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Sometimes I remember why I love being a music writer. I get to hear some great
music before it’s even released, and Bob Schneider’s sophomore effort, I’m Good
Now, is proof of that. This Austin-based singer/songwriter has a soulful and
monstrous voice and music that is southern-tinged and bluesy, but at the end of
the day just plain rocks. This album is a roller coaster ride of rockers and
acoustic ballads, and that’s part of what makes it so good. There’s balance as
well as great songwriting.
Songs like the first single and opening track, “Come With Me Tonight,” and “The
Way Life is Supposed to Be” are produced and arranged with precision and
extremely catchy. “A Long Way to Get” and “The Bridge Builders” are ballads that
don’t drag like some slow songs do. “C’mon Baby” burns from beginning to end and
really showcases Schneider’s compelling voice. “Medicine” is addictive musically
and lyrically from the start: “I got a heart, it don’t work so good/It just
don’t feel the way I think it should/It pumps and pounds and gets on down/Everytime
that you come around.” Simple yet something everyone can relate to and told in a
different way -- that’s basically the formula for a good song. “Gold in the
Sunset” is another standout tune, but I have to say there are really no clunkers
here.
This is one of those albums that transcend categories, but it doesn’t really
matter. Let the radio gods worry about where they’re going to place it (it’s
slated for AAA and Hot AC for those of you keeping score), but you and I can
just add it to our collection and file it under “G” for “Great Stuff.”
~Mike Farley
mfarley@bullz-eye.com
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