Dave Matthews - Some Devil

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Music reviews of Some Devil

Music Review: Dave Really Is "Some Devil"
Rating: 5 Stars

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.

Description of Some Devil

Alternative Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Folk
• Pop
• Rock