Written by Fumo Verde
Yes, it was only time until Drake Bell made the jump from The Amanda Show on Nickelodeon to making music, or at least trying to. Bell, who had started his acting career at the age of five, began playing the guitar at age thirteen, and now at the ripe old age of twenty has come out with his second CD, It's Only Time. Bell has a great-looking resume that includes some made-for-TV movies and shows on Nickelodeon, but that's where he should have either stopped or got off the bus. There's no other way to put this: this album sucks. I don't know what his first one sounded like, but some record executive should have probably listened to it, so I wouldn't have had to suffer through this one.
We start out hearing sounds from the bridge of a submarine. Admiral C.J. Abraham greets our ears with his faceless voice. Abraham co-wrote all these little ditties along with Bell and Michael Cocoran. You would think that with three of them working on songwriting one would have had something to say. "Up Periscope" is the first track, and when the music started, I thought I had popped in one of my eight-year-old nephew's CDs. Not only does Bell come to us from Nickelodeon, so does his music. "Up Periscope," like all the songs, is super upbeat and "happy-happy." It's the type of music that makes me angry. Angry that anyone would spend money on making bad music like this when there are kids starving on the streets of America as we speak.
This whole CD sounds like it was made for a pre-teen, after-church TV special. "The entire world is beautiful and I love you" is the theme on It's Only Time and that course is never strayed from. If Bell is trying to break from his youthful ties, he best get off the set of Nickelodeon and go into the word on his own. The songs are contrived and the melodies bounce around like odd jams by The Beatles on bad acid. Like all sugarcoated pop artists, Bell has the illusion of being brokenhearted and blue, but there's no feeling to it. No soul or spirit and nothing that catches the listener’s attention.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Jen
wow that's a harsh review. I personally like the CD (and I'm 20). It's supposed to sound like beatles music and what not. I think this review is exaggerated. His first CD was kind of "dark" so this album is supposed to sound happy.
2 - Penny Lane
By calling Drake Bell a sugar-coated pop artist clearly states you know absolutely nothing about
Drake Bell. First off, he also starred in "Drake and Josh" (with actor Josh Peck) and he has done theatrical movies not just made-for-tv, not there is anything wrong with the latter.
You didn't know the lyrics you were dissing,
it's "Buddy Holly glasses on a Betty Paige negative".
Which proves to me that you had a pre-conceived notion going in and just wanted to snark on Drake because of him being a star on Nickelodeon.
Did you listen to his first album, "Telegraph"?
If you had, you'd have released the reason for this "happy, happy" tone is that "Telegraph" is the darker album so far--and to act like Drake doesn't have any life experiences to draw upon shows that you don't know what you're talking about. Bell survived a serious car accident last year as well as having grown-up in the entertainment industry and around the professional billiards circuit (his Mother is pool champion Robin Dodson).
Bell, Abraham, and Cocoran are all accomplished singers, songwriters, and musicians.
I'm sorry that you feel the need to compare Bell to Jesse McCartney and other throwaway music, but it's your loss.
You probably think all of Drake's fans are five when many people from teens on up enjoy his music and his work.
Hopefully, you won't this harsh when you review the follow-up to "It's Only Time"--You are
right about one thing though, this album won't
be Bell's last.
3 - Erika
Umm..okay....apparently you know NOTHING about Drake! First of all, those are DEEP lyrics, not lyrics that don't make sense. Drake was in a horrible car accident, and he wanted to write an album with slightly happier and upbeat melodies and lyrics! This CD is really catchy and you can't help but tap your feet to the beat! Also, you should definitely listen to his first album if you don't like really upbeat songs. Most of the songs on that CD, are slower and not quite as upbeat. I personally, LOVE this CD!! It's constantly playing! Drake is so impressive! I LOVED his first CD and I LOVE this CD! This is a GREAT buy!! 10 out of 10!!
~*Erika*~
4 - Brittany
I agree with everyone elses comments. If you would have listened to Drake Bells first c.d. Telegraph you would have realized that c.d. is very dark and since Drake survived a very serious car wreck, where he suffered a broken neck, broken jaw, six teeth being knocked out and having to receive 1500 stitches he decided to write a very upbeat album with It's Only Time. I mean who can blame him? You obviously don't know Drake Bell at all, because his musical influences include the Beatles, John Lennon, and musical genres like that. He would appreciate you comparing him to the Beatles. And wow how impressive of a grown adult making fun of a twenty year old. You must be very proud of yourself for saying all these harsh things about him.
