Cradlesong (by Rob Thomas, Light Rock)

Macthbox Twenty may not have released an album in several years, but their frontman, Rob Thomas isn't resting. His sophomore solo album, CRADLESONG is a mellow mix of soothing songs about relationships and all their struggles. Thomas wrote all the songs on this album and mixes a blend of '80s sounds with more traditional styles such as blues, reggae, and even gospel.

The title of Thomas' latest album conjures up images of nurturing lullabies and comforting moments. And those emotions are definitely present on this collection of songs, but that doesn't mean there isn't an edge and a masculine touch to the sensitive streak. Thomas balances out his tender side with intoxicating rhythms and cool deliveries. "Her Diamonds" has the classic Matchbox Twenty rock/pop blend and songs like "Give Me the Meltdown" and "Hard on You" are surprisingly likable. The album is grounded in Thomas' well-rounded writing chops that offer up honesty and at times unexpected depth: "We can't see where we go, spending our whole lives, walking the same lines, and it doesn't seem to stop. This is our lives, this is all we get, our days are numbered, our nights are all spent."