September 26, 2025      —–     Chart #317

Howdy, folks! This week we’re stepping a little outside our usual time capsule and visiting a tune from a slightly younger crowd’s playlist. Now, you all know me: I usually hang my hat somewhere between the ’50s and ’70s, where the chords are familiar and the songs are the soundtrack of my youth. But every once in a while, a newer gem sneaks in that’s just too good to pass up. Enter “3 AM” by Matchbox Twenty.

Written by the band’s frontman Rob Thomas, “3 AM” came out in the late ’90s—1997 to be exact. That’s right, we’re talking about a song that hit the airwaves when my kids were probably rolling their eyes at their dad’s taste in “oldies.” But this one’s a keeper, blending that soulful ‘90s rock vibe with a melody that sticks in your head like a favorite old chorus.

The song was part of Matchbox Twenty’s debut album Yourself or Someone Like You, and it didn’t take long to climb the charts. By the time the dust settled, “3 AM” had become a massive hit, peaking at number one on the US Adult Top 40 and cementing itself as a staple of ‘90s rock.

Now, let’s talk style. Rob Thomas and the gang had a knack for crafting songs that felt both introspective and radio-friendly—a little more modern polish, but still plenty of heart. “3 AM” is a song about late-night worries and looking after someone you love, and it’s got just enough universal truth to resonate with anyone who’s ever been up at an odd hour thinking about life.

So here’s to mixing it up a little! Even if this one came from a different generation’s radio dial, it’s proof that a great song is a great song, no matter the decade. And hey, it never hurts to keep the playlist fresh.

Keep Rockin’,

Stan Bradshaw