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Post by marv1978 on Jun 16, 2009 16:42:57 GMT -5
I have listened to the vh1 rhaspody leaks over and over and i have come to the conclusion this cd could be through the stratosphere and a Born In The USA or Thriller of our generation. I hear Mockingbird,Wonderful,Someday,Real World '09,Give Me The Meltdown and Snowblind all as #1 hits on Hot AC top 3 at worst and big on chr too. I think "Hard On You" could be a hit too and "fire on the mountain" could be a rock hit and hot ac. I think the cd at worst deserves 7 singles..anyone else hear what i'm hearing. "wonderful" & "mckingbird" are what i think 2 classics and arguably rob's best work to date! i'm excited
This is what i would do if i were in charge of promotion and radio choices lol
"Her Diamonds" already a hit so on to #2 #2 "Give Me The Meltdown" #3 "Mockingbird" #4 "Wonderful" #5 "Someday" #6 "Real World '09" #7 "Snowblind"
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 16, 2009 16:53:46 GMT -5
I'm listening right now. By far, Rob's best work. By far! No comparisons to his first album or the previous MB20 albums. I'm kind of at a loss for words.
Strangely enough Her Diamonds for me is the weakest track and it's a very, very good song. This is a complete album and Rob deserves some major props (and awards) for this album. It's album of the year material without a doubt. I would put it up against U2, Kayne, or Green Day anyday. Rob's been saying that his first album was about the beats and this album is about the heart. I get that. And it's about the heart without being an album with a bunch of ballads. Definitely has much more of a rock/alternative vibe (Gasoline sounds Devoish), Natural (love that one - haunting rock vibe and LOVE those change ups near the end of the song), and Real World 09 (punk/pop rock), Wonderful (a rocker with horns).
Fire On The Mountain sounds ABSOLUTELY like nothing he has done before. Best song to me on the first full listen through the album but they are all very, very good.
Oh, and did I mention the singing. Rob definitely does not get the credit for being the great singer that he is. He may not have the rock star range but its all in his tone and delivery.
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 16, 2009 18:43:54 GMT -5
This is the cutest thing ever. Check out Rob's new Rhapsody commercial. There's suppose to be 54 references to Rob (i.e., the big green teddy bear from the Unwell video). Pretty good picture of Rob at the end, too. :o www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlreUecvnjY
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 16, 2009 21:36:41 GMT -5
Marv, what about Cradlesong? That mayy be my favorite (today!). There's just something special about that one. It has an acoustic feel but then it kind of rocks, too. Quite frankly, this song isn't as produced as most Rob/MB20 songs and may sound really, really fresh for him on the radio. I think that's why I would not go with Someday next. It's a great song but kind of sounds like the songs he has been releasing more than some of the other choices on the album. I may have to join twitter and advise Rob against that song for now. ;) LOL!
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Gravity.
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Post by Gravity. on Jun 17, 2009 11:04:02 GMT -5
I will have to listen to this later, based upon everyone else's opinions.
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Kai
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Post by Kai on Jun 17, 2009 19:52:06 GMT -5
The best record of the year - hands down. And yeah, I know the year ain't half over, but I've just listened to this about 4 times today and I am absolutely blown away. Like someone above said, Her Diamonds is probably one of the weakest tunes on the album and it's a great song. I've been a Rob Thomas fan since his days with TS in Florida and I feel like everything he has ever done has led to this CD. I know that's kind of an obvious cliche, but he's taken all his musical lessons learned and just friggin' brings it. I can't even decide which ones I'd release as a single - there's just so many potential hits if radio would just play the damn things and not worry about trying to squeeze them into some neat little playlist box.
The overall tone of the album is harder and edgier than I expected, but with Thomas's empathetic and passionate sensibility and his wry sense of humor keeping it real. Genius record, simply genius.
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 17, 2009 23:20:35 GMT -5
Cradlesong, Cradlesong, Cradlesong...simply Rob's best song ever. Strong SOTY contender in 2010.
And I can't say enough about Natural. Wow!
Kai - I feel the same way that you do. You know when you've been a fan of someone for a long time and you've seen them get dragged down in print time and time again you start to feel bad for them. This album may help put behind him comments from people that say his music is too ordinary, too middle of the road, too beige (isn't that what The Onion said about him?). It's only music for soccer moms, etc, etc. I don't think these songs fit those labels at all.
