Top 10 Rob Thomas Songs

Rob Thomas Songs

Our top 10 Rob Thomas songs list presents the music of an American singer-songwriter revered for his glittering career in the rock scene. The 1972-born singer-songwriter started his music career in the early ‘90s as a member of the now-defunct alt-rock/jam rock band Tabitha’s Secret. Rob Thomas was quite an influential figure as the lead singer and primary songwriter of the band Tabitha’s Secret. However, Tabitha’s Secret was only but a precursor of something greater.

That’s Matchbox Twenty, a multi-platinum record-selling band best known for its luscious blend of alternative rock, post-grunge, and pop-rock influences. Rob Thomas has since 1995 fronted Matchbox Twenty exercising his exquisite lyricism in most of the band’s releases. A taste of Rob’s songwriting excellence as a member of Matchbox Twenty is evidenced by the chart-topping hits such as “3 AM,” “If You’re Gone,” “Unwell,” and “Bent.”

Matchbox Twenty would go on a hiatus in 2004 to allow its members to pursue side projects. The move brought Rob Thomas to yet another successful phase in his music career—that’s his impressive solo career. While Matchbox Twenty rekindled its musical pursuits a short while later, Rob Thomas still pushes on with his rewarding solo efforts. Currently, Rob Thomas boasts five solo studio albums, two of which have earned massive commercial success and critical acclaim.

In 2005, Rob Thomas delivered his first solo studio album …Something to Be. The album was produced by music executive/record producer Matt Serletic. As a record producer, Matt has worked with multiple artists/bands including Matchbox Twenty, Edwin McCain, Cher, and Stacie Orrico. Rob Thomas’ first solo outing was a mainstream success rising atop the ARIA Albums Chart.

The album impressed on the UK Albums Chart where it peaked at position eleven. However, the album’s greatest feat was toppling Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi off the top spot on the Billboard 200. The album was platinum-certified in Canada, the US (twice), and Australia (thrice)—…Something to Be also earned silver certification in the UK. “Lonely No More,” “This Is How a Heart Breaks,” “Streetcorner Symphony,” and “Ever the Same” are some of the best Rob Thomas songs from …Something to Be.

In 2009, Rob Thomas returned with his sophomore studio album Cradlesong. The album was produced by Matt Serletic who worked with Rob Thomas on his debut solo release. Other artists who helped make Cradlesong a success include guitarist Rusty Anderson (who played with Michael Bublé, The Bangles, and Paul McCartney) and drummer Kenny Aronoff (who played with John Fogerty and John Mellencamp) among others.

Cradlesong was a mainstream success rising to the atop the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart. The album also made it to the third spot on both the ARIA Albums Chart and Billboard 200. Cradlesong was warmly received in the UK where it climbed to position seventy-five. The album was a commercial success earning three-time platinum certification in Australia and gold certification in the US. “Her Diamonds,” “Someday,” “Mockingbird,” and “Give Me the Meltdown” are some of the most sought-after songs by Rob Thomas from the album Cradlesong.

Six years later, Rob Thomas issued his third studio album The Great Unknown. The album was co-produced by Matt Serletic in conjunction with Ryan Tedder of One Republic, Noel Zancanella (who’s worked with Taylor Swift, Colbie Caillat, and Maroon 5), Aaron Accetta (who’s worked with American Authors), and Shep Goodman (who’s worked with Jonas Brothers, Hall & Oates, and Lee Ann Womack).

The Great Unknown climbed to the sixth spot on the Billboard 200 while rising to the fourth spot on the ARIA Albums Chart. Rob Thomas saw the album make it to the ninety-fifth spot on the UK Albums Chart. Unfortunately, the album didn’t earn massive commercial success like its predecessors. “Pieces,” “One Shot,” “Trust You,” and “Hold On Forever” are some of the best Rob Thomas songs from The Great Unknown.

In 2019, Rob Thomas issued his fourth solo studio album Chip Tooth Smile. The album was issued through Atlantic Records under the production of Butch Walker. Butch is a reputable American singer-songwriter/record producer known for his work with The Wallflowers, Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Katy Perry, and Sevendust among others.

