Something To Be
by Rob Thomas
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Apr 19, 2005
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 62
  3. Negative: 10 out of 62

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  1. gails
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    fantastic
  2. PamA
    Oct 10, 2005
    10
    Loved the album. Rob's voice is amazing and just saw him in concert and there was no disappointment there either.
  3. TomS
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    Rob Thomas is his generation's best songwriter. This recording only magnifies that fact. Several of the songs would be a natural fit for his band Matchbox Twenty, but instead they get infused with a new spark and vitality. His voice has never sounded better. His lyrics are still head and shoulders above the crowd. If anything, the recording demonstrates that critics are just jealous Rob Thomas is his generation's best songwriter. This recording only magnifies that fact. Several of the songs would be a natural fit for his band Matchbox Twenty, but instead they get infused with a new spark and vitality. His voice has never sounded better. His lyrics are still head and shoulders above the crowd. If anything, the recording demonstrates that critics are just jealous artists who could never make it in the business. This is a great CD.… Expand
  4. DebF
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    Love this CD. It Rocks!
  5. PaulD
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    I think this CD is great, obviously. I really do like the contrast between songs like "Lonely No More" and "Now Comes the Night." It's got great dance tracks all the way to mello thought-provoking songs.
  6. BrentP
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    This is a very nice mix of styles. Rob Thomas has soul, and that's all there is to it. Some great little numbers that would never have fit into the style of Matchbox Twenty, are made available to us through this solo album. This is How a Heart Breaks is probably the best of the up tempo songs with a great beat, and some soulful stylings on the vocals. While a couple of songs could This is a very nice mix of styles. Rob Thomas has soul, and that's all there is to it. Some great little numbers that would never have fit into the style of Matchbox Twenty, are made available to us through this solo album. This is How a Heart Breaks is probably the best of the up tempo songs with a great beat, and some soulful stylings on the vocals. While a couple of songs could certainly pass for Matchbox Twenty, most notably Problem Girl, this is a solid album that reflects some great song writing.… Expand
  7. MattR
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    Thomas really takes the best of Matchbox and mixes it with an exploratory side of himself that made this album necessary. I'm certainly not let down.
  8. mels
    May 21, 2005
    10
    Rob Thomas it one of the most inspirational musicians and songwriters of all time. I love the diversity of the album. He just proves that he can do anything and be great at it. I absolutely love the new album.
  9. Jenn
    May 3, 2005
    10
    Rob is a master song writer and I could sit and listen to his wonderful voice all day long.
  10. NancyS
    Aug 9, 2005
    10
    Have always been a huge fan of Matchbox 20. Rob Thomas' new CD is excellent. I can listen to it over and over and over. Do not tire of it. Congratulations Rob!
  11. LynnB
    Apr 21, 2005
    10
    The cd is a musical pleasure from beginning to end. Different from Matchbox twenty and great! My favorites at the moment are "I am an Illusion" and "Problem Girl". There is so much to choose from whatever the mood. Great lyrics!!!!
  12. MaxS
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    If you are a Matchbox 20 fan you'll love this album. Take away the "country" twang direction that their last album appeared to be headed for, and you get this great compilation. The ballads are very well done, I disagree with the backstreet boys comments. Every matchbox fan will attest to, that they love when they are unplugged.. need I remind of VH1 Storytellers? With it being a If you are a Matchbox 20 fan you'll love this album. Take away the "country" twang direction that their last album appeared to be headed for, and you get this great compilation. The ballads are very well done, I disagree with the backstreet boys comments. Every matchbox fan will attest to, that they love when they are unplugged.. need I remind of VH1 Storytellers? With it being a CD/DVD combo (5.1 soundtrack) makes this a definate buy for your collection.… Expand
  13. BrettP
    Apr 25, 2005
    10
    Terrific variety of music. Shows more sides to Rob Thomas that we were yet to see until "Something to Be". I highly recommend this album.
  14. JessicaB.
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    This cd is wonderful! If you love matchbox 20, you will love this also!
  15. Jilli
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    If you love Rob you'll love the CD. Not a song on the CD I didn't like. Definitely worth adding to your collection.
  16. ChristyC
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    I love it!! From the first song to the last it kept me listening.
  17. vonb
    May 21, 2005
    10
    Are you people kidding with low scores? This is a great massive hit!
