Bo Bice, American Idol darling and Alabama babe magnet, had to have known he was taking a risk in naming his debut full-length The Real Thing. Up until now, those who weren't fans of the show and were introduced to Bice's... more » heart-on-his-sleeve brand of southern rock through either his fall 2005 guest spot on Carlos Santana's All That I Am or his chart-topping turn on the single "Inside Your Heaven," also from 2005, may have been tempted to write him off as reality-show riffraff. The Real Thing--thanks in no small part to producer Clive Davis as well as Bice-boosters Richie Sambora, Jon Bon Jovi, Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), and Ben Moody (Evanescence)--redeems the hirsute, hard-charging rocker. Bice steps lively through a cavalcade of soaring guitars and top-drawer hooks, and he doesn't skimp on the belting--hear it on the full-flame lament "Nothing Without You" and also "Remember Me," an insistent rant sunk chest-deep in sincerity. If Bice sounds less earthy here than he did on the show--onstage he recalled the singer from the '60s band the Grass Roots to eerie effect at times--few will be disappointed. This is modern music with a Southern-man twist made irresistible by a bare-it-all guy who means it. The real thing, in other words. -Tammy La Gorce« less
Bo Bice, American Idol darling and Alabama babe magnet, had to have known he was taking a risk in naming his debut full-length The Real Thing. Up until now, those who weren't fans of the show and were introduced to Bice's heart-on-his-sleeve brand of southern rock through either his fall 2005 guest spot on Carlos Santana's All That I Am or his chart-topping turn on the single "Inside Your Heaven," also from 2005, may have been tempted to write him off as reality-show riffraff. The Real Thing--thanks in no small part to producer Clive Davis as well as Bice-boosters Richie Sambora, Jon Bon Jovi, Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), and Ben Moody (Evanescence)--redeems the hirsute, hard-charging rocker. Bice steps lively through a cavalcade of soaring guitars and top-drawer hooks, and he doesn't skimp on the belting--hear it on the full-flame lament "Nothing Without You" and also "Remember Me," an insistent rant sunk chest-deep in sincerity. If Bice sounds less earthy here than he did on the show--onstage he recalled the singer from the '60s band the Grass Roots to eerie effect at times--few will be disappointed. This is modern music with a Southern-man twist made irresistible by a bare-it-all guy who means it. The real thing, in other words. -Tammy La Gorce
Robyn P. (makesomebodyhappy) from WAYCROSS, GA Reviewed on 6/18/2007...
This Cd is one of the best American Idol cds. The best, in my opinion, is Daughtry. I loved this cd. I wasn't able to rip it to my mp3 player though so that was a downer. The cd is really good though. I would swap for it if I didn't already have it.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Not what I expected, but an awsome CD none the less.
J. Vaughn | Ringgold, GA | 12/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I, as many of the other Bo fans did, expected it to sound more like my beloved AI Bo. Especially after seeing him with Sugarmoney for the benefit concert. However, the industry I feel gave him more perks than many new artists. Do I hope his next album has a little more real Bo, yes of course I do, but I still feel that Bo tried to insert himself into many of these songs and made them better than they would've been with another artist singing them. The songs have very catchy tunes and especially the three songs, It's My Life, Hold On, and Valley of Angels have great lyrics. If you are expecting a resurection of older hits (although good ones) like Free Bird, then you'll be disappointed. However, if you are looking for a CD that shows artist flexibility, a great voice, catchy tunes, and an artist that can take most any style of song and still find a way to make it his own, then this is for you. I notice most of the negative reviews list kid review on them. Well, Bo has always appealed to the older more mature audience. I saw this first-hand at the concert when I was among the minority and am 29. I personally love it and my 3-year-old asks me, "Where Bo Bice?" when it isn't playing. The dual disc is wonderful, well worth the extra money. To fellow Bo fans, listen with an open mind, knowing the pressures of the industry, and remember that this is only the beginning! GO BO, I love ya man!! Much love."
A pretty gripping, solid cd.
Virginia | Bowles, USA | 12/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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 love Bo's new cd
Valerie S. Malone | Tucson, Az | 01/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must say that I love Bo's new cd. I really do not understand why people have to be so negative, if you don't like the cd just say you don't like it , there realy is no need to personally attack Bo. I think this cd really shows Bo's versatility."
Nice music, pleasant to the ears
BCJO | MA | 12/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Great Album, Great Voice
Freebird | Flying Free | 12/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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?"