Billboard, February 28, 2009

ROCK
HOOBASTANK
So Close, So Far (3:17)
Producer: Howard Benson
Writers: Hoobastank, J. Blue
Island
Hoobastank tickled the mainstream with the No. 1 Pop 100 smash “The Reason” in 2004, but beyond, the quartet seems content to stick to its rock roots, albeit garnering only a modicum of chart success since. “My Turn,” the first single from the Jan. 27 release “For(n)ever,” grazed the top 25 at rock radio, but its blurry hard-rocking bitch slap was simply less melodic than previous offerings. The follow-up “So Close, So Far” sounds like a better bet to return Hooba to the upper reaches of the charts: It’s still credibly post-grunge, but a better display case for lead Doug Robb’s fervid vocals, alongside plenty of howling guitars and pealing percussion. The track could take command of not only rock; it’s catchy enough to seduce adult top 40, returning the California band to glory.—CT

AC
SEAL
If You Don’t Know Me by Now (3:46)
Producer: David Foster
Writers: K. Gamble, L. Huff
143/Warner Bros.
“If You Don’t Know Me by Now” is knocking a third time at heaven’s gate, after first charting in 1972 for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 at R&B. Simply Red catapulted to the summit when it covered the song in 1989. Twenty years later, Seal offers another novel take from his “Soul” album of 11 classic covers. The new version is produced by David Foster (who’s been missing in action for too long) and matches a classic song with a timeless singer. No bells and whistles necessary, just a relaxed, ardent vocal and organic production. AC is instantly seduced, comforted by a familiar melody aligned with a known voice, offering an air-tight “seal” on this artist’s future.—CT