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Post by singingsparrow on Jun 17, 2009 23:29:40 GMT -5
While I was impressed by "...Something To Be", particularly by Thomas' maturity as a lyricist and his incorporation of unconventional instruments into some songs (especially in "All That I Am"), I said four years ago after its release that my only real criticism of the album was that it gravitated a bit too much toward the Adult Contemporary realm of his songwriting style and, aside from "I Am An Illusion" and the title track primarily, Matt Serletic left the album sounding too familiar to "Mad Season"-era matchbox twenty when it came to song structure and production style.
"Cradlesong" is a superior sophomore record in that Serletic allows more of Thomas' edge to come out musically while also making it sound listenable to serviceable to his staple formats. Moreover, while this album indeed has more lyrical depth and heart, the melodies and the juggling of various sounds haven't been compromised all the same one bit. In fact, he stretches somewhere between U2 and Midnight Oil on the epic-sounding "Fire On The Mountain", somewhere between New Wave and New Age on "Natural" and somewhere between post-punk and power pop on "Real World '09". The last two songs on the record (not the bonus tracks) also show Thomas venturing into acoustic balladeering with light country leanings.
With respect to the point Thomas made in a few earlier interviews when he said that Paul Simon's "Rhythm Of The Saints" proved to be a primary inspiration for the direction of the album musically (originally he was leaning towards stretching the concept throughout the course of an album, but eventually insisted it was more a launching pad than an album concept) I'm not exactly sure I discerned the sound on tracks other than "Fire On The Mountain" clearly, but musically Thomas still stretches far beyond where virtually all of his contemporaries have.
Finally, one thing I noticed when listening to the whole album is that, while Thomas' vocals are not quite as raw and don't have quite the accent like we have heard from the "Yourself Or Someone Like You" era and his time with Tabitha's Secret, his accent comes out more on this album than on any material he has recorded since "Mad Season".
Thomas has recorded an excellent album here, and it's just a shame it'll all but certainly sell less copies than his debut (an impressive debut, but inferior) and at best will match up to the sales of "Exile On Mainstream" most likely.
Sincerely, Noah Eaton
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 19, 2009 4:53:11 GMT -5
Thomas has recorded an excellent album here, and it's just a shame it'll all but certainly sell less copies than his debut (an impressive debut, but inferior) and at best will match up to the sales of "Exile On Mainstream" most likely. This may be but hopefully not. His record label does seem to be REALLY behind this album. He's all over US itunes and Rhapsody, Rhapsody commericial, and VH1. If some critics actually give Rob a fair shake and get behind the album I think it might be able to hang in the top 100 through the holidays and then pick back up again when Meltdown is released in the spring (which is my prediction). :) I'm hopeful anyway. I would like to see the album go platinum (with actual sales over 1 million). It will be hard but not totally impossible. :) I'm still listening to the album and still overjoyed with it. These are really, really quality songs Rob has written. I also can't wait to hear Believe which is a bonus itunes track for Europe. Sample has a electronic vibe to it.
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 19, 2009 4:55:50 GMT -5
BTW, has anyone seen any professional critics reviews yet? I haven't seen anything yet. Please share them if you do.
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Post by singingsparrow on Jun 19, 2009 13:01:40 GMT -5
Thomas has recorded an excellent album here, and it's just a shame it'll all but certainly sell less copies than his debut (an impressive debut, but inferior) and at best will match up to the sales of "Exile On Mainstream" most likely. This may be but hopefully not. His record label does seem to be REALLY behind this album. He's all over US itunes and Rhapsody, Rhapsody commericial, and VH1. If some critics actually give Rob a fair shake and get behind the album I think it might be able to hang in the top 100 through the holidays and then pick back up again when Meltdown is released in the spring (which is my prediction). :) I'm hopeful anyway. I would like to see the album go platinum (with actual sales over 1 million). It will be hard but not totally impossible. :) I'm still listening to the album and still overjoyed with it. These are really, really quality songs Rob has written. I also can't wait to hear Believe which is a bonus itunes track for Europe. Sample has a electronic vibe to it. I don't see "Give Me The Meltdown" being his best bet for commercial success, to be honest. I think "Snowblind" is his best bet for a single with wider appeal. In contrast to "Give Me The Meltdown", which is great too but I think Thomas delivers the lyrics at too rapid-fire of a pace to sink into most listeners' heads in the chorus, "Snowblind" has the most resonant chorus/hook of any song on the album I believe, and will surely be not only a big Hot AC hit, but likely a big AC hit as well, if released. Sincerely, Noah Eaton
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 19, 2009 14:35:39 GMT -5
Noah, that rapid fire vocal delivery on Meltdown is what makes it so catchy and a song that you can dance and sing-a-long to. I like Snowblind too but I think I'm going to have to disagree with you on Meltdown. ;)
Gasoline has a LOT of potential as well. Love it.
