I have been, since meeting my wife, a fan of the Dave Matthew's Band. I have seen them live several times, and have always immensely enjoyed their shows. So I was a little befuddled when my wife informed me that Dave Matthews was releasing a solo album. I couldn't understand how his style would be any different than the music he makes with "his" band.

And then I listened to "Some Devil"....and I understood.

Dave Matthews, a brilliant lyricist, guitarist and songwriter, nails his first solo album with a style that is as fresh, new and unique as anything he has ever done with the DMB (Dave Matthews Band). He takes risks, attempting topics, ideas, and musical sounds that are new and unique, and sometimes a little off mainstream.

I admire this album as a whole for several reasons. 1.) Dave Matthews, an icon in the alternative/rock industry, remains faithful to his craft by not writing overtly commercial music, but rather remaining true to the things that move him, and it shows in his songs. 2.) With this album, he does not attempt to re-create anything that even remotely resembles the DMB, but instead features a whole new array of musical sound, often blending a string orchestra with edgy, raw guitar and driving rhythmic drums to give us a feeling that Dave Matthews is trying to take us to a whole new place with this album.

My cynical side edged its way to the surface when I first heard (and saw) the video for his first single from the "Some Devil" album; "Gravedigger". Of all the pieces on the album, I would say that this piece is the most mainstream, appealing to those in the industry who need an angle to market this album. It sounded good, but definitely not as ecletic as some of Dave's material, and so I gave pause before opening up to the song (which has since become one of my favorites). If Dave is guilty of writing a "commercial" piece to promote his album, I certainly don't mind, for "Gravedigger" (which in itself is a very moving and thought provoking piece) entices the listener, making them want to hear more-and-as good as "Gravedigger" is, its only the tip of the very rich and deep iceberg that Dave has set upon the world.

Stylistically, the album is at once alternative rock, blues, folk, R&B, and an undefined sound of guitar, bass, strings, drums and voice, with lyrics that are poetic, lyrical, deeply personal and honest. Dave transcends the marketing that so many musicians succumb to and gives us an honest effort, for which he should be praised.

Some of the more moving tracks on the CD include songs like: "So Damn Lucky", a song that is really the opposite of what the title suggests-really deals more with tragedy of a man who is killed in the throes of a car accident; "Save Me", a present day re-telling of Christ's ordeal in the desert and the devil's efforts to tempt him; "Some Devil", a look through Dave's eyes at dealing with the demons of losing someones love; "Stay Or Leave", similar to "Some Devil", a song about a lover lamenting over the fear of losing his partner and the choice she will make; "Oh", a beautiful song about the power of love despite unbeatable odds; "Gravedigger" (full band and acoustic versions (tracks 3 and 14, respectively), a haunting reflection on the brevity of life and the impact of death on those who experience it.

All fourteen tracks of this album, as with all of Dave's music, remains true to his artisty and is a completely fulfilling experience. For those lucky enough to purchase the limited edition CD, a second disk is included that features five tracks with Tim Reynolds, a virtuoso guitarist and friend to Dave Matthews. Listen, enjoy, and experience music as it is meant to be-not a commercial product, but an honest journey into a man's soul, full of a personal beauty not often found in today's major artists.

Although most Dave Matthews Band fans love the gut renching, note belting songs like Dont Drink the Water and All Along the Watchtower that the band is notorious for, there is another side to the band that compliments very well. The meolodic ballads such as Crash Into Me and Space Between are some of the band's best songs. This new solo album of Dave's is definitely ballad driven, and this is why some people dont like it. They want to hear some loud, energy filled tunes that are just not possible without the band. This is why Dave did a solo album, to put some songs out that didn't exactly fit with the band's direction, and quite honestly are some of the best lyrics I have heard in a while. Although all the songs on this album are ballad like, I feel its an excellent compolation of his best creative genius. And if you need the loud, energetic songs, just pop in one of his live cds. Personal favs on this CD: Dodo, So Damn Lucky, Stay or Leave, and Oh. Definitely buy this album if you like such songs: Crash, Space Between, Typical Situation ...