Chip Tooth Smile achieved some success climbing to the third spot on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album also graced the Billboard 200 peaking at position thirteen. “One Less Day “Dying Young),” “I Love It,” “Funny,” and “Can’t Help Me Now” are the most popular songs by Rob Thomas from the album Chip Tooth Smile.

In 2021, Rob Thomas issued his fifth studio album Something About Christmas Time. This Christmas-oriented album failed to catapult Rob Thomas to mainstream success. Some of the artists who collaborated with Rob Thomas on this album include BeBe Winans, Brad Paisley, Ingrid Michaelson, and Abby Anderson. “Small Town Christmas,” “A New York Christmas ’21,” and “Save Some Christmas” are some of the best Rob Thomas songs from the album Something About Christmas Time.

Rob Thomas Accolades and Legacy

Throughout his career, we have seen Rob Thomas wear different hats in terms of his musical influences and songwriting inspirations. In his solo career, Rob Thomas blends pop rock and alternative rock with adult contemporary inclinations. His solo music career has also seen him deliver a number of emotive radio hits.

Synonymous to his stint with Matchbox Twenty, Rob’s solo career solidifies his ground as one of the most commercially successful songwriters of his generation. Rob Thomas has severally bagged multiple songwriting nominations and awards. Among them is his 1999 BMI Pop Awards Songwriter of the Year accolade. His impressive vocal delivery has also seen him earn quite a dedicated following since the start of his career.

#10- One Less Day (Dying Young)

Welcoming us to the top 10 Rob Thomas solo songs is the inspiring hit “One Less Day (Dying Young).” The song was issued as the first single towards the release of Rob’s fourth studio album Chip Tooth Smile. “One Less Day (Dying Young)” takes us back to Rob Thomas’ earlier worries about dying young and hope to live forever. However, aged forty-seven at the time, Rob realized that he was already “too old” to die young!

Rob Thomas mentioned that “One Less Day (Dying Young)” came in a conversation with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows. The conversation was about getting older—Adam mentioned to Rob Thomas that “you’re still one less day from dying young.” The statement stuck— “One Less Day (Dying Young)” is its product. This song made it to the third spot on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart.

#9- Little Wonders

“Little Wonders” is one of the most sought-after non-album singles by Rob Thomas. The song was issued in 2007 for the soundtrack of the Walt Disney film Meet the Robinsons. “Little Wonders” was the second single of the soundtrack album—the first single of the soundtrack was Kim Wilde’s single “Kids in America.” The song is a perfect exhibition of Rob Thomas’ songwriting excellence.

“Little Wonders” also gives us a taste of Rob Thomas’ impassioned vocal delivery. The song was a mainstream success rising to the fifty-eighth spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Little Wonders” features two versions of music videos both of which were directed by Dave Meyers. Dave has also worked with multiple artists including The Veronicas, Pink, Korn, and Katy Perry among others.

#8- Hold on Forever

Coming in at the eighth spot on our top 10 Rob Thomas solo songs list is the love-tinged hit “Hold on Forever.” The song is featured on Rob Thomas’ third studio album The Great Unknown. “Hold on Forever” is an ode to Rob Thomas’ relationship with his longtime lover and wife Marisol Maldonado.

The accompanying music video to this song is inspired by real-life romance moments. “Hold on Forever” climbed to the twenty-fifth spot on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. The song also graced the ARIA Singles Chart climbing to the fifty-fifth spot.

#7- Can’t Help Me Now

“Can’t Help Me Now” is one of the most sought-after songs from Rob Thomas’ fourth studio album Chip Tooth Smile. This poignant single was issued in 2019 with its lyrics exploring the themes of love, loss, and grief. Rob Thomas cited that the song was inspired by his wife who was going through hard times.

However, despite the challenges we know Rob and Marisol have forged a strong friendship that has fueled the success of their marriage. “Can’t Help Me Now” features a music video directed by Kevin Slack. Kevin Slack has also worked with multiple artists including Maggie Lindemann, Shawn Mendes, and The Gaslight Anthem.

#6- Pieces

Ranking sixth on our top 10 Rob Thomas solo songs list is the sensational hit “Pieces.” The song is featured on Rob’s third studio album The Great Unknown. “Pieces” is a piano-driven ballad whose lyrics align with the themes of commitment to our loved ones. Rob channels the lyrics to this song to a person who is overwhelmed by life asking the person to hold on to him.