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Post by marv1978 on Jun 19, 2009 20:51:49 GMT -5
Marv, what about Cradlesong? That mayy be my favorite (today!). There's just something special about that one. It has an acoustic feel but then it kind of rocks, too. Quite frankly, this song isn't as produced as most Rob/MB20 songs and may sound really, really fresh for him on the radio. I think that's why I would not go with Someday next. It's a great song but kind of sounds like the songs he has been releasing more than some of the other choices on the album. I may have to join twitter and advise Rob against that song for now. ;) LOL! the more i listen to cradlesong the title cut i am really thinking it could be a hit as well,too bad Rob couldn't get a chance to pull a Thriller,Born In The USA,Reckless,or even Nickelback's last cd type success. he deserves it and the radio world needs to here these songs if it takes 2 years lol
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No Brake$
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Post by No Brake$ on Jun 23, 2009 10:35:27 GMT -5
Noah, that rapid fire vocal delivery on Meltdown is what makes it so catchy and a song that you can dance and sing-a-long to. I like Snowblind too but I think I'm going to have to disagree with you on Meltdown. ;) Gasoline has a LOT of potential as well. Love it. He was on my local radio today and they played Her Diamonds and Gasoline. I just finished listening to the album and I would definitely give it about an 80 out of 100. It is very good and makes me want to keep on listening even more. If I had to choose the next singles, I would say they should go: 1. Her Diamonds 2. Gasoline (Fall) 3. Someday (Winter) 4. Give Me The Meltdown (next Spring\Summer)
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 23, 2009 14:12:16 GMT -5
I think I also would go with Gasoline as the next single. There's just something a little different (well quite a lot different for Rob) about this song. I know we are throw this around but I was disappointed on the first listen but play it a few times. It is a beautiful song...sounds like some of the best stuff from the 80s (but doesn't sound dated). Make sense? But Rob has stated again that Someday is next so we'll have to see. BTW, he's making a viral video for Meltdown. Interesting to see how it turns out and surprised that he is doing something like this.
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Post by singingsparrow on Jun 23, 2009 14:54:24 GMT -5
I think I also would go with Gasoline as the next single. There's just something a little different (well quite a lot different for Rob) about this song. I know we are throw this around but I was disappointed on the first listen but play it a few times. It is a beautiful song...sounds like some of the best stuff from the 80s (but doesn't sound dated). Make sense? But Rob has stated again that Someday is next so we'll have to see. BTW, he's making a viral video for Meltdown. Interesting to see how it turns out and surprised that he is doing something like this. "Someday", while one of his more beautiful ballads (especially the emotionally-resonant choir-assisted coda, which could make a great extended jam in concert) just doesn't sound like second-single material to me. "Someday" sounds like a surefire third single, rather: an emotional, soaring ballad following something with more attitude, more suave-sounding. Sincerely, Noah Eaton
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arebomb
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Post by arebomb on Jun 23, 2009 17:07:40 GMT -5
Man, the varying opinions on single #2 are interesting. I'm not really seeing what people get with "Gasoline," especially as single material. It is a nice song, but nothing about it screams hit song to me. Do you really think the masses are going to connect and sing along "Gasoooolliiiiine" when they're in their car and the song comes on the radio?
The other choices are "Gimme the Meltdown," "Someday," and "Snowblind."
"Meltdown" is my personal favorite, but if Rob couldn't score a huge hit with "This is How a Heart Breaks," I'm not sure "Meltdown" is going to do much better. (of course TIHAHB was not a huge flop, just did not perform as well as other singles from the album)
"Snowblind" has the biggest crossover appeal, IMO, but I don't know if people are going to connect with the actual lyric of being "Snowblind," if the lyric was something a little different, a little more...simple, I think it would have a better shot.
"Someday" is a fine song, but I think it should be saved for the 3rd or 4th single from this album. It's good, but does not have huge crossover appeal.
