Rob Thomas is the lead singer of the American rock band Matchbox 20. His powerful soulful voice also lends itself well to other genres, as his contribution to the successful album Supernatural (1999) by the Latin rock band Santana proved. The Smooth, sung by Thomas, became a huge hit. After three successful albums, Matchbox 20 thought it was time for a break, which was used by Thomas to record his
… first solo album. On Something To Be he has released the solid rock sound of his regular band without creating an earth-shattering new sound. There are more hip drum rhythms and a more prominent role for wind instruments and keys, which are often played by producer Matt Serletic. Often these production gimmicks only distract from Thomas' voice. It really comes into its own in the closing track, the modest piano ballad Now Comes The Night. For the rest of his solo debut, the same applies as for the albums of Matchbox 20, rock solid but not very surprising. (MS)more
