Matthew Sweet — Girlfriend
Album: GirlfriendAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1274
Length: 3:38
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I wanna love somebody
I hear you need somebody to love
Oh, I wanna love somebody
I hear you're looking for someone to love
'Cause you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend
And I need to
Get back in the arms of a girlfriend
I didn't know nobody
And then I saw you coming my way
Well, I didn't know nobody
And then I saw you coming my way
Don't you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend?
Oh, 'cause, honey, believe me
I'd sure love to call you my girlfriend
Ooh (1, 2, 3, 4)
All right
Don't you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend?
Oh, 'cause, honey, believe me
I'd sure love to call you my girlfriend
'Cause you got a good thing going, baby
You only need somebody to love
Oh, you've got a good thing going
You're only looking for someone to love
'Cause you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend
And I'm never gonna set you free
No, I'm never gonna set you free
I hear you need somebody to love
Oh, I wanna love somebody
I hear you're looking for someone to love
'Cause you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend
And I need to
Get back in the arms of a girlfriend
I didn't know nobody
And then I saw you coming my way
Well, I didn't know nobody
And then I saw you coming my way
Don't you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend?
Oh, 'cause, honey, believe me
I'd sure love to call you my girlfriend
Ooh (1, 2, 3, 4)
All right
Don't you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend?
Oh, 'cause, honey, believe me
I'd sure love to call you my girlfriend
'Cause you got a good thing going, baby
You only need somebody to love
Oh, you've got a good thing going
You're only looking for someone to love
'Cause you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend
And I'm never gonna set you free
No, I'm never gonna set you free
Comments (142)add comment
GOOD TUNE! Thanx RP! 
insta 10. same for the entire record.
great live, also.
great live, also.
I remember seeing Matthew Sweet in concert in July 1995 on his 100% Fun tour, at Hampton Casino in NH. After enjoying Girlfriend, Altered Beast, and 100% Fun, it was beyond due to check him out. Also, I was under 18, and needed to be "accompanied". If I recall correctly, he went directly (little pause) from "Girlfriend" into "Sick of Myself." Both were great moments separately, together sublime. Oh yeah, and thanks Mom for accompanying!
A definite classic with a bit of that 1970s good time rock & roll influence.
cely wrote:
Go to Reddit and check out /r/audioengineering. There's some smart people in there interested in that stuff. Pretty fascinating discussions if you're into music and audio gear.
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for. It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously. It could never be reproduced on a stage. I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it. Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
Go to Reddit and check out /r/audioengineering. There's some smart people in there interested in that stuff. Pretty fascinating discussions if you're into music and audio gear.
Love this song. Instant 10.
1991. Didn't suck.
Robert Quine RIP
Volume up. Pedal down.
Excellent!
alltherightnotes wrote:
It's chaotically great!
There is something of the Jack Black about the guitar solo... Up for grabs as to whether that's a good thing or no...
It's chaotically great!
MS had great taste in lead guitarists: Robert Quine & Richard Lloyd!
There is something of the Jack Black about the guitar solo... Up for grabs as to whether that's a good thing or no...
Jelani wrote:
Right. That's why we never see scantily clad women on T.V. or in movies that supposedly controlled by "lefty progressives" What nonsense.
These days this kind of talk will get you cancelled, arrested,and/or persecuted by the lefty progressives.
Right. That's why we never see scantily clad women on T.V. or in movies that supposedly controlled by "lefty progressives" What nonsense.
These days this kind of talk will get you cancelled, arrested,and/or persecuted by the lefty progressives.
Pretty much a Jefferson Airplane rip-off!
This song is fucking awesome.
EVERYTHING about it is fucking awesome. The intro riff, the lyrics, the chorus, the riff at the end, the psycho stalker lyrics at the end, everything. Also an amazing video back when you had to find them on 120 Minutes on MTV. A very rare "10" from me.
EVERYTHING about it is fucking awesome. The intro riff, the lyrics, the chorus, the riff at the end, the psycho stalker lyrics at the end, everything. Also an amazing video back when you had to find them on 120 Minutes on MTV. A very rare "10" from me.
cely wrote:
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for. It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously. It could never be reproduced on a stage. I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it. Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
I always thought he sounded "garage band" like. But more technically skilled, of course. I love it. beearraydee wrote:
Likely a product of the loudness wars.