I can't believe people are reviewing this record a day after it was released and calling it "terrible" and "Disappointing". I think to them they feel this way because they were expecting Dave to sound like DMB. Why would you expect this????? This is a solo album. It's supposed to sound different. If you can actually open your mind and realize Dave is doing this record because it doesn't fit with the band then you will enjoy it. I personally think this is one of the best disc's I bought this year. And there are really good lyrics and music throughout this album. If you are expecting to be blown away by usual DMB style and musical technique, don't get this. Get this because you understand Dave and know that there is more to life outside of DMB. Obviously most of those who have reviewed this album do not truly understand Dave and his music. This will probably go on to be grammy nominated and be great milestone for Dave. I'm glad for him and I like this album a lot!!

Being a fan of the Dave Matthews Band for about 7 years now, I was a little disappointed to hear that Dave was doing a solo album instead of doing a new DMB album. But, from the first song to the last, this album is truly great with great music work by such guests as Trey Anastasio, Tim Reynolds, Stephen Harris, The dirty Dozen Brass Band, Brady Blade, and Tony Hall and some of Dave's best vocal work to date. This of course not being a DMB album, i will try not to compare any of these songs to the band's.

DODO-(4.5/5)- Very good opening song, with an up beat tone to it. Very cool guitar work by Dave, Tim, and Trey and a nice sax solo to end the song. Dave's voice sounds great changing his tone flawlessly throughout the song.

SO DAMN LUCKY-(5/5)- Absolutely great song. It immedately sounds happy, but if you listen to the lyrics, you could here that its actually about surviving a car accident. Once again, great guitar work by Dave, Tim, and Trey and the chorus shows just how great Dave's voice can be. Good pace and it has a cool ending. This could be a single.

GRAVEDIGGER-(4.5/5)- Great new version of a song he's been playing for awhile now. The music is great once again by all three on guitar. The lyrics are very sad and the song actually kinda gets harder towards the end. Great emotion in Dave's voice.

SOME DEVIL-(4/5)- This is the only true solo song by Dave with him doing the only guitar. Very good song and something actually very different then a DMB song. His voice sounds amazing in this song and the lyrics sound pretty emotional.

TROUBLE-(5/5)- Great song with good pacing and lyrics. Very cool jam at the end that lasts about a minute or. This song sounds like it has a little bit of a U2 influence and Dave's voice even sounds like Bono's at times.

GREY BLUE EYES-(4.5/5)- Gorgeous song that was actually cowritten by Trey Anestasio. Trey is also the only guitar on this song. Dave sings in a lower tone not heard before and it sound great. Would've been a 5 if it were a little bit longer.

SAVE ME-(4/5)- Really cool song with some really good guitar work by Tim Reynolds. The Gospel backups actually sound really cool and work with the song. One of the more up-beat songs on the album.

STAY OR LEAVE-(5/5)- The best song on this album and quite possibly one of the best songs Dave has ever done. Very cool drum work and the guitar riff throughout is very nice. Dave's voice sounds amazing and the song is just beautiful. If released as a single, it could be a hit.

AN' ANOTHER THING-(2/5)- My least favorite song on the album. Dave trys to do some new things with his voice going very high throughout the song. He pulls it off but its just not what I'de like to hear him do. At 5 and a half minutes long, it kinda gets irriating. This song sounds painfully sad.

OH-(4.5/5)-Another very good song with some of the best lyrics on the album. A little too short.

BABY-(4/5)-Beautiful violin work in this song. Its a very mellow song but it sounds beautiful. Again, this one is too short.

UP AND AWAY-(5/5)-Dave shows his Bob Marley influence in this song that he really couldn't show with DMB. Very cool, islandy sounding guitars by Dave, Tim, and Trey. Dave again trys to do something different with his voice making it have more of a raegae sound. The lyrics are also real good in this song.

TOO HIGH-(4/5)-Another very good mello song. Awesome closing guitar and horn jam at the end almost having an epic movie type feel to it.

