Matt Nathanson's latest release Still Waiting for Spring masterfully mixes youthful pop exuberance with singer/songwriter maturity. While Nathanson provides the acoustic styling on the album via his trademark 12-string guitar, a majority of the electric guitar, mandolin, and pedal steel came courtesy of David Immerglück of the Counting Crows. This collaboration proves fruitful, spawning the instantly likeable "Wings," the playful but driven "Lucky Boy," and the pop anthem "Answering Machine." Nathanson often hides his despondent lyrics regarding the heartache of unhealthy relationships behind the upbeat nature of his music. However, he does open up and unveil his soulful side with "Everything You Say Sounds Like Gospel," and delivers a striking duet with Ellen Turner on the standout ballad "Loud." He closes the record with "Little Victories," an acoustic ditty accentuated by the cello playing of Matt Fish, that lets us know that it's the little things in life that matter. Still Waiting for Spring compiles a palatable collection of songs that plays well against any backdrop, and is a must for anyone who delights in the music of Howie Day, O.A.R., or Jason Mraz.