Customer Reviews

Time to Discover

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My first experience with RBBS was when I put on a pair of headphones at a local music store, the kind they use to let you listen to new albums. After listening to "Bellybone" off that first album at the store, I was hooked. That first album was raw and rough, a welcome departure from most of the fluff out there. Being blues smothered in mowtown soul and baked in straight guitar rock, it had everything to offer, especially the voice of Robert.

This second album, "Time to Discover" is a more polished, but softer set, still essetially blues and soul. A more modern feel, with drum programming and Kid Rock additions on a couple of songs, it is almost nothing like the first album, but then again it is. The same kinds of songs from a new perspective. Perhaps the songs are too tight, but the band's playing and Robert's singing is perfect. I prefered the heavier guitar sound on the first album, it demanded to be listened to loud. This album is just as good, but slides it's way into the background, becoming a soundtrack for easy hip swaying grooves. There are potentially more commercial singles on this second album, but only because most stations won't play play the rougher stuff from the firast album.

If you like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Robert Cray or if you like gritty Midwest blues tinged with southern California grooves and "gutbucket" vocals, get this album.

Just when you thought R&B had to consist of syrupy vocals and processed background "music", along comes this great Detroit band. Robert Bradley's gruff, expressive vocals sell every song. Tim Diaz's organ hearkens back to when keyboard players were more than mere programmers. This is fine, fine music.

It's amazing in a music industry that is flooded with Britney Spear's and Limp Bizkit's that anyone would give a group like this a chance. To make it simple, Robert Bradley's Blackwater Suprise is way past their time. If they came out 30 years ago, they would be selling records with no trouble, but it's hard to find older people that listen to new music and younger people who dig the classical rock movement. To put this group in perspective, I might say, if Marvin Gaye, Joe Cocker, and Ray Charles meet Janis Joplin's band, this would be the reflection of the group. A voice of pure energy backed by the sounds of rhythum and blues. Their first album, came to me when MTV briefly played their video. I guess it never caught on because I've only seen it once since then. Anyway, I purchased the album only to be blown away. The group does it again with "Time to Discover" but with a little change. The songs keep their classical flavor, but Kid Rock brings maybe a bit to much moderness to the table. At first I was skeptical about the album when I heard he was going to be apart of the project. Don't get me wrong, I own Kid Rock's album but I wasn't sure how his rap sound would work with it? Would it ruin the classical presense this album brings? Anyway, he starts out rapping on "Higher" but before long, the Ray Charles' style voice of Mr. Bradley kicks in and takes the song to anouther level, being backed by some amazing work from the sliding guitar and the next thing you know, your blown away again. Some might have said that the band sold out, by putting Kid Rock on the album. You might say that, but his presense isn't know but in like 5 seconds of the first track. He also, does some pretty good guitar work on "Tramp" but no singing. Though, I'm sort of for it. I mean, if that's what it's going to take to put this band in the forefront, then go for it. This is also the reason why I only gave it 4 stars for now. The album may grow on me and Kid Rock might have seemed like a good choice, but their first album was 5 stars because it was so fresh and new and unlike anything else we're heard in ages. So, to put it simple if your into teenage icons and simple music for simple people..this isn't you. Bradley might not be a sophisticated lyric writer, but this band is a treasure in a music industry of artifical gold.

I first saw RBBS open for Cowboy Mouth at the HOB in New Orleans and was immediately blown away. I then saw them healine in Baton Rouge a few years later. This CD is one that grabs you from the start. Don't be cautious because Kid Rock sings a bit on song #1. He and Robert Bradley are both from Detroit and their differerent styles gel great on the first track; this is in no way a sell-out from the band. (He also does a great job of producing the track "tramp"). To get back to the CD, RBBS, with Mr. Bradley's smokey vocals (they grab you and never let go), the bands fine guitar rifts, which are not too heavy or overwhelming, and great percussion, do a fabulous job ranging from bar-room blues (catchy at that) to rock on this keeper of a CD. There are several songs ( I am not one to remember names of songs) that really have big-time potential. I would also give their live performances 5 starts. Met them backstage and they are very gracious and down to earth. Best of luck in your endeavors, RBBS.

Once again robert and the boys have done a wonderful job. They have evolved into a smoother sounding, more polished band. This CD doesn't leave my CD player. If you ever get a chance, see them live. The CD does not do them justice.

Buy this if you like Marvin Gaye, Spearhead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith or the like. I know that's a weird combination, but RBBS combines all of those styles. The music is heavenly...great chilling out music. The lyrics are not strong, but this band is truly one to watch anyway. Buy this for great background music for a lazy summer friday night or cruising down old Hwy. 61 chasing the ghosts of the delta.

Just saw the man last night live and WOW! Not only is he a great performer with a voice that tells many tales of lost love and lessons learned, but the man is quite a character. Funny, honest, and most of all HUMAN. I've been wanting to see him perform live and finally got the chance last night. I've been listening to his music since "Time to Discover" came out. His blend of the blues, R&B, soul and rock makes for a night of good music. His band was simply the best too.

Buy all of Robert Bradley's releases and listen...really listen. He is awesome.

THIS ALBUM IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST IN THE LAST 10 YEARS. BRADLEYS VOCALS AND SONG WRITING ARE SUPERB. THE BAND ARE ALSO FINE MUSICIANS. STAND OUT TRACKS ARE BABY, TRAMP 2, ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, BUT ALMOST ALL THE THE SONGS ARE STRONG. THIS IS THE KIND OF MUSIC THAT SORELEY MISSED IN TODAYS SAPPY POP RADIO. TOO BAD HE IS NOT MORE WELL KNOWN. IF YOU LIKE ROCK/BLUES/ACOUSTIC SOUNDS BLENDED WITH A GREAT VOCALIST YOU WILL ENJOY THIS ONE. RBBS FAN

If you are a fan of bluesy rock and roll, and you are interested in an album that has a handful of different sound, this is your album. Instantly, this has become our family's favorite album. I can not speak more highly about an album.

I was first exposed to this band back in the summer of 97 when I saw the video for Once Upon A Time on M2. I went out and bought the cd, and was completely floored when i heard it. Robert's voice just turns me to mush. So powerful. So emotional. I've been waiting for this album for quite a while. I had high expectations, and I'm not at all let down. As has been said before, this album is much softer than the first one. It focuses on much more smooth, laid back tracks. This isn't a bad thing though. I was caught off guard by Robert's falsetto in the songs Gambler and Mr. Tony. It gives an errie sort of otherworldly vibe to the latter. Very cool. If you bought the first album, you have to own this one too. If you've never heard of this band, you have to own this. This album's better than anything I've heard all year, and probably anything I will hear all year. Try it. You'll like it. :-)