GRAVEDIGGER (acoustic)-(4.5/5)- Another great version of this great song. The earlier version on this album is better becasue this one just doesn't have the same emotional impact. Cool backup strings and great acoustic work by Dave.

As others have pointed out, this is NOT a DMB CD, so those of you looking for another Crash or Under the Table and Dreaming will definitely be disappointed. However, if you approach it with an open mind, you'll discover some of the most moving and personal music Dave Matthews has ever recorded. It's music for the heart and mind rather than for your dancing feet.

The majority of the tracks seem to have a good dose of gospel and blues influence - not in the structure of the music itself but in the words, the singing style and the sentiments expressed. There is definitely a spiritual quality about the CD that is different from previous DMB releases. For the most part, the youthful exuberance of earlier DMB works has been replaced with a more contemplative and world-weary maturity where the pain of broken relationships and spiritual longing reign. The assorted musicians assembled for the recording provide atmospheric and tasteful support for Dave's singing and never intrude or overwhelm.

Track by track:

1)Dodo - a great song with an infectious loopy guitar hook that draws you and keeps you there. The song seems to be a bunch of random thoughts on the subject of knowledge and awareness.

2)So Damn Lucky - Moves ahead constantly propelled by rhythmic acoustic guitars. The song takes place in the seconds between the realization that the narrator has lost control of his car and the inevitable crash. A surprisingly upbeat song considering the situation.

3)Gravedigger - Masterful and moving reflection on the temporary nature of life. The acoustic version included on the CD is different - more of a plea whereas this version is more of an angry demand. Take your pick - they're both great.

4)Some Devil - Just Dave and his electric guitar singing about a broken relationship and how it still has a hold over him. This is one of the tracks that show the gospel/blues influence in its content and tone. It is also reminiscent of some of Jeff Bukley's work. Beautiful and moving in its simplicity

5)Gray Blue Eyes - Atmospheric hand percussion and electric guitar back up Dave's channeling of a blues singer. You can picture Dave sitting in some dark stone prison cell singing his broken heart out about the lost love with the grey blue eyes that possesses and torments his soul. Simple yet very powerful.

6)Trouble - Dave meets U2 and Peter Gabriel. Spiritual, prayerful appeal for personal peace.

7)Save Me - A mid-tempo groove right out of the band Little Feat song book. All that's missing is Lowell George's slide guitar. A tale about a holy "walkin' man" and a plea for salvation.

8)Stay or Leave - A beautiful, Leonard Cohen - esq song about a broken relationship. Dave can write exuberant songs about the joys of love (i.e. Crush) - here is the other side. The acoustic version on the bonus CD is also great - in some ways it's superior.

9)An' Another Thing - Dave sings in a high falsetto barely articulating the words but filling the song with so much emotion and feeling that the actual lyrics are unnecessary. The haunting melody comes straight from an anguished heart.

10)Oh - Lightweight, harmless but not that great of a song about happy love.

11)Baby - Another lightweight, harmless but not that great of a song about happy love. The hooks in this song and in Oh are cute - too cute really. These songs, and the next seem very out of place in relation to the others on the disc. They do have the virtue of being short.

12)Up And Away - Bad pseudo - reggae. Dave's trying to once again celebrate the joys of love as he has done so many times before, but this one comes up short. The sentiment is forced, the lyrics are awkward and the music is just embarrassing.

13)Too High - An interesting but ultimately flawed song. The music and lyrics build up considerable tension and I keep waiting for it to explode, but the explosion is delayed far too long. When it does come at the end of the song, it's way overdone with orchestral bombast. This is the one song on the disc that would have been better with the DMB playing on it. The song would have built to a climax the way that other DMB songs do so well and the intensity would have been carried by Dave's voice and the band instead of relying on overdone orchestration to bring it off.

Bottom line: Track 1 - 9 make an incredible album on their own. Oh, Baby, and Up and Away add nothing. I give it 5 stars for the extraordinary intensity, sincerity and beauty of the majority of the songs.