Since this was released in 1991, the Loudness Wars hadn't started yet. It's just the style of production they were going for. I like it: the bass just oozes through everything in a delightful kind of way.
Likely a product of the loudness wars.
Since this was released in 1991, the Loudness Wars hadn't started yet. It's just the style of production they were going for. I like it: the bass just oozes through everything in a delightful kind of way.
cely wrote:
Likely a product of the loudness wars.
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for. It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously. It could never be reproduced on a stage. I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it. Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
Likely a product of the loudness wars.
cannot listen to this song at regular volume and cannot sit still any time I hear it... good rockin song!!
That song went well with all the grunge of the day. Those were good days in Seattle!
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for. It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously. It could never be reproduced on a stage. I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it. Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
New stereo in '91.
This was the first thing I payed on it.
(You may have heard)
This was the first thing I payed on it.
(You may have heard)
The guitar intro ALWAYS grabs me, raises the hair on my arms and neck, and causes me to turn up the volume.
Sounds they listed to a lot of ‘Jet’ a solid Aussie rock band?
Loving the rock mix.......more power pop....how about the dB's?
Great wake up song!
Thanks All
Thanks All
Basic rock drumming, well executed.
Remember vividly hearing Matthew Sweet being introduced early one morning on the PIG by Wild Bill, way back in the early 90’s. Not typical for the Pig, and it was clear then, as it is now that WB had a vision and a taste in music that I’m grateful to get to listen to. So glad I’ve been able to stay connected, and continue to enjoy all this eclectic, wonderful noise he shares.
Love the message. Isn't that what romantic movies are made from?
Grammarcop wrote:
Sashsa:
I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times.
Best wishes.
Sharing an opinion with John Pareles is not something one should be excited about.
Sashsa:
I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times.
Best wishes.
Sharing an opinion with John Pareles is not something one should be excited about.
Was knocked out by this in '91.
Had just got a new stereo and it was first thing I played. Cranked it.
Had just got a new stereo and it was first thing I played. Cranked it.
Sasha2001 wrote:
Wow, you really had to dig up THAT reference, hardly a game changer. It's easy to call anyone a "second-tier songwriter," it's pretty lazy thinking on Pareles' part, and there are a lot of second-tier songwriters who would love to have written an album like Girlfriend.
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/26/arts/pop-review-modesty-becomes-a-songwriter.html
Ah yes, Jon Pareles, the critic who invented the term "mope-rock" back in the 80s to write off bands like The Smiths and The Cure. Interesting to find out that he's ALWAYS been out of touch.
Wow, you really had to dig up THAT reference, hardly a game changer. It's easy to call anyone a "second-tier songwriter," it's pretty lazy thinking on Pareles' part, and there are a lot of second-tier songwriters who would love to have written an album like Girlfriend.
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/26/arts/pop-review-modesty-becomes-a-songwriter.html
Ah yes, Jon Pareles, the critic who invented the term "mope-rock" back in the 80s to write off bands like The Smiths and The Cure. Interesting to find out that he's ALWAYS been out of touch.
Anyone remember the music video for this song? Cool and unique Anime style.
Grammarcop wrote:
Sashsa:
I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times.
Best wishes.
Wow, you really had to dig up THAT reference, hardly a game changer. It's easy to call anyone a "second-tier songwriter," it's pretty lazy thinking on Pareles' part, and there are a lot of second-tier songwriters who would love to have written an album like Girlfriend.
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/26/arts/pop-review-modesty-becomes-a-songwriter.html
Sashsa:
I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times.
Best wishes.
Wow, you really had to dig up THAT reference, hardly a game changer. It's easy to call anyone a "second-tier songwriter," it's pretty lazy thinking on Pareles' part, and there are a lot of second-tier songwriters who would love to have written an album like Girlfriend.
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/26/arts/pop-review-modesty-becomes-a-songwriter.html
Meh ... non-descript pop song. Seems like nothing special
Sounds like late Moon Martin to me: fake, wanna-be rock'n'roll, dated production... Not a PSD, but not great either!
Cynaera wrote:
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
Oooo - Matthew Sweet. This song is just good for the ears (since romeotuma is conspicuously absent lately!) I'm chair-dancing (not to be confused with pole-dancing, which requires a thong, a hot body, and gymnastic moves. Um, and a pole.) 
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
Just a good rockin' song.
