A gem of a solo album by Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas (Something To Be - Rob Thomas)

Member Name: nixtee

Product:	Something To Be - Rob Thomas
Date:	01/08/08 (53 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great mix of songs, emotional lyrics, talented singer

Disadvantages: Don't expect this to be a Matchbox Twenty sounding album, although a couple of songs do hint of MB20

You may not have heard of Rob Thomas, but I'm sure you'll have heard his music somewhere along the line.

Rob Thomas is the lead singer/songwriter of American rock band Matchbox Twenty and before that he was in a band called Tabitha's Secret. Matchbox Twenty are big in America, but they haven't quite made the same impact on the UK, despite playing to sell-out audiences in Arenas across the country.

A Rob Thomas song that I'm sure you will have heard on the radio is "Smooth" by Santana. Released in 1999, Rob co-wrote and sang on Carlos Santana's triple-platinum hit (found on Santana's "Supernatural" album).

Another Rob Thomas song you might of heard is "Little Wonders" from the "Meet The Robinsons" (2007) soundtrack.

Now, on to Rob's 2005 solo album "Something To Be"...

This Is How A Heart Beaks - The album opens with this fast paced song. In fact, even in the video for this song, Rob Thomas is running, keeping pace with the track. You can sense the frustration. It was the 2nd single from the album.

Lonely No More - The 1st single from this album and one of my favourite songs. I love the video too... Just watch Rob's hips swing!

Ever The Same - A slower song than the 1st two. It's a bit of a sad song, but, as with all of Rob's songs, you can hear his emotion in his work. I can almost hear a bit of a Matchbox Twenty sound in this song.

I Am An Illusion - A completely different sound to the other songs, in my view. It sounds a bit angry and a bit confused.

When The Heartache Ends - A beautiful slow love song.

Something To Be - The title track of the album. Edging back to Matchbox Twenty's sound. The lyrics are harder than the previous songs.

All That I Am - A song that starts out quiet, but builds up momentum. It's a little haunting.

Problem Girl - An uplifting song.

Falling To Pieces - A bit of a country song, with a hint of Elvis, if you ask me!

My, My, My - Another slow song, the song builds as it goes on.

Streetcorner Symphony - It's one that'll get you singing along... A vey summery song. It'll make you feel uplifted.

Now Comes The Night - Rob and a piano (I love the sound of a piano). A sad ballad.

The album is more pop than rock and is a change from Matchbox Twenty's rock sound. I'm a big fan of Matchbox Twenty and of Rob Thomas as a solo artist. I love this album and had it in my car CD player for months after it was released! It's still one of my favourite albums. Why not take a look on YouTube or somewhere and have a listen to some of the songs, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Summary: Something to be listening to!