The familiar poppy/alternative rock sound of Rob Thomas’ new sophomore album explodes with uplifting love songs, slap-in-the-face reality comparisons and the infamous twangy yet upbeat, bad-haircut-but-can-sing Rob Thomas sound. Thomas’ smooth crooning brings something new to the table for Thomas and Matchbox 20 fans.
The opening track, “Her Diamonds,” has an instrumental composition with an almost gospel-choir sound toward the end of the track.
The track “Gasoline” is a bit bland and doesn’t have much to set it apart from the other songs.
However, the catchy “Give Me the Meltdown” adds variety to the tempo and basics of the album.
The electric guitar presence in the tune “Real World 09” and the foot-tapping tempo puts a great twist on Matchbox’s “Real World” from the band’s album “Yourself or Someone Like You.” Thomas does a great job of taking an old-school Matchbox 20 hit song, remaking it and turning it into something fresh and new.
The use of back-up vocals and choirs is incredible throughout the album and adds depth to the sound. The power of the African drums, acoustic guitars and other world percussion instruments makes for a set of tunes that is easy listening.
Lyrically, the album feels close to Matchbox 20’s Top 40 and play-it-safe stanzas. Luckily, Thomas is a great writer and manages to put out great songs for both projects even if they do sound somewhat similar.
Thomas might play it safe, but his vocal talent shows up in “Cradlesong.”
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