  18. ChrisC
    May 3, 2005
    10
    I thought it was Great! I think Rob Thomas is a wonderful songwriter and his talent is really show-cased here. 'All that I Am ' is one of my all time favorite songs now. All the songs are good and there are enough Great ones to make this cd a favorite. Buy it!
  19. TrishP
    May 9, 2005
    10
    Egomaniac or not, Rob's words and music move me. His songs touch parts of my heart and soul that others dont even come close to.
  20. lilyp
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    The Best Album ever!!! Rob Thomas knows how to write songs that people love to listen to! His Voice is Terrific Also!!! CAn't wait to see him in concert!
  21. FarahN
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    Perfect album!!!
  22. FrannyH
    Aug 12, 2005
    10
    this cd is brill ! ! especially streetcorner symphony and lonely no more. lonely no more sounds really wat u get these day in pop but he still seems 2 make it work so well ! ! its just 1 of those cds that u can play through and through and not get fed up of it i got it 4 ma bday in june and have hardly turned it off since. the video for lonely no more is really nice 2, watch out 4 the bit this cd is brill ! ! especially streetcorner symphony and lonely no more. lonely no more sounds really wat u get these day in pop but he still seems 2 make it work so well ! ! its just 1 of those cds that u can play through and through and not get fed up of it i got it 4 ma bday in june and have hardly turned it off since. the video for lonely no more is really nice 2, watch out 4 the bit where he wiggles his bum, its really gud. hehe x x x x… Expand
  23. MikeM
    Jul 23, 2007
    10
    Ah,frontman of my fav band Matchbox Twenty released this album with one thing in mind....this is not a matchbox twenty album.He wanted us to know that,and he got his point across with "This Is How A Heartbreaks",a pop/rock song with that ever so involving chorus,to "Now Comes The Night",a singer-songwriter on piano,that may cause instant addiction for piano ballad junkies.Also,the Ah,frontman of my fav band Matchbox Twenty released this album with one thing in mind....this is not a matchbox twenty album.He wanted us to know that,and he got his point across with "This Is How A Heartbreaks",a pop/rock song with that ever so involving chorus,to "Now Comes The Night",a singer-songwriter on piano,that may cause instant addiction for piano ballad junkies.Also,the Smoot-esque first Single Lonley No More is an instant classic and instant hit.then the guest appearence by the Heartbreaker Mike Campball shines in "Problem Girl"a fan fav,and my fav thomas solo track. A major influence of mine,i grabbed this right away.my fav singer and songwriter could have dissapointed me,but instead shocked me with this purely fun album,and instantly got placed on my Top 10 albums list.… Expand
  24. DazH
    Apr 24, 2005
    9
    I like the album, very diverse and interesting.
  25. EddieZ
    May 24, 2005
    9
    Critics generally have been dissing matchbox 20 from the beginning, so it's not suprising this gets received moderately. I happen to think Rob's a very empathetic artist and it's that skillful ability to almost effortlessly emphasize with his listeners that has made him a cultural Top 40 staple, not to mention one of the most likeable Top 40 voices.
  26. Ryan
    Nov 8, 2005
    9
    a great album, so many styles of tracks make it fresh. Ever The Same is one of those songs that you can listen to over and over
  27. CarlB
    Oct 3, 2005
    9
    Excellent CD! I've had it for months now and am still entralled with it. I especially love Lonely No More (despite it being played to death on the radio), I am an Illusion and the title track. Can't wait to see Rob perform these songs on tour.
  28. JeremyJ
    Apr 27, 2005
    9
    This album is great. I would of liked a little more rock, like his earlier albums, but there is a great mix of all different kinds of music, that all fit together very well.
  29. LauraV
    May 24, 2005
    9
    Definately a great solo effort. His lyrics are beautiful, music is soulful. I definately recommend the album. For anyone who doesn't rate this cd at least an 8 seriously doesn't have good taste. Songs I especially like: "I'm an illusion" and "All that I am".
  30. stich_77102
    Jun 29, 2005
    9
    perfect album .wonderful job. his lyric are v beautiful.i especially like his songs are ever the same and street corner symphony.
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Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. Blender
    40
    The momentum collapses with ballads that would suit not only his band but even the Backstreet Boys. [May 2005, 124]
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Even Matchbox-ish numbers like "Ever the Same" sound fresh in this new context.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Alas, the nuance that infuses a good chunk of Something to Be eventually gives way to the hammy, overemotive gestures we've come to expect from Thomas. [22 Apr 2005, p.61]
See all critic reviews »