REVIEW: Manny Cabo — Worst Bad Decision (SINGLE)
“Worst Bad Decision” is the new single from Manny Cabo. Always the consummate optimist, a singer willing to take chances, Cabo’s New Jersey beginnings have led him to this very moment. This feels like his time. Don’t put him the shadow of Edwin McCain, Rob Thomas or the rotating talents that have stood on The Voice stage. Cabo’s timing is right and he’s about to take center stage with the spotlight-worthy “Worst Bad Decision”. It’s a win for Cabo, and a rejuvenation of the connection we share.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/themannycabo/?hl=en
This uplifting Americana gem matches Cabo back with what appears to be his songwriting partner and muse, Bonnie Warren. After a string of hits the past few years (including “Hate Has No Home Here”), Cabo has adopted a more country approach to songwriting. He hasn’t left his rocker ways too far behind and he seamlessly brings the genres together. What these songwriters bring to the table is what I can only perceive to be yin and yang, or an ebb and flow of ideas around a theme. They complement each other’s style nicely and “Worst Bad Decision” has the stylings of two unique artists with a shared vision. It’s gold. The song is already making waves on the www.ustop20.com chart.
The gist of “Worst Bad Decision” is that Cabo is urging this woman or young lady to not let the passions of one night or to sleep with a guy too quickly. She will regret it, he infers, and Cabo sings he’s going to use you. He doesn’t sing all sappy and cheesy. I liked that the most about this song. He’s cool about things and impressing upon this woman (I’m not sure that he is clear about the age, I’m making a huge assumption) that he cares about her well-being. She has a lot going for her, including her self-worth. I like that he doesn’t get all weird about it and sing that this girl should go with him instead. The mystery, of course, is who is this woman to Cabo? It could be a family member, a daughter or someone he would like to be with. Cabo and Warren send you down that path as a lister and it’s interesting to listen to the song numerous times and have a different experience or feeling each time.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/worst-bad-decision-single/1561581945
Cabo’s voice is full of emotion, just as the guitar work in this song is sprite and spunky. The slick guitar arrangements are heavy, but blend perfectly with the bass and drums. A faint piano gives it a slight honky-tonk tone. Cabo transports the listener to an intimate setting, as well as a large landscape that stretches the imagination. I can close my eyes and picture this song being one of the songs to hear on a summer night, the sun drooping down the horizon. It’s an outdoor song — an amphitheater song. But I can also hear it as a ballad, with Cabo tucked away in a corner bar or piano listening room. He’s a dynamic singer and an ever-changing artist that keeps his fans engaged. What’s next for Cabo? His voice just keeps getting stronger.
Colin Jordan
