Bo Bice Album: «The Real Thing»

- Customers rating: (3.8 of 5)
- Title:The Real Thing
- Release date:2005-12-13
- Type:Audio CD
- Label:RCA
- UPC:828767247328
- 1 The Real Thingimg 4:56
- 2 You're Everythingimg 3:33
- 3 U Make Me Betterimg 3:38
- 4 Nothing Without Youimg 2:03
- 5 My Worldimg 3:24
- 6 Remember Meimg 4:19
- 7 Hold On To Meimg 3:58
- 8 Lie...It's Alrightimg 3:36
- 9 It's My Lifeimg 3:29
- 10 Willing To Try4:19
- 11 Valley Of Angelsimg 6:01
I know some people have criticized this cd for being more pop than it is rock. I see through all of this, I doubt Bo really had much choice about what he put on this album, but regardless of it being impacted in that manner, It is excellent. I love Willing to Try(Best acoustic ever), My World, Nothing Without You, Lie...It's Alright. They are very catchy, and general songs that just about anybody could love.
I like this CD and Carrie Underwood's CD. Is it a crime to love both? They both offer different styles. Carrie's music is sultry and country - sweet, yet humble. Bo's is pop/rock with a tinge of originality that I love about Bo. I love his acoustic openings. Very nice job! I would buy it.
I have to say that I voted for Bo on American Idol because if his great voice and great performances, not because of his Southern Rock style. To me, he was just a Rocker. Therefore, I can't share the angst that some have expressed over the lack of "Whipping Postesque" material. Personally, I think it's a change for the better. Bo can sing the bluesy, soulful material. But I think Joss Stone would have sung "Whipping Post" 10 times better because she has such a smooth and beautiful tone to her voice. Bo has a very thick, heavy, manly, gritty, gravely texture to his. That's more comparable to Chad Kroeger, Scott Stapp, and Bon Jovi which are all Rock. But at the same time, he's neither John Mayer, Dave Matthews, nor Michael Bolton that can pull off the soulful, bluesy material more effectively and skillfully. Their voices are much more fluid. So, I think he's better off doing Pop/Rock. I think the songs are great and he sounds great singing them. I'm not quite sure who the Southern Rock would have really appealed to. At least this album is radio friendly and has a chance of reaching an audience beyond American Idol. Shouldn't that be the goal? Why strictly play to a hardcore niche audience that's the furthest thing away from mainstream radio? Radio sells CD, not personal pet projects that satisfy a small group. I don't think half the people complaining even know who the "real Bo" is that they 1-star so passionately about. Most of those people have personally agendas which will not benefit Bo in the slightest. Why not let Bo be the "Freebird" that he sang about and allow him to stretch his wings and really soar instead of trying to keep him tied down in the same Southern Rock box?
My idol choice done good. My best Christmas present this year. Well worth the wait. Loving all the tracks, some better than others. My personal fav thus far "U Make Me Better". Had it on repeat. This guy can sing. Such tone. I hope he has a very enjoyable, rewarding musical career.
It wasn't exactly what I was expecting from Bo but it's still a great album from American Idol Runner Up. I was stunned at how much his vocals and range have improved since the show. He sold a good amount in his first week and should see a successful career, I predict much success for Bice. It will be gentle, but impacting.