5 - YOURMOM
you know nothing about him!!! listen TO HIS FIRST CD. AND THEN LISTEN TO THIS. YOU FUCK HEAD! ID LIKE TO SEE YOU MAKE A CD AFTER AN ACCIDENT. LETS SEE HOW GOD DAMN HORRIBLE YOU DO!!
6 - Gina
I have to agree with the others, except for #5. Just because you don't like Drake's music doesn't mean it sucks. He's just not your cup of tea, but he's mine. He's come a long way from Nickelodeon, and he's very lucky to be alive. You could have at least taken the time to learn that much about him and given him a LITTLE credit.
7 - Tiffany
Ok, first of all I understand that you have your opinions, but do you have to be so rude about it! Also, apparently, you have NO IDEA what Drake Bell went through almost A YEAR AGO! He had a horrible car accident and the doctors said he was LUCKY TO LIVE! I don't know about you but if that happened to ME I would think the world was beautiful and I would totally love life! So maybe you need to get your facts straight before you sooooo harshly critic! Oh and by the way YOUR FACE IS ON BAD ACID!!!!! But I will agree with ONE thing you said, THIS WILL NOT BE DRAKE BELL'S LAST CD! If you don't like Drake's music then don't listen to it and go bash an artist that really does stink!! Drake's music doesn't sound even remotely close to a seasame street song. And Drake's been in alot of other movies and shows beside Nick and no one would be so harsh on someone they didn't have pre-conceived notions on! So maybe you should clear your mind of that and actually give him a chance!!!!!
8 - TessaL
First I am a 45 yr. old woman with 3 kids. I wasn't a Drake fan until I saw his music video on mtv. While I appreciate Fergie, Gwen Stephani, 50 Cents, it was refreshing to see the music video of clean content and an interesting story line and a clean video that everyone could view including smaller kids of which he does have big following from Nick. It was reminiscent of Sgt. Peppers/Bealtemania all the way with a modern twist. I am so weary of the same old sounds that are plagueing the market today. Bell's CD is uniquely different and it is always surprising to hear the next song and interesting combinations and mixings with the intricate key changes that are in and out of major/minors keeps me wanting more not less. If you are tired of the same body thrusting, hard core sexual language that is so often found in "marketable" artists, then I would suggest a change of pace and buy Bell's CD "It's Only Time" because it is time for a new era of musical sounds.
9 - Jules
It's amazing how most of these comments, defend the music by talking about and/or relating to a minor car accident drake had. The music is NOT good. The album is basically a batch of overproduced, average to below average, kid songs. If anyone thinks it's better than that, they obviously don't know what truly good or great music sounds like. That's why these reviews are done by people who listen to a lot of it, so they have something to compare it to.
10 - jennifer
It's becoming very apparent to me, after some research, that most of the positive blogs about drake and this music, were made by fans and promoters.
11 - Traci Jae
I own telegraph as well as it's only time, and I have to say I love both albums. His first album I fell in love with the deep lyrics and meoldies. In his sophmore album I fell in love with drake even more. All his songs are about love, and yes some are even sad and heartfelt, contrary to what this review says. I am 16 and I think that this album is amazing. The fact that Drake already has an album out less than a year after his accident is incredible, i mean dear God the boy had his mouth wired shut. But anyways this review is very innaccurate. Buy Drake's CD, he is a talented, and accomplished artist. I only hope that you listen to his CD again and see how beautiful it is.
12 - Nelson
"dear God the boy had his mouth wired shut."
Too bad it didn't stay that way.
HA-HA!
13 - Cazzie
Have you actually took the time to listen to this cd? Or did you just think "Oh, Nickledeon, he must be a bad one hit wonder teen popstar" your comments are not only rude and offensive but in whole totally way off course. This young man has more talent than most of the artists out there today, he can write wonderful, heartsearching songs, plays a multitude of instruments and has a great voice.
Just because you can't recognise talent when you see it is no excuse to rip into Drake.
This cd is so inspiring and upbeat, he's telling us how happy he is to be alive and how great it feels to be here, after all he's gone though. Do you actually bother to research the artist before you slam them? Do you bother to take time to actually HEAR what he is saying, do you take time to LISTEN to his music.....NO, I think not! If you did you wouldn't have written such a damming review. Luckily, Drake's fans understand his music, they understand the deeper meaning being his songs, why? Because we BOTHER to listen and take time to actually HEAR what he has to tell us.