Propayne wrote:
Robert Quine and Richard LLoyd - even better.....
Robert Quine.
Very good.
Very good.
Robert Quine and Richard LLoyd - even better.....
Robert Quine.
Very good.
Very good.
martinc wrote:
Tight and great guitar licks ... I don't ask for much more
'Need somebody to love..'? Sounds familiar, not good.
Tight and great guitar licks ... I don't ask for much more
Sasha2001 wrote:
...Who managed to craft a few top-tier songs. You forgot this last part.
Sashsa:
I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times.
Best wishes.
...Who managed to craft a few top-tier songs. You forgot this last part.
Sashsa:
I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times.
Best wishes.
Says 1991 on Amazon - Wow, 21 years - how time flies when you are having fun and listening to RP! 
His KBCO acoustic version is pretty good too.
Awesome guitar, weak lyrics but they would be totally overcome by a stronger blues voice. I am imagining this song with the black crowes singing.
Nice guitar
It was going so well... until he started singing.
i love Matthew Sweet. if you ever get the chance to see him live, do it. such a fun performer.
Boxman wrote:
This and Altered Beast were probably the most 2 played albums of the 90s for me.
Funny this song is probably my least favorite of both albums combined. Still a 7 though.
A fantastic album from beginning to end, but I never would have discovered if not for hearing this song almost 20 years (yikes!) ago.
Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track. Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it. Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end.
Just perfect.
Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast").
Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track. Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it. Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end.
Just perfect. Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast").
This and Altered Beast were probably the most 2 played albums of the 90s for me.
Funny this song is probably my least favorite of both albums combined. Still a 7 though. Platidudesque Rick'n-Rock'n-Rolladoodle
SpamNRice wrote:
OK, OK... make that every 4 years...
Good power-pop every 5 years is quite tolerable 
OK, OK... make that every 4 years...
What you have to ask yourselves is, if this song is so boilerplate, so nuts and bolts rock n' roll, how come there are so few other songs that sound like it?
What ever happened to Matthew? Did he fall off the earth?
Grammarcop wrote:
...Who managed to craft a few top-tier songs.
You forgot this last part.
Matthew Sweet is a second-tier songwriter at best.
...Who managed to craft a few top-tier songs.
You forgot this last part.
Matthew Sweet is a second-tier songwriter at best.
Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
LOVE this tune!!!
Good stuff... Not my favorite of his, but I wouldn't really classify myself as a true fan, so my opinion probably doesn't matter as much... : )
this rox!
Boxman wrote:
too bad Quine and Auerbach never had a chance to do anything together,that would've been something,eh?
A fantastic album from beginning to end, but I never would have discovered if not for hearing this song almost 20 years (yikes!) ago.
Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track. Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it. Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end. Just perfect.
Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast").
Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track. Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it. Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end.
Just perfect. Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast").
too bad Quine and Auerbach never had a chance to do anything together,that would've been something,eh?
Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Can we get a little more redundant please?
Maybe I should send this comment for approval from the office of redundancy office?
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
Can we get a little more redundant please?
Maybe I should send this comment for approval from the office of redundancy office?
I bought this album when it came out,and my friends were like, 'dude this sounds like a friggin' garage band!"
That's what I love about it; it sounds raw and un-messed with - but good!
That's what I love about it; it sounds raw and un-messed with - but good!
8 -> 9 I love me some Matthew Sweet! I remember the brief moment around '93–'94 when stuff like this was getting major airplay.
Would love to hear more MS on RP – maybe 'superdeformed'?
Would love to hear more MS on RP – maybe 'superdeformed'?
A fantastic album from beginning to end, but I never would have discovered if not for hearing this song almost 20 years (yikes!) ago.
Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track. Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it. Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end. Just perfect.
Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast").
Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track. Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it. Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end.
Just perfect. Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast").
Any song with a drum solo/break deserves at least a 9! 
Cynaera wrote:
Oooo - Matthew Sweet. This song is just good for the ears (since romeotuma is conspicuously absent lately!) I'm chair-dancing (not to be confused with pole-dancing, which requires a thong, a hot body, and gymnastic moves. Um, and a pole.)
I miss hearing Matthew Sweet.
Great album that holds up today. 
Some songs just exist to rock and sound good. Remember first seeing the anime' video for this and thinkin' how cool it was.
Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Those who can, do.
Those who can't, teach.
Those who can't do or teach become critics.
