Thomas Quasthoff - (A) Portrait

Advantages: The most magnificent and sublime soundtrack that offers something for almost everyone
Disadvantages: The three source songs

...INTRODUCTION I have never really been a great fan of Thomas Newman's music. The few early orchestral scores I have heard such as Little Women, Oscar and Lucinda, and The Horse Whisperer always came across to me as pleasant but ultimately not all that involving to invite for many repeated listenings. In fact the only real exception that comes to mind was Shawshank Redemption that had a limited run time in my player. But my interest in the composer finally dissipated when he entered his experimental phase at the turn of the millenia with scores like American Beauty and Erin Brockovich. His shift in using a more minimalistic approach and preference to smaller instrumental ensembles, often employing a diverse array of quirky percussive instruments and off-beat rhythms rather than themes and melodies, caused his music to sound too... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: All songs better than 8/10
Disadvantages: Still thinking of one!

...The first two songs on the album are instantly recognisable as those that Rob Thomas has released since becoming a solo artist "This is How A Heart Breaks" and "Lonely No More". The album really is a step up from any previous works that Rob Thomas has had whilst part of Matchbox 20. Something to be is a mix of Daniel Powter, Bryan Adams, and to a certain extent, Carlos Santana. If you are a fan of Lonely No More, and would like to hear more like it, this is the album for you. Every song has a really catchy blend of ballad style singing and rock rhythm, it won't be long before you know the words to each one. It's a complete album, only faultering on about two songs, "All That I Am" , for example in which it kind of feels like his voice and lyrics have been lost within the beat. Something to be is definitely an album that I go back... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Heart-felt melodic soft rock. Rob Thomas is truly gifted
Disadvantages: Certain tracks need to 'grow' on you

...As a fan of Matchbox Twenty, I had been eagerly awaiting the release of Rob Thomas' solo effort. This album does not disappoint with 12 wonderful tracks which encompass catch melodies and lyrics which are pure poetry. Despite not being backed up by the other talented guys of Matchbox Twenty, this solo album delivers the goods where so many other such 'projects' have disappointed. Apart from a couple of tracks which take a bit of time to grow on you, this album is in my opinion superb. Stand out tracks include; Lonely no more, Ever the same, All that I am, Streetcorner symphony and Now comes the light. In my view this is a truly great album has now been in my car CD player for the best part of 3 weeks.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful