Cradlesong Music

Rob Thomas Cradlesong

3/14/2010

I love Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20. I also own his previous CD and love that one, too. I would definitely recommend it.

Addicted

3/4/2010

Rob Thomas is so much better alone than with Matchbox 20, his music is deep and you just can't get enough every time you listen, it makes you want more...He is truely talented with such passion for what he does and it shows in his music, listen clearly to the words and feel the power of his music. He has got my attention!

Poor Rob

2/25/2010

I love Rob Thomas but this album was NOT good. Sorry Rob! I <3 you forever, but you gotta do better than this!!!

Is Thomas losing his edge?

2/1/2010

Sometimes you have to start a negative review by validating your opinions: I'm a big Rob Thomas fan. I got hooked on day one with Push by Matchbox Twenty, and have followed his tidal wave of awesome music ever since. Songs like "Rest Stop" have inspired some of my own music as a musician and performer, and have even had the opportunity to perform some of his songs during my stint in college a capella. I believe Rob is one of the greatest songwriters of our era.

This is why Cradlesong seems such a let-down to me. Gone are the dark tones of his music - like Push, Rest Stop, Leave, Bent - all of which are replaced by disjointed pep songs. The tracks seem to range from oddly optimistic to borderline silly. Don't mistake me - I'm not a fan of slit-your-wrist music - but I like songs that inspire you to think, not just clap your hands or bob your head a little.

In fact, many of his songs seem to resort to uncreative phrases which are repeated over-and-over again in lieu of a full-fledged chorus. It's almost like Rob just ran out of ideas on this one, or was maybe just too lazy to put in any real effort. I find myself skipping forward to the next track, skipping the last 30 seconds of a repeating sentence. It actually starts to grate on your nerves a little.

Also gone are the AWESOME undertones that often existed in so much music by Matchbox Twenty. Now, I get it - this is a solo album. But MB20 always had these little riffs behind the verses and choruses - stuff that sometimes you'd only pick up in a pair of quality headphones - and it's just gone here. Most of it is synthesized audio that's just copied-and-pasted along each track, and - well again - it fails to inspire.

You're better than this, Rob - I know you are. You're older tracks took me places in my mind and heart that changed me - brought me out a different person. This stuff is just pandering - it's kiddie music - and I have to admit I'm a little ashamed in you.

Much better without Matchbox 20

1/28/2010

I've got 2 Matchbox 20 CDs, but have to admit I haven't listened to them in a while. Bought "Cradlesong" after hearing "Someday" on the radio and then seeing the video on YouTube.

I like all the tracks on this CD. None of them are too heavy or too light, though I suspect there may be some people who really like Matchbox 20 and will think this is way too light. There's a sensitivity in his voice and in the lyrics which I don't think I ever noticed in Matchbox 20, and that's what I really like about this CD.

If you're not sure about buying it, I'd check out "Someday" and "Her Diamonds" on YouTube. If those aren't to your liking, then the CD's probably not for you. But if you like those 2 tracks, I suspect you'll like the whole CD.