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Post by marv1978 on Jun 23, 2009 17:18:47 GMT -5
I think I also would go with Gasoline as the next single. There's just something a little different (well quite a lot different for Rob) about this song. I know we are throw this around but I was disappointed on the first listen but play it a few times. It is a beautiful song...sounds like some of the best stuff from the 80s (but doesn't sound dated). Make sense? But Rob has stated again that Someday is next so we'll have to see. BTW, he's making a viral video for Meltdown. Interesting to see how it turns out and surprised that he is doing something like this. "Someday", while one of his more beautiful ballads (especially the emotionally-resonant choir-assisted coda, which could make a great extended jam in concert) just doesn't sound like second-single material to me. "Someday" sounds like a surefire third single, rather: an emotional, soaring ballad following something with more attitude, more suave-sounding. Sincerely, Noah Eaton Noah i agree 100%, "Someday" is a 3rd single at best since "Her Diamonds" is somewhat of a ballad to imo, i think "Meltdown" has to be the 2nd single without a doubt. I also think "Wonderful" & "Mockingbird" are surefire top 3 hits too and "Snowblind" to me is better than "Someday" & "Her Diamonds" if i had to choose just 4 singles
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erzo01
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Post by erzo01 on Jun 23, 2009 22:19:12 GMT -5
Gasoline, Give Me the Meltdown and Mockingbird <3
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 24, 2009 5:51:21 GMT -5
A big 4 stars from Rolling Stone - lead review in the upcoming issue (and hopefully a full article - Rob spent 2-3 days with RS at his home last month per his twitters). Rolling Stone has never been very kind to Rob so I see this as a huge leap forward. It's not all glowing but overall it is positive. BTW, I've never understood all the comparisons Rob gets to Phil Collins. I know Phil wasn't seen as "cool" but to me Rob is much more "out there" than Phil.
"The triumph of uncool: Is Rob Thomas the last great pop-singer?"
ROB THOMAS **** Cradlesong Emblem/Atlantic
By Jody Rosen
Rob Thomas will never, ever be cool. Thomas has been the large-lunged, chest-thumping voice of straight-down-the-middle pop rock since 1996, when he emerged at the helm of Matchbox Twenty. He writes big, blowzy songs about love and angst, occasionally sounds like he's trying to eat his microphone, and is the bearer of what may be the least-appealing shag haircut in popular-music history. But there's no doubting that he's a powerful singer, and with his biggest hit - the ferociously cheesy Latin-rock Santana collabo "Smooth" - he proved that he can swing as well as bludgeon.
What's more, Thomas has a sense of humor about his place in the pantheon. The most recent Matchbox Twenty disc was titled 'Exile On Mainstream'. In a post-everything musical era- in which old-fashioned Top 40 rock aesthetics have mostly migrated to Nashville - Thomas' staking claim to the mainstream is almost an iconoclastic act.
Thomas' second solo album shows, not for the first time, that he may well be Phil Collins' heir; a talented, big-time pro with a fine voice and a finer way with hooks. Cradlesong is less eclectic, genrewise, than his 2005 release, Something To Be, which spiked the Matchbox-esque fare with dashes of Latin, funk and dance beats. This time, he's made a more straightforward modern-rock album, with a bit of country twang thrown in.
But there is plenty of unexpected texture to keep your ears engaged. (The production, by old Matchbox collaborator, Matt Serletic, is sleek and seamless.) The album opener, "Her Diamonds" places its guitars and keyboards in front of a phalanx of African and taiko drums. The title track adds world music flavors (bouzouki, oud, Portugeuse guitar) to a ballad that is half lullaby, half ode to the pleasures of simple life; "All of our frineds, they moved to Hollywood/But we're not that desperate yet." Thomas sings.
The main attraction here, though, is the tunes. Thomas has always been an expert songwriter, but on his big Matchobx hits like "3 A.M." and "Bent", the charm of his melodies was buried beneath bluster. He was a vocal-mauler in the 1990's tradition, growling out every phrase as if he was trying to shred your stereo speakers. Now he's older and more easeful, less rock and more pop - but no less adept at the big money-shot chorus. The results are infectious. Songs like 'Mockingbird," a propulsive, farewell to a failed relationship, and the groovy, almost power-pop "Real World '09" prove that should Thmas care to hang up his microphone he could find well-paid work on Nashville's Music Row or writing tunes for pop starlets.
Cradlesong hits some bum notes. The album drags a bit as it progresses, and the center-piece song, "Fire On The Mountain," is overly grandiose pomp rock, complete with crashing power chords and lyrics like "How do you drink when there's blood in the water?"
But - who'd have thunk it? - Thomas in 2009 is mostly very good company, a welcome presence long after what one would assume was his sell-by date. He's not unaware that he's a bit of a man out of time. "Guess I'm past my prime..../ I'm over-rated," he sings in "Wonderful." He's only half-right, though. Past his prime - perhaps. But, if anything, underrated.
Key Tracks: "Mockingbird," "Real World '09"
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Gravity.
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Post by Gravity. on Jun 25, 2009 16:20:01 GMT -5
Very nice review from Rolling Stone!
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NORTHCOAST
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Post by NORTHCOAST on Jun 25, 2009 20:59:58 GMT -5
Very nice review from Rolling Stone! Yeah, great to get 4 stars, but they still have to throw in those digs. don't they. Hate that! Of course, I JUST let my subscription expire and this issue is the first one I'll miss. Gonna have to go check it out on a newsstand. Any other official reviews yet? Please post them if you see them.
