This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Some rockers put out solo albums that sound just like the ones they record with their band (and yes, Robert Pollard, I’m looking at you). Thankfully, though — and, if I’m being honest, somewhat unexpectedly — Dave Matthews is not part of this group.
Even a casual listen to his striking solo debut Some Devil lets you know this isn’t just some control-freak power play. This is an honest-to-Jerry departure from the jam-based grooves of his beloved Dave Matthews Band. Backed by old pals (like longtime collaborator Tim Reynolds), big-name guests (like Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio) and first-call session cats (like drummer Brady Blade and bassist Tony Hill), Matthews ditches the neo-hippie looseness of his day job for the more intimate and structured confines of the singer-songwriter world.
Most of these 14 tunes are low-key, brooding numbers anchored by Matthew’s high-pithced melancholy and jangly strum, augmented by everything from tasty horn lines to swelling symphonies. Naturally, Dave retains his flowing delivery and rambling lyricism, though his streamlined arrangements are tight enough to keep you from nodding off in the solos. And if he veers a little too close to Sting or John Mayer for your liking now and then, Some Devil’s directness and power suggest Matthews could still do OK if this whole band thing doesn’t pan out.
