Search - Maktub :: Say What You Mean

I need my DAILY DOSAGE of Maktub...

G. | Silver Spring, MD | 05/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Maktub is a Rock & Soul band, then "Say What You Mean" (SWYM) is a bit heavier on the 'Rock' than "Khronos" was, their previous CD. That said, Reggie "The Voice" Watts' incredibly soulful vocals are probably capable of making Black Sabbath sound like a soul band!



Having seen the band live performing most of the songs from SWYM, I love this CD even more. As with Khronos, SWYM is in heavy rotation in our household. It has (in my humble opinion) fewer instantly likeable songs than "Khronos", but a couple of them - Say What You Mean, Daily Dosage, Right To Breathe - are very infectious after only one listening. As a side note, the beginning of Right To Breathe is almost reminiscent in mood and tone of several Seal songs. Nobody Loves You Like I Do is another great song, and Blown Away is my least favorite tune.



Maktub is a great band to see live. If you have a chance, go see them. Reggie Watt's vocals are even more impressive in person - he is capable of improvising with the best of them. He is truly a musician. The rhythm section is also very, very tight. My wife and I got to chat with all of the guys in the band after their show in Baltimore, and they were all really nice, pleasant, and easy to talk to. No super-inflated egos.



All in all, SWYM is not coming out of my CD player for a while. If I do take it out, it'll be to replace it with "Khronos"."

Songs that grow on you from a band with Soul

El Guapo | Rocky Mountains | 06/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Preface: this is a totally biased review. I am a huge fan of Maktub. Saw them several weeks back in Boulder, CO and hearing this song live was no disappointment. They are a very tight band but without being too 'professional' and thereby draining the music of feeling. The album is sweet, too.



Review: if you like soul, but also crave something a bit heavier at the same time, you're going to like this album - and this band. If you like song lyrics about romance that are touching because they come across as real and heartfelt, not sappy, then you are going to like these words.



Maktub has grown on me with time. They may well do the same for you. Heavy, soulful and beautiful. If you get a chance, check them out live - they are on tour now in the US [and Vancouver, BC].



El Guapo"