More than a decade after their album North debuted, Matchbox Twenty is finally delivering something fans have long asked for: a digital release of the album’s hard-to-find bonus material. The band has teamed with Rhino Records to issue The North (B-Sides), a five-song EP that gathers tracks previously scattered across deluxe and international editions — now available together worldwide on streaming platforms for the first time.
Announcing the news on Instagram, the group wrote, “The lost North sessions, finally in one place. We’re bringing 5 tracks together tomorrow … available on all streaming platforms for the very first time”
In a recent teaser clip, frontman Rob Thomas reflected on the evolution of B-sides, recalling when the term referred to the flip side of a vinyl single. Addressing a concert crowd, he explained, “Now a B-side means something that didn’t make your record. You put out a record, you only have so much space on it, and you have all these little songs, your little children that are homeless out in the world and don’t really get a lot of love.”
The collection features “Don’t Wanna Be Loved,” “Waiting on a Train,” “I Believe in Everything,” “Help Me Through This” and “Straight For This Life.” While not truly “lost,” the songs had only appeared as exclusives on select retail versions, including a deluxe edition, a Target-only release and an international pressing. Until now, the five tracks had never been available together — or on streaming services.
Originally released in 2012, North marked a major milestone as the band’s first album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Matchbox Twenty has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide with hits including “Push,” “3 AM,” “Real World,” “Back 2 Good,” “Bent,” “If You’re Gone,” “Unwell,” and “How Far We’ve Come.”
Later this year, Matchbox Twenty will mark the 30th anniversary of Yourself or Someone Like You, with more details expected soon.
Stream ‘Matchbox Twenty – The North B-Sides’ – HERE.
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