Los Lonely Boys: Forgiven :: Music Reviews :: Articles

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It’s hard enough to sustain the fairy tale success Texas’ Los Lonely Boys had with their self-titled first album and its monster, Grammy-winning hit, “Heaven.” Harder still when ill-timed arrests—legit or not—taint public opinion enough to help sink the band's follow-up effort. But Forgiven, the band's third record, won’t fulfill the Texas trio’s quest to regain its lost career footing, which is a shame, because it still shows glimmers of the talent that originally lifted the Boys to multi-platinum status.

Then again, that’s precisely the problem.

Forgiven has bits and pieces, like a bunch of base hits, but not even one song possessing homer status, much less a grand slam like “Heaven.” The first single, “Staying With Me,” has the hook, with great harmonies on the chorus and some soaring, soulful guitar work by eldest Boy Henry Garza. Like most of these songs, it just doesn’t sustain the good parts all the way through. “Superman” and “Another Broken Heart” share similar shortcomings; if they were tightened and tweaked enough, they could be far better songs than they are. Elsewhere, “Superman” marks drummer Ringo Garza’s lead-singing debut; he should get more chances.

Despite the highlights, it would take major doctoring to cure the weak lyrics that permeate nearly all of these songs (the Spencer Davis Group cover, “I’m a Man,” notwithstanding). No one said blues tunes had to be marvels of intellectual stimulation, but they do need to grab you, not make you groan (I'll spare you examples). Los Lonely Boys come from a region rich in songwriting talent; it’s time for them to recruit some pinch-hitters.

3 Comments

By Debra on July 13, 2008 11:59 AM

Thank you for taking the time to review the new Los Lonely Boys cd which I find refreshing and uplifting, unlike alot of the rap, heavy metal and emo music which is so depressing and down on the world. People who are true fans are loving the album and the signature sound of this amazing power trio. The best way to enjoy their music is live... without the label's and producer's restraint upon them. Long live Texican Rock & Roll.
Find out more here-
http://www.reverbnation.com/c./a4/365313/10175/Artist/37614/Fan/link?posted_by=MissionsAgent_9554

By c.irizarry on July 18, 2008 11:55 AM

Im so tired of people bashin llb. If u knew the guys and all the hard work they put into their music maybe u would change your mind. this new cd has alot of inspiration! try and remember the last time u actually went out of your way to make someone else feel good. dont even talk about talent buddy! u wouldnt know it if it stared u in the face. dont be so bitter. heres an idea why dont you sit and actually listen to the words in their music then write a review. LOS LONELY BOYS ARE STARS AND HAVE OVERCOME PEOPLE THAT HAVE NOTHING POSITIVE TO SAY SUCH AS YOURSELF! LLB KEEP ROCKIN YOU GUYS ARE A GRAT INSPIRATION TO MYSELF AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THE REAL WORLD!!!! CREDITABLE CRITISIM IS HARD TO ACCEPT DUE TO THE FACT THAT UR MAGAZINE IS UNKNOWN!!1

By T Brennan on July 30, 2008 2:54 PM

Frankly, with all of the assorted crappy music out there today, it is impossible to get anyone to agree on style.

I can assure most that this CD is pretty darn good. I don't think it is quite as good as the first two CDs by LLB, but it is a very enjoyable recording in which to listen.

The songs are shorter than most on the first two CDs, with nothing logging over four minutes and a few seconds, so Henry's guitar work is not quite as evident.

This band is one of the few positives in a dreadful music scene of 2008. It is so nice to hear a group of guys that are fabulous musicians that aren't rapped up in three chord crap or rap.