Review Redux: Carl Thomas - So Much Better
Monday June 11, 2007
The people have spoken. And your Guide to R&B has definitely listened. And listened. And listened some more. Many of you thought my review of Carl Thomas' So Much Better, was way off the mark and suggested that I listen to it again. Well, I did. And what a difference a week makes. After listening with a fresh pair of ears and a new perspective, I finally get it now, and have written a new review of the album. The new version doesn't completely talk about the album in glowing terms, but it doesn't trash Carl or his music like the first review did, either. And with that in mind, please click here to read the revised full review of Carl Thomas' So Much Better. And thanks, everyone, for your comments.
Album cover © Bungalow Records.
Comments
Haven’t had a chance to hear the CD, but will definitely check it out. However, to say that his first CD was bland and unoriginal is ludicrous! Seeing as the R. Kelly’s, T. Pain’s & Akon’s of the world have taken R&B music to an all time low. His style is refreshing in a world of Pornographic music. Adjust your thinking Markie as to what real singing is. Don’t allow trash artist to distort your preference on what real music is. That’s what’s wrong with the world today- PG music is frowned upon. Just a suggestion!
Z,
First thanks for the comments. Second, I think I gave the wrong impression about Carl’s first CD; his first album was good - very good. Much better than his current one. Third, maybe you should hear the CD before criticizing the review of it. Fourth, my comments about Carl’s new album being boring still stand.
I think your review of Carl Thomas So much better album does not have a strong basis. You claim that his album is boring but I actually love the album and I don’t classify myself as a Carl Thomas fan. It has great melody and I see his laid back style as an asset. This album doesn’t overwhelm the listener. I think that this is a goal that he tries to accomplish and does a great job of it.
Y’know, I really think I’m going to have to re-listen to the album again over the weekend. It’s possible that I judged it too harshly. I’ll let everyone know if I revise the review.
I had an opporunity to see this CT live at the Essence Festivial 2003 and this guy sound great live. There are alot of guy out there that sound great in the studio but they cannot perform live. I would adivise anyone who has not had an opportunity to see him in person, save your comments until then……………
Carl Thomas is one the greatest black vocalist of our time. Donny Hathaway would be proud of this guy. He represents substance, style and professionalism in music. Allow the CD to grow on you. Its nice.
I’m sitting here listening as I type. I like it. It is not as great as the first two. The second being better than the first in my opinion (I know I am in the minority on that). I can understand why you feel that it lacks emotion, some of the melodies are a little drab. I think the album is too long but overall, I think it’s good, I’m not sure if he has won a spot in the car or on the mp3 player yet. He has definitely never received the recognition that he deserves but that’s a discussion for another day. As for you, it takes a good man to admit that there is even a possibility that he may have misjudged. Even if you find that your opinions stands, thanks for even reconsidering. I like that in ya!!!
Good news, Carl Thomas fans; a revised version of my critique of the album will be posted on Monday. You’re right - I was too harsh before when judging his latest release.
Thank you.
What can I say…Carl Thomas is a great singer and performer who’s making his mark at a time when “REAL” R&B is dead. Never have I seen daytime as well evening radio so mainstream that the stations don’t even play new R&B talent or newly released R&B music that is not 1st okay’d by pop or hip-hop appeal? So called radio host babysitting B*ll Sh*t pop records day & night mixed with oldies? We live in time where so-called R&B singers are nothing but young faces selling sex who are grossly overrated (NO TALENT). Carl Thomas is the “REAL DEAL” maturing as one should with each project and sounding better every time. Since his mainstream debut, I’ve watched as he’s influenced many R&B posers mimicking his style as Carl Thomas is pathetically ignored by the music industry. R&B has been replaced with R&P (Rap&Pop) Well, Carl in Protest I boycott this so called music industry and I know one day soon Carl Thomas will be rediscovered and regardless of the shade the industry throws his way people in the know, know where to find R&B….In the shade and cool as the breeze is “Mr Carl Thomas”. Emotional/Let’s Talk About It/So Much Better “Classic R&B Material”! Good Music.(Period)!