User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Something To Be
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Something To Be Image
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

  • Summary: The Matchbox 20 frontman's first solo outing includes appearances by John Mayer and Robert Randolph.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AllMusic
    70
    This isn't edgy work by any means -- and for as hooky and chorus-driven as it is, it's music that becomes memorable through repeated plays, never quite catching hold upon the first listen -- but it's more colorful and well-constructed than a lot of contemporary mainstream rock in the mid-2000s, and it's arguably more appealing than Matchbox Twenty's earnest guitar rock.
  3. Rolling Stone
    70
    Even Matchbox-ish numbers like "Ever the Same" sound fresh in this new context.
  4. E! Online
    58
    Tracks like "Lonely No More" might strike a chord because people will think it's a funky new Maroon 5 song. However, Backstreet Boys-esque ballads like "Ever the Same" and "When the Heartache Ends" are just way too much to handle.
  5. Stylus Magazine
    50
    This is by no means a bad album, but to my ears, it’s worse; it’s mediocre.
  6. Blender
    40
    The momentum collapses with ballads that would suit not only his band but even the Backstreet Boys. [May 2005, 124]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Paste Magazine
    20
    Thomas hasn't yet figured out that as long as he mistakes ponderous poetics and platitudes for depth, the surface trappings of his self-serious songs won't matter all that much. [#16, p.125]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 49
  3. Negative: 8 out of 49
  1. 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 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
  2. 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.
  4. 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 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.… Collapse
  5. 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, 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.… Expand
  6. Becca
    Dec 13, 2005
    9
    while at first i felt that the CD lost some of the depth and tension that epitomized matchbox twenty, this dissapointment went away as soon while at first i felt that the CD lost some of the depth and tension that epitomized matchbox twenty, this dissapointment went away as soon as i saw him in concert. he sounds so much better in concert it's unreal-he has an incredibly strong voice, an everpresent songwriting ability, and God-given talent for performing. as for the cd by itself, if you haven't heard him live, it's not likely to make a huge impression on you-but i'd still give it a nine though.… Expand
  7. CarolB
    May 9, 2005
    8
    Very good solo effort by Rob Thomas. I can't say there is a bad song on the entire album, though some I like more than others. Besides Very good solo effort by Rob Thomas. I can't say there is a bad song on the entire album, though some I like more than others. Besides the lead single Lonely No More, I especially like the funky vibe of I Am An Illusion, Something to Be and This is How a Heart Breaks. These songs are a bit of a stretch for Rob, but he pulls them off. I know we'll be hearing one or more as singles. There are several very good ballads on the album too. I especially like the country/folk song Fallin to Pieces. Something to Be is a very eclectic collection of songs, from pop to funk to country to ballads. But it works and is a solid effort by a very talented singer/songwriter. Oh, and giving a 0 rating to an album that is getting pretty good reviews from a host of critics is just ridiculous and immature, IMO. And rating an album that you haven't even listened to is pathetic. Please try to be constructive in writing your reviews.… Expand
  8. SteveR
    Apr 23, 2005
    0
    Reminds me of a backstreet boy leaving the band and making a bad CD. Didn't like this, sorry.

See all 49 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To - Knocked Loose
92 Ten Fold - Yaya Bey
91 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
91 Funeral for Justice - Mdou Moctar
90 Spell Blanket: Collected Demos 2006-2009 - Broadcast
90 Here in the Pitch - Jessica Pratt
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
89 All Born Screaming - St. Vincent
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
All Current Music »