CD Review
Bo Bice - See The Light
I had a break down. That's the only truly logical way I can explain it. I'm slow on the uptake anyway, and while perusing middle America's favorite White Trash double wide world of WalMart, I saw Bo Bice's See The Light. The CD is listed as a "WAL-MART EXCLUSIVE..." - "exclusive..." - I'm telling you, it's marketing genius.
Season 4 of American Idol was and still is the only season I have watched. Bo was the only reason I tuned in. He saved a commercial train wreck of a travesty from utter disaster. He didn't win, but he was runner up. I even voted for him.
First, let me express that Bo Bice's first CD, The Real Thing, testifies that he is, indeed, the real thing. It says so right on the cover art. But alas, that was still Idol fodder. "Disappointing, " one reviewer wrote. What the hell. He might not be the real thing but let's see if he's the real deal. I secretly tucked the CD under a loaf of Wonder Bread and a can of Aqua Net hairspray. It went undiscovered until the clandestine capitalist transaction was complete.
See The Light is Bice's sophomore effort. He is broken free of those contractual chains and managed to write and produce this one himself (with help from a fellow named Frank Liddell). I checked out Bo's web page:.
www.bobice.comWho the hell is Bob Ice?
Oh - my bad. I read all the lead ins...it's time. But not before I become an official Bo-Peep (fan) and subscribed to Bo Bice's monthly phone call where he will ring me up to say "hi." Ok. Now it's time.
- "Witness"
- "Take The Country Out Of Me"
- "I'm Gone"
- "Only Words"
- "Got Money"
- "See The Light"
- "Sinner In A Sin"
- "The Train"
- "Ain't Gonna Die"
- "Whiskey, Women & Time"
I guess this is the video I caught a few seconds of on VH-1. It had to be VH-1 as MTV doesn't show too many videos these days, let alone Bo Bice.
My first reaction is "Ow - vintage Lenny Kravitz." It's got a wah-wah pedal (ala Frampton) in it too. So if you like Kravitz and wah-wah - you'll dig it. I would say something like "It has an edge to it" - but that would be cliché - commercial pop cliché.
Ahhh...The Southern Rock sound. This song is a nod to Bo's roots. It's very sweet. He shouts to the likes of: Merle Haggard, ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Rodgers, and JJ Cale. But wait! There's more!
"And if that Freebird wasn't soarin', Y'all woulda never heard of me."
I like this one. It's got a mean slide guitar, a southern beat, and I know it's heartfelt. Way to put it to rec execs, Bo! That'll learn 'em.
I have to give it 4 stars for sentiment (It's under George Michael's "Freedom", but above the symbol that was formerly the artist known as Prince who is Prince again).
This one takes me somewhere else in the first few bars. It reminds me of another tune somewhere - but for the life of me I can't shake it from the cobwebs of my mind. There are faint shadows from the now defunct Sugarmoney. Hey, I told you I liked Bo Bice. Shutup.
Wow...classic country ballad with a sax. Moving right along. I'm forced to dance with my lover, Jack Daniels, to get through this one.
*whew* - a nice grinding axe to open. I hear Louisiana electric Blues/Rock. Remember when KWS first hit the scene? Remember that???? Yeah, I don't think KWS does either. I like the heavier guitar and I like how Bo's voice is raw right along with it. I certainly can relate to not having one thin dime or time. Gads, this is turning out to be a fairly depressing trip through Bice Land.
Oh. Very nice mic'd harp sets a cool bluesy mood. I can feel my heart jumping with this one. Holy crap. I really like this! The lyrics have got a universal story to tell. Repentance is never easy. I wish I could have this song follow me to the altar at the church of Blues. This is one I am returning to.
"See The Light" is featured on Bo Bice's MySpace page. I highly recommend listening to it.
Ok. Those whining country guitars grate my nerves. It must have been a traumatic experience in my childhood. This is another one that sounds very classically countrified. Moving on...yes, even in spite of the melodic harp. This tune makes me realize my ass is falling asleep.
Well if this one doesn't have a blowing harp I'll be disappointed. Oh! There it is!
This is the point I realize that this CD is leaning more towards Nashville than rock. I guess that would make sense since it was recorded in Nashville. I'm not taking this Southbound all the way to Georgia. Let me off in Toledo, thanks.
A lovely Molly-Hatchetesque (like I even know what that means) anti-love song offering a challenge for the femme fetal du jour to ante up what she can. Bo's vocals are particularly choice on this one. I can give you bad attitude and some stretch marks, Bo. Can ya take it?
Ok - there is definitely an Allman Brothers influence in this one. In fact, I want to say, "If you are going to do homage, make sure it's as good as the original band..."
All in all, not a bad Wal-Mart experience. The CD also includes some southern style eye candy from a Bice photo shoot to stare at.
My not so professional opinion is that Bo is coming of age. He's starting to crawl out of the Idol muck and mire. I'm looking forward to what he has to say (and how he says it) with a few more years of music, living, banged up knees and smiles. There is potential here. But he hasn't quite made it there yet. But then again, what do I know?
Would I recommend it to anyone?
Only to borrow mine...
See The Light is released on indie label Sugar Money/StratArt Records.
woof
04.16.08