms the legendary Ashford & Simpson track "Is It Still Good to You" into a "darkly claustrophobic, haunting gem," demonstrating his ability to change a song's entire mood.
• Modern sensibilities: His use of contemporary styles like EDM and house music keeps the album from sounding like a purely retrospective project. Andy Gibb's disco hit "Shadow Dancing" is given a modern twist with a "funky retro-house version".
• Respectful reinterpretation: The critical acclaim for his cover of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" is a testament to his sensitive approach. By securing Dylan's permission to alter the composition, something the folk icon has rarely allowed, Matell showed respect while still adding a smoldering R&B groove and plaintive vocals. 

A diverse and dynamic sonic palette

Unlike artists who might release a covers album with a consistent sound, Matell showcases his dexterity by exploring different sonic landscapes for each track. 

• R&B and Soul: In his cover of Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much," Matell delivers a "moody, mind-expanding slice of psychedelic soul and R&B" that expands on the original's rich roots.
• Lush production: His arrangements are not just about changing the genre but creating a richer, more detailed production. Tracks like "Forever Young" benefit from this, incorporating elements like whistling synthesizers. 

A bold move in a crowded field

Cover albums are a well-worn staple in the music industry. By demonstrating such creative range and taking bold risks with beloved classics, Matell sets himself apart. Critics recognized this fearlessness and praised the inspired nature of the project, highlighting his ability to surprise listeners by making each track his own.