Let’s hope this isn’t the last one, the last song from singer extraordinaire Manny Cabo. “The Last One”, a moving Americana-pop track from the now Nashville-based singer is the latest string of releases from a former contestant on The Voice. Proving he’s much more than a voice, his emotional delivery and a commanding presence are just two pivotal turning points in Cabo’s stirring “The Last One”. Matching his heartfelt delivery is an enchanting music of rock riffs and country-embellished rhythms.
“The Last One” is not your typical feel goodery song. I think the distinction of it being more than the average, run-of-the-mill tune is wrapped tightly within the timbre of Cabo’s voice. He has this almost grit to his voice that invokes hard work, determination. Resilience. Just the same, Cabo also conveys honesty, love and compassion. This consummate rocker is sensitive and gives the listener a much needed dose of self-reflection. The words in “The Last One” are more about giving that hug because it might the last time, the last time on stage or the last kiss. It’s certainly timely with the pandemic, but I do think this is a timeless song. Cherish what you have today is the simple, but poignant message of “The Last One”.
The guitar work, again, a mix of country pop, Americana and a tiny bit of pop rock, has this sweet pocket where it meets up with Cabo’s vocals. The drums, very subtle, but present aren’t typical of what we’ve heard from Cabo in his rocker days. It’s more subdued. It’s a lovely song, but not dainty lovely. Because Cabo is behind the mic, there’s still a sense of edge. The backing music is pleasant and definitely moves the song along, creating that dance-like motion, but it’s Cabo that makes “The Last One” surpass all expectations.
It’s worth noting, too, that “The Last One” is Cabo’s fourth collaboration with songwriter Bonnie Warren. The two joined previously joined forces on “Hate Has No Home Here”, “Wear Your Words” and “All Night Again”. I like where Cabo’s voice is setting up shop. He’s settling into a cross section of genres and it suits him. Cabo, now based in Nashville, and originally from New Jersey is picking up on the nuances from Music City. He’s a quick study and his natural talents are taking him far. He’s choosing songs that share a gripping story and his voice is the right choice for Warren’s words. What’s most exciting as a listener is to first encounter Cabo with a Whitesnake song “Here I Go Again” and to listen to his evolution to adult contemporary. He doesn’t dust off that rocker vibe, and you can still hear the blue-collar worker in his voice. Perhaps he’s more Bruce Springsteen than ever. I think, too, we’re hearing current Bon Jovi songs in the same way. Those Jersey boys, you have to hand it to them. You can take them out of the Garden State, but the true rocker ways never truly leave their soul.
Kim Muncie
