Matthews and company had been test-driving the songs "If Only," "Gaucho," "Sweet" and standout ballad "Mercy" live in concerts, prior to tracking them for Away From The World. Aside from second song “Belly Belly Nice” recalling the propulsive funk of “Ants Marching,” “Broken Things” opens to reveal that this is hardly a 1990s throwback album or nostalgic trip. The slow burning soul groove of “If Only” stands out like a Memphis barbecue in Virginia.