Search - Billy Bob Thornton :: Edge of the World

Music from the heart presented with an Edge

J. Fryer | Nicholasville, KY | 09/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Billy Bob Thornton's new CD, "The Edge of The World", his second, marks his move from "Lost Highway" to "Sanctuary Records", home of a plethora of rockers. "Edge" also is a move from the more 'story-oriented' country/blues selections to a strong rock sound for Billy Bob. It is a return of sorts to Billy Bob's musical roots. Billy Bob started his career as a musician playing drums and opening for musicians such as Hank Williams Jr., Ted Nugent, the Earl Scruggs Review, and Richie Havens. The return move is strong, satisfying, and entertaining.Two of the first three tracks; "Emily" and "Island Avenue" were written by Billy Bob's late brother, Jimmy Don Thornton, to whom the CD is dedicated. "Island Avenue" features Mike Shipp, (whose CD "Adventures of Roosterboy" was recently released) on guitar and a passel of great vocalists singing back-up, including Tommy Shaw (Styx). "Everybody's Talking" is a very credible cover of the popular song from "Midnight Cowboy" and features Marty Stuart on lead guitar, along with Brad Davis on rhythm guitar. Brad is a songwriter in his own right, apparent on his own CD, "I'm Not Gonna Let My Blues Bring Me Down", which also features a cut by Billy Bob entitled "Tell Me Son". 'Baby, Can I Hold You' (Tracy Chapman), one of the slower tracks features Billy Bob vocalizing at his best with back-up sung by the talented Mica Roberts and great guitar accompaniment by Randy Mitchell.The other tracks were written by Billy Bob and/or fellow musicians Brad Davis, Jim Mitchell, and Randy Mitchell. They run the gamut from covering all forms of rock and displaying the talent of the musicians, as well as the singing and writing talents of Billy Bob."Do God Wop", an irreverent monologue directed at God in an attempt to ascertain an answer to life's problems that will explain things to both the speaker and children, starts with music that can best be described as psychedelic before transposing into the absolute ultimate 'do-wop' song. Great display of that VOICE, and BB hits the drums on this one too. Too cool! "Savior", features great lyrics, acoustic and steel guitars, and again the feeling Billy Bob is using that distinctive voice to sing poetry on the subject of the rejuvenation offered by children, directly to the individual listener and being sang directly from his heart. 'Midnight Train" has been likened to the sound of Kris Kristofferson or Waylon and Willie. For the life of me, I cannot listen to this without hearing echoes of the late Johnny Cash. A decidedly 'country' sound, featuring Warren Zevon on the organ and some great guitar licks. Country lyrics at their best, and again a reference to the energizing spirit of children on one's life. There has been much written about exactly who inspired the songs on this CD that Billy Bob wrote, including Billy Bob's own explanation of sorts, including his distinctive comments on each track that appear in the linear notes (along with interesting personal photos, including pix of his children). As a fan, I have my own opinions about "To The End of Time" and exactly which individual(s) may have inspired it, along with "Pieces of A Man", " God", "The Edge of The World", and "The Desperate One". Each listener will decide from themselves, or may not even think about it or care one way or the other. Personally, I leave that explanation to Billy Bob. Suffice it to say, that many of the tracks evoke a portrait of an individual on the 'Edge", gathering memories, looking for answers, excising anger, and searching for a future. All these emotions converge in lyrics, music, and vocals to create a touching, electric, inspiring, and entertaining CD containing 17 tracks, including a hidden track. Rock fans should avoid writing-off this offering as a 'vanity project', a label I see bandied around often about "Private Radio", Billy Bob's first CD. "Private Radio" was a legitimate addition to today's musical menu. "The Edge of the World", while different in format, content, and style, offers great musicians playing rocking music, and great very personal lyrics written from the heart, with vocals offered by an original rocker returning to his first love with gusto, confidence, and talent. An Edgy CD that is destined to reside on your CD player for listen after listen if you respect true talent and love music."

Just a great rock and roll record with heart

Bill Allison | Kimberling City, Missouri United States | 10/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've had "The Edge of The World" for a couple of weeks now, and since I was anticipating it so much, I wanted to make sure that I gave it enough time to sink in so that I could write a fair review for it. Well, everyone knows that Billy is a great actor and everyone knows what happens to most famous people who try to move into another area that their not already known for (they usually get slammed for it) , so I'm going to skip right through all of that and get on with what is really important here...THE MUSIC."Private Radio" was a very different move for an actor making a record. It had next to no radio appeal, no pop, and no commercialized videos with lush scenery to go along with the songs on CMT, but what it did have was an honesty and a realism that brought me back listen after compelling listen to the land of Waffle Houses, back porches, cotton fields and one night stands. THAT was an amazing record with more replay value than just about anything I've heard over the last five years. Truly remarkable.Now, two years later, here we are at "The Edge Of The World". I wasn't qutie sure what to expect here, but I knew that this would be more rock oriented and there would be a loose story line. From the opening licks of "Emily" I knew that I was in for another treat. If all you know of Billy's singing is from "Private Radio" then this will blow you away. Frankly, it doesn't even sound like the same guy. On the last record everything was low and Cohenish, here he sings out and loud, backed by Michael Shipp's awesome guitar playing and a mighty fine band. When "Emily" gives away to "Everybody Lies", you won't be surprised if Billy has a bonafide hit on his hands here. This is everything a great rock tune should be. It's just such a blast to listen to and the lyrics burn in deep. Now, with "Island Avenue", Billy had released this tune a couple of years back on a wildlife benefit cd called "Hollywood Goes Wild". It became one of my favorite songs and everyone I played it for loved it. Here, we're treated to a slightly different version which features back vocals by James Young and Tommy Shaw from Styx. Also, Michael Shipp's playing really shines through. It's another winner. Now, I'm not going to go through all seventeen tracks here but I will say that with your first listen, by the time you have made it to the beautiful instrumental of "The Edge of The World" (reprise) you might agree that this is one of the most exciting and original albums of 2003 and see for yourself that Billy is indeed, the real deal. This is music about life, in a language that we can all identify with and understand. Thank you Billy Bob!!! See you on Tour"

Exquisite!

misshimmery | California USA | 10/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A gem! Truly a gem! Billy Bob is the most vivid lyricist to come along in a long time. He deftly tackles the haunting questions that torment us in the night. This is music you can sit back and inhale."