Dave Matthews Band released its newest album “Away from the World” this past Tuesday. Although the band stays true to its original, jazzy rock on this album, many of the songs showcase a new side. There are mature words of wisdom as Matthews encourages us to have faith in ourselves. The lyrics can be a bit mawkish, but because of the band’s success in keeping with its fresh, unconventional sound and epic instrumentals, the sappy words don’t compromise the album’s brilliance.

The “Away from the World” cover features Matthews’ own artwork, inspired by the theme of loneliness in a new song, “The Riff.” This prog-rockish song starts off somber with soft acoustic guitar and Matthews gently begging “please don’t leave me here, sitting in a box away from the world out there” but becomes hopeful with the classic DMB explosion of blasting horns, electric guitar and violin by the end.

Although bearing new members (saxophonist LeRoi Moore passed away in 2008 and was replaced by Jeff Coffin) and a more mature outlook, the band has kept most of its traditions. It certainly left room for solo instrumentals, setting the stage for its well-known jam-outs in live performances in songs like “Drunken Soldier,” which is the longest song DMB has ever recorded at 9:46. Being both the quietest and the loudest song on the album, it ranges from hard rock to soft jazz. The words aren’t introduced until three minutes in, but it’s worth the wait.

Whether or not you’re a steadfast fan, Dave Matthews will surprise and please you with his new contemplative moods and ingenious sounds in “Away from the World.”