Rob Thomas: Something To Be : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

After Santana's "Smooth," even the most skeptical critics had to acknowledge that Rob Thomas was an exceedingly crafty singer-songwriter. The evidence continues to mount on . . . Something to Be, Thomas' impressive and at times surprising solo debut. He hasn't simply cooked up a meat-and-potatoes Matchbox Twenty album on his own -- the fare here is significantly spicier, with Latin and even funk undertones. Backed by a varied group of players including Robert Randolph, Heartbreaker Mike Campbell and Dr. Dre bassist Mike Elizondo, Thomas hits to all fields. "Lonely No More," the first single, and "Something to Be" are riffy wonders that show him making a separate peace with the hip-hop universe. "Problem Girl" is gorgeous folk rock. Even Matchbox-ish numbers like "Ever the Same" sound fresh in this new context. Underestimate Thomas at your own peril.