Guessing you're a critic.
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
Those who can, do.
Those who can't, teach.
Those who can't do or teach become critics.
Guessing you're a critic.
Oooo - Matthew Sweet. This song is just good for the ears (since romeotuma is conspicuously absent lately!) I'm chair-dancing (not to be confused with pole-dancing, which requires a thong, a hot body, and gymnastic moves. Um, and a pole.)
Hannio wrote:
Gotta agree. Hannio's comment is a pre-packaged non-original comment like so many other sheep such color...
Gotta agree.
Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Gotta agree.
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
Gotta agree.
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
kicks ass
Great power pop! Love the urgency in the background vocals, and the percussion fill. Better LOUD! Great album too.
velvetglove wrote:
Yeah — I like that one too! Great idea!
Hey, Bill. Can you add I've Been Waiting from this album? Pretty please?
Yeah — I like that one too! Great idea!
Brings me back to sophomore year in college. I used to play a dubbed copy of this album incessantly on cassette — remember those?
out_to_lunch wrote:
Yeah, Tuesday Weld; she was adorable. Great song too.
I love that photo he used for the cover. Great song
Yeah, Tuesday Weld; she was adorable. Great song too.
Nice to hear this. I like a couple of other songs on the album better but Girlfriend deserves some airplay. I bought this album based on some Amazon reviews (not always a good idea) and was pleased about how good the whole album is.
Hey, Bill. Can you add I've Been Waiting from this album? Pretty please?
Most excellent CD!
Lovely song - brilliant guitar!
The prototype for a GREAT pop song. On the right day that's a fine thing.
what a great album!
Bleh.
ALive wrote:
I keep thinking Guitar Hero 2.
This was on Guitar Hero II??
MUST. GET. GUITAR. HERO. II!!!!!
I keep thinking Guitar Hero 2.
99 wrote:
This song is 100% fun.
Ha ha, this song was 100% fun!
Good power-pop every 5 years is quite tolerable
I couldn't imagine listening to this song very often. Ok on rotation, but bah, not really that good.
average smaverage
I've always loved this one. Heard it for the first time when I was about 20 and was very impressed with this Matthew Sweet guy, whoever he was. I bought and enjoyed his next couple of albums as well but have since lost track of him. I think there are a handful of other songs that would fit nicely in the RP rotation.
This song is 100% fun.
Sweet has some simply GREAT pop-rock classics.
Some of the best (e.g. this and "Sick of Myself") get played a lot but it's still nice to hear.
THE perfect alternative pop song. Possibly the greatest BREAK ever as well... !!!
haha, definitely one of the best albums of all time, and a great song, and yup, great album cover too, so simple yet so niiiiice.
he's got a good thing goin' you know
Great combination of pop sensibility and guitar rock!!!
Fun tune. Haven't heard it ages.
serinde wrote:
Finally, someone who really "gets" me...
98% on Medium! And that's without using Star Power!
Finally, someone who really "gets" me...
I love that photo he used for the cover. Great song
diggin it
Little pop gem. Good work resurrecting it!
98% on Medium! And that's without using Star Power!
It was only rejected 3 times before being accepted! Maybe someone finally is starting to like MS...
makes me wanna play some more Guitar Hero II
Hmmm this tracks starts out all right-I thought it was Hendrix at first but it turned into some awful pop schmultz. What an awful song.
Love It! Haven't heard it in years.
I had a promo disc with the demo of this. It was acoustic and was titled "Good Friend." Matthew told me he changed it because it's more sexy this way.
This song has it all:
Great guitat solo, fantastic pop sensibility, beautiful melody, uplifting lyrics, etc.
About time! I think this has been uploaded more than once before finally making The Show. Excellent tune.
This whole album had pop magic on every track. And then...I didn't like anything else he put out until very recently. The 60's covers he does with Susanna Hoffs are wonderfully produced. Bill would be doing us all a great turn by playing Run To Me, the Bee Gees' track that ends their disc.
Interesting cover. Looks like she has horns coming out of her head! Hmmm? 
I loved the music video for this song, It had anime in it.
Rickvee wrote:
As I recall its Tuesday Weld.
I think you are correct, on a Wednesday...:)
This whole lp ROCKS! The first 3 songs kill it. Divine Intervention and I've Been Waiting. followed by this one. Richard Lloyd on lead guitar smokes!!!