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 26, 2009 5:58:53 GMT -5
People Magazine 3 stars out of 4
"No Doubting Thomas" He threw his matchbox twenty bandmates a bone by returning for a 2007 greatest-hits disc. Now Rob Thomas gets back to his burgeoning solo career. Like "Something to Be," his 2005 solo debut,"Cradlesong" is about as solid as pop-rock gets. While there's nothing revolutionary about Thomas-and he certainly doesn't take any chances by again enlisting longtime matchbox producer Matt Serletic-he's a first-class craftsman who knows how to bust out the hooks. Highlights include the calypso-tinged "Hard On You" and the first single "Her Diamonds," with its facets of African and gospel music.
DOWNLOAD THIS:"Real World '09," a punchy, propulsive whirl.
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blurple
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Post by blurple on Jun 26, 2009 9:02:20 GMT -5
Great reviews, amazing material, the promotions are gazillion better than the last one, this era is off to a good start!
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 26, 2009 17:21:07 GMT -5
Rob just tweeted that Maxim gave him a lame review. He said he would care if they were a real magazine.
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blurple
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Post by blurple on Jun 26, 2009 17:27:14 GMT -5
LOL at Maxim giving music reviews.
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 26, 2009 20:46:41 GMT -5
Well, if we were to go by how each song is selling on Rhapsody (my guess this site leans more AAA/HotAC than pop?), here's the list. #5 Her Diamonds #25 Gasoline (something very appealing about this song) #29 Someday #31 Give Me The Meltdown #42 Fire On The Mountain #44 Mockingbird #53 Real World '09 #69 Cradlesong #73 Hard On You (really another one of my favorites) #76 Still Ain't Over You #85 Wonderful #90 Natural #99 Snowblind That's 13 songs. The only song not in the top 100 is Getting Late. www.rhapsody.com/charts?cat=track&category=allcharts
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NORTHCOAST
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Post by NORTHCOAST on Jun 26, 2009 21:38:44 GMT -5
Rob was in town for a radio gig and the station has been playing the live version of "Her Diamonds" that is soooooo good. He has such an amazing voice live.
I saw this tour schedule on Rob's website. Anyone know if this is it for North America?? If so....sob! Wondering what size venues he's hoping to fill.
Rob Thomas has just announced his North American Tour in support of cradlesong (out June 30th). Stay tuned to Rob's site as more information and ticket on-sales are announced.
9/18 - Tempe, AZ 9/23 - Hollywood, FL 9/25 - Orlando, FL 9/26 - Clearwater, FL 9/28 - Raleigh, NC 9/30 - Atlanta, GA 10/4 - Houston, TX 10/5 - Grand Prairie, TX 10/7 - Oklahoma City, OK 10/9 - Council Bluffs, IA 10/10 - Milwaukee, WI 10/11 - Saint Paul, MN 10/14 - Vancouver, Canada 10/15 - Seattle, WA 10/17 - Reno, NV 10/18 - San Francisco, CA 10/20 - Los Angeles, CA 10/21 - San Diego, CA 10/23 - Temecula, CA 10/24 - Las Vegas, NV 10/27 - Denver, CO 10/29 - Kansas City, MO 10/30 - Hammond, IN 10/31 - Saint Louis, MO 11/2 - Detroit, MI 11/4 - Toronto, Canada 11/6 - Atlantic City, NJ 11/7 - Uncasville, CT 11/9 - Boston, MA 11/10 - Washington, DC 11/12 - New York, New York 11/13 - New York, New York
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Jun 27, 2009 7:50:58 GMT -5
I think the tour is hitting several casinos (i.e., Hammond, IN). I think the Billboard article said that he would be in mid-size theaters. So I think the size is really going to vary but mainly 2,000-6,000. I bet the Mohegan Sun will be the largest venue but he has played there as a solo artist before.
I'm still hoping he'll do a summer amphitheater tour like he did last time. I didn't catch any of those shows (Jewel opened).
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crazyfun1
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Post by crazyfun1 on Jun 27, 2009 14:53:09 GMT -5
I Fire On The Mountain sounds ABSOLUTELY like nothing he has done before. Best song to me on the first full listen through the album but they are all very, very good. When I heard 'Fire on the Mountain' for some reason being a Rob Thomas fan since 1996, I couldn't believe it was him. The song is amazing, and I can hear a total ROCK hit in it. I can't wait for the albums release. I pre-ordered it on Amazon.
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