Rob Thomas
Cradlesong
(Atlantic)
Beginning with his chart topping mid-nineties run fronting Matchbox Twenty, Thomas has had the not altogether-unpleasant distinction of being among the most loathed—yet still wildly successful—musicians on the planet. Cradlesong, his second solo album, probably won’t change any of that, but perhaps it should: Despite his occasional detour into schlock (see: “Fire on the Mountain”), Thomas has an A+ ear for melody. The first single, “Her Diamonds,” is a radio ready ballad about a lovely lady’s tears, and the effervescent “Getting Late” is as warm and easy as a Pacific sunset. We won’t hold our breath for the cool kids to embrace Cradlesong—but in time, who knows? Heck, it happened to Hall & Oates!
