With a similar sound of Dave Matthews Band and the Barenaked Ladies, “16 Beers to Bedtime” is an album of laid-back acoustic songs that are easy-to-listen-to whether it be at a bar or driving along in your car. Bobby Vincent came onto the rock scene in 2005 with the release of his self-titled acoustic EP. Since, he has been tearing up the Tempe, Arizona music scene.
“16 Beers to Bedtime” displays Bobby St. Vincent’s strong vocal range and his ability to write decent medium-tempo acoustic rock songs. The lead guitars on “16 Beers to Bedtime” are what give the album its true vibe and feeling, which, at times, is lacking in some of the songs. The songs in the beginning of the album are not “bad” per say, but they grow tiring and the sounds blend together. The change comes with, “All the Same,” a bluesy, upbeat energetic song. Up until this track, I wasn’t sure if I was going to end up liking this album. The blues guitars on this song are musically dynamic between the solos and the rhythm guitar. This song has a completely different vibe and picks up the pace of an otherwise boring album. “Girls” displays Vincent’s sexier lower voice and brings in a unique beat and distortion guitars at the end with rocking solo.
“Feel Good Music” brings in the background sounds of a bar, which definitely gives the song a bar/club vibe. In general this song has more of a groove with its lead guitar, bass and acoustic guitar working together to create a certain rock feeling. ”Dreams” comes out of nowhere with a completely different vibe than the rest of the album— one that is moodier and darker. This song is musically creative, carrying a heavier and more emotional weight than most of the feel-good songs on the album. “Without You” continues with this emotional depth. The song begins with only a solo guitar and Vincent singing in a deep, moody voice. Because this song does not have many instruments, there is a raw appeal, which I found breathtaking compared to the beginning of the album.
Overall, I would like to see Bobby St. Vincent explore different sounds like he did with “All the Same” and “Dreams.” While he can write likeable acoustic songs, as an artist, I think he should diverge somewhat from that easy-listening acoustic rock sound that he has displayed in the majority of this album.
May 14, 2008
