Thomas goes successfully solo

When "Lonely No More," the debut single from Matchbox Twenty's lead singer Rob Thomas' first ever solo album hit the airwaves, I wasn't too impressed. In my mind, the song was too teen-pop oriented. Matchbox Twenty was in the rock genre and Thomas' solo movement appeared to moving in the pop/dance direction. The song is unique in that it hints at a Latin sound and the beat is very catchy. Nonetheless, the song skyrocketed up the charts and quickly became top 10 in the Adult Top 40/Hot Adult Contemporary.\nDespite my disappointment with the single, I bought the album Something to Be upon release. As I flipped through the tracks, I was thoroughly impressed with what I heard. The beat was strong, new and filled with a lot of soul. A couple songs, such as "Ever the Same" sounded like Matchbox Twenty, but were still fresh. \nSomething to Be is a great mix of songs including a few ballads that emphasize the smooth sound of Thomas' voice. One of these ballads, "My My My," rhythmically returns to Thomas' first attempts at creating hit songs when he was the vocalist for the band Tabitha's Secret. The song is slow, suave and makes you want to sway along with it. Each track has its own unique mix of notes that create a song you want to listen to over and over again. As mentioned previously, he touches on the Latin style of music in "Lonely No More." He also encompasses an African undertone in "All That I Am" and a little hip-hop, funk feel in the titular song, "Something to Be". \nWhen I hear a song, the first thing I notice is the lyrics. Thomas wrote all his own lyrics and they are genuinely from the heart. You can hear his spirit for music and songwriting in each verse on the CD. \nThe instrumentation is great too. Thomas uses the typical combination of guitar, piano and drums but he strays away from the norm in a few songs where he brings in instruments such as the steel drum, marimba, bells and an orchestral drum ensemble. Perhaps one of the best things about the arrangements are the significant names that assist on it such as Robert Randolph (lap steel guitar on "I Am An Illusion"), John Mayer (guitar on "Streetcorner Symphony") and other guitarists Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), bass guitarist Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem) and drummer Gerald Hayward (Mary J. Blige). Not only does this add to the quality of the sound Thomas produces, but these well known names exemplify the respect the music industry and fellow musicians have for him.\nThomas is the definition of a true musician and in his solo album he really lets it all out and gives his listeners a passionate mix of songs. From "Lonely No More" which appeals to the pop music fans to "Streetcorner Symphony" which is suited for a more mature listening audience, the album has something for everyone.