Staff Writer

Unlike my past experiences at concerts such as N*SYNC and Britney Spears, Rob Thomas’ Oct. 5 concert was not a theatrical show, but a musical event. You could obviously tell that Thomas has talent and performs for the music, not for the lights, flames, snakes and flashy graphics in the background.

Rob Thomas came to Grand Prairie’s Nokia Theatre alongside opening acts OneRepublic and Carolina Liar. Thomas is more formerly known for his position as lead singer of the hit band Matchbox Twenty, but has recently released two solo albums with such hits as “Lonely No More” and “Her Diamonds.”

My father tells me critics have said “Rob Thomas was better with a band” and that he “belongs with his band to bring a true performance”. I have never seen a Matchbox Twenty performance live like I did Thomas’ show, but I can start by saying I disagree with this comment completely.

The show started at 7:30 p.m. with Carolina Liar, followed by OneRepublic. Thomas then came on at 9:30 p.m., and I left at about 11:30 p.m. due to my load of unfinished homework, when Thomas announced he still had about three more songs left.

It was definitely one of the longest sets I have ever seen, but in Thomas’ defense, it only further proved his performance ability and discography.  Not only did he sing nearly every song on his Cradlesong album, but he also included songs from Something to Be, as well as ones that did not make the cut for his records and the famed “3 AM” by Matchbox Twenty.

Thomas’ performance was definitely unlike anything I was expecting. His voice and songs sounded the exact same as they do on the radio and on his CDs. Either Thomas is excellent at lip-syncing, or the recording studios use absolutely no special effects on his songs.

Not only was his performance beyond amazing, but OneRepublic’s performance was also exceedingly impressive as well. I am not a major fan of OneRepublic—I don’t hate them, but I don’t necessarily listen to them other than the occasional “Apologize” or “Stop and Stare.”

Instruments I have never seen before at any previous concerts, such as the cello and the bongos, were played during their performance. “Apologize” may be construed as hip hop, but OneRepublic’s songs were nothing but instrumental and musical, something I never would have expected from their radio singles.

All in all, the Cradlesong Tour was definitely an experience I will never forget. For fans of Matchbox Twenty and Rob Thomas alike, the concert was a blend of all of Thomas’ hit songs, no matter the band that accompanied him in creating the song, since he is the heart and soul of every band he is a part of.