“Pieces” offer a strong message of giving hope and support to our loved ones. The song made it to the twelfth spot on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. “Pieces” features lyrics capturing Rob Thomas’ vulnerability and emotional depth. The Garen Barsegian-directed music video for this song captures the true emotions of Rob Thomas in this song. Garen has also worked with other artists including Bastille, Swedish House Mafia, Natalie La Rose, Jenny Lewis, Troye Sivan, and Jason Derulo.

#5- Ever the Same

Rob Thomas’ first solo outing …Something to Be is home to the fifth pick on our list “Ever the Same.” The song was penned by Rob for his lover and wife Marisol Maldonado (Marisol has inspired a handful of songs penned by Rob Thomas). “Ever the Same” made it to the fourth spot on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song also climbed to the forty-eighth spot on the Hot 100.

“Ever the Same” was also a commercial success earning gold certification in the US. The song features a music video directed by Phil Harder. Phil has also directed music videos for multiple artists including The Jayhawks, Sonic Youth, The Afghan Whigs, The Connells, Bobby McFerrin, and Lisa Loeb.

#4- Someday

“Someday” introduces us to Rob Thomas’ musical excellence on the album Cradlesong. Rob Thomas pens the lyrics for almost all of his songs. However, “Someday” finds him teaming up with Shy Carter (who’s worked with Charlie Puth, Kane Brown, and Meghan Trainor) and producer Matt Serletic in the songwriting process. “Someday” has its lyrics allude to a couple trying to fight their relationship problems.

The song is one of the most successful singles by Rob Thomas having risen atop the Adult Top 40 Chart. “Someday” also made it to the fifty-ninth spot on the Hot 100 Chart. The song was also a commercial success having earned gold certification in the US. Alan Ferguson (who’s worked with Nelly Furtado, Chris Cornell, and Natasha Bedingfield) was tasked with directing this song’s music video.

#3- This Is How a Heart Breaks

Ranking third on our top 10 Rob Thomas solo songs list is the impressive hit “This Is How a Heart Breaks.” The song was issued as the second single to Rob’s debut LP …Something to Be. “This Is How a Heart Breaks” was penned by Rob Thomas in conjunction with H. Jonback and the Swedish songwriting duo Bloodshy & Avant. The Swedish duo has also penned songs for Madonna, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Kylie Minogue.

“This Is How a Heart Breaks” managed to rise to the sixty-seventh spot on the UK Singles Chart. The song also graced the Billboard Hot 100 Chart peaking at position fifty-two. “This Is How a Heart Breaks” earned Rob Thomas a Grammy Award nomination for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance in 2006. However, Rob Thomas lost the award to Bruce Springsteen with his hit “Devils & Dust.” “This Is How a Heart Breaks” was gold-certified by RIAA.

#2- Her Diamonds

“Her Diamonds” is by far the most successful single from Rob’s sophomore studio album Cradlesong. Rob cited “Her Diamonds” as a song about empathy especially, empathy toward one’s loved ones. The title of this song is a metaphoric phrase that alludes to a girl’s tears. Rob’s wife Marisol provides backing vocals in this song.

“Her Diamonds” rose atop the Adult Top 40 Chart gracing the Adult Contemporary Chart at the second spot. The song climbed to position twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100. “Her Diamonds” earned platinum certification both in Australia and the US.

#1- Lonely No More

Ranking first on our top 10 Rob Thomas songs list is the alluring hit “Lonely No More.” The song is the signature track to Rob’s solo musical pursuits. “Lonely No More” is featured on his debut solo outing …Something to Be. The song finds Rob crooning from the perspective of someone who’s been hurt earlier. Rob expresses his fear of being lonely like it happened to him in the past.

“Lonely No More” rose atop the Adult Top 40, Adult Contemporary, and Billboard Dance Club Songs Charts. The song climbed to the sixth spot on the Billboard Hot 100 rising to a peak position of number eleven on the UK Singles Chart. “Lonely No More” was platinum-certified both in Australia and the US. The song earned Rob Thomas the APRA Awards Most Performed Foreign Work accolade in 2006.

Feature Photo: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Top 10 Rob Thomas Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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