There was little to expect from power pop ’90s rocker Matthew Sweet coming into this year: He was living in a new home for the first time in 20 years, suffering from writer’s block, six years removed from his last album and mourning the sudden passing of his mother. Yet, here is Tomorrow Forever.

Sweet has always been known for his thick and fuzzy guitar sounds that made songs like “Girlfriend” and “Sick of Myself” ’90s hits that live on today. When at the top of his craft, Sweet is like a Sour Patch kid: His guitars give us the sour, distorted punch-in-the-face riffs, which would soon turn sweet with his harmonies and poppy choruses.

The first single on Tomorrow Forever, “Trick,” catches you from the first fuzzy garage band riff. The first 30 seconds is magic as the guitar jumps at you before giving way to Sweet’s vocals, asking us if everything is just a trick in our mind. This is Matthew Sweet at his best. This song will fit right into his catalog of hits.

Many of the songs throughout the album are enjoyable, yet don’t stand out as hits on their own. On “You Knew Me,” Sweet goes to a familiar alt-country area with a twangy variation from the guitar playing for which he’s known. “Bittersweet” shows Sweet’s relatability through his lyrics, showing that everyone is a little confused. “Circle” taps into some hopefulness and some great solo guitar work. “Haunted” gives us a little feel of the mopey love songs from his classic albums.

“Of the Farm,” is another stand-out track that has success in ways Sweet hasn’t delved as deep into on past albums. There is a darkness and anger to the music, yet his harmonies bring sweetness back to the song.

Tomorrow Forever, as an album, has a softer feel than many of Sweet’s past albums. It also lacks a little of their continuity, but overall, this will be well-received. For Sweet’s fans, the album is full of high points, but none higher than “Trick.” The best thing about the album is getting to hear Sweet’s signature guitar work after such a long hiatus.

Follow reporter Shane Johnson at Twitter.com/shanejohnson14 and Instagram.com/thehurra.