Do us all a favour, go out and talk to the average Joe on the street, they obviously know more about Drake Bell and his music than you do. If you can't give at least constructive critism then don't even bother to review a cd !
14 - steph
Wow - this reviewer is really bitter about something. Music doesn't have to be depressing to be good. I'm sick of all these wanna be artsy types that are afraid to appreciate anything that is uplifting! Its a great CD. Interesting, complex, different -- and yeah.. upbeat! I love it -- and I'm 31.
15 - Who is Drake Bell?
Why do most of the comments say that you need to listen to his other Cd? Is this one not good enough to stand on it's own?
Why do most of the comments say that you have to understand what he has been through? Would you eat a bad meal just because the chef had been in an accident?
16 - Cazzie
First of all, the accident was in no way minor! It was a very seruous accident and Drake is very lucky to be alive. Secondly, the two albums are in complete contrast, so yes, it would be good for you to hear both albums.
Considering just what he has been through and the courage and bravery he has shown, then this album is a testiment to that.
Some of you have NO IDEA about Drake Bell and as such are lumping him in the same genre as teeny bopper pop like Jesse MacCartney. Drake is so much more than that. I'm 37 and just love listening to this young man perform. I'm proud to say that I like Drake Bell's music.
Maybe some of you are so stuck into the teeny bopper pop that you can't even recognise good music, written with passion and meaning. Open your eyes, open your ears and listen! Too hard for some by the comments on here. You're all quick to diss a person, why not get off your high horses and actually listen to the words in the songs, you might just learn something.
17 - Trish
I am very sadden by all of this negative stuff....We do understand everyone has there own opinion but lets be real, Drake Bell is one of the sweetest, most caring person with the biggest heart that I have seen in along time....I am proud that there is a role model out there that is real and caring for my kids. I love Drake and his acting and music....I am 37 years old and adore him...He has a wonderful family and his a wonderful young man....Personal attacks are really sad when you don't know him....I love both of his CD's...........Way to go Drake keep up the great work.....WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!
18 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.
19 - Erika
I am very saddened by this negative stuff too. And yes, a lot of these reviews are from fans. Who can not be a fan of Drake!?!?!?
20 - Janice
Keep up the GREAT work Drake! This album was amazing!! Don't let the haters get you down!! Rock on!!! :)
21 - Stacia
I am pleasantly impressed with Drake Bell and company on the release of "It's Only Time". The genre is hard to describe as it is clearly influenced by The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Queen with a modern pop twist.
It offers well blended harmonies, piano accompaniment and subtle horns set to a contagious beat. The clever four song suite really cinched it for me. All the effects, the nostalgia and whimsy makes it an emotional experience. I dig it....a lot, but listen to it a few times as you can't possibly take it all in the first time through.
22 - great album!
Dear reviewer,
Maybe you are on acid? Of course the Admiral CJ Abraham is "faceless" ... its a CD... you can't see anyone!
The more I listen to this album the more I love it!! I hear something new everytime. Love the horns, piano, guitar ... and I love how songs 8, 9, & 10 flow into each other and how #10 (break me down) has little references to all the other songs. Its clever -- but perhaps you have to go into it with an open mind to appreciate it. Sounds like you already knew what you wanted to write about before you listened to the album.
Too bad for you. You are missing out!
23 - Tiffany
I have one thing to say:
Did your mother never tell you, if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all?
Think about that one!!
24 - average Joe on the street
I know nothing about Drake, other than his fans are whiny teenyboppers. I also read online that he's a douchebag.
25 - Penny Lane
It clearly states in the comment policy that personal attacks are not allowed yet, I see anti comments all over this response section.
If you knew Drake and his charity work you'd know he isn't the horrible things you say he is.
The reason I mentioned to listen to his first CD is to show you that Bell is versatile and that this current album is upbeat.
I'd like to know what is so wrong with making a positive album?
How dare you critique us fans and that we don't know what real music is, that's insulting.
People bring up the car accident because Bell has been through a great deal, he almost lost his life, so if he wants to write an upbeat pop album that gives all of us fans (whom you seem to think are all teenyboppers)a positive message, I still would like to know what's wrong with that?
Some of you anti-Bell critics definitely have the Lennon is better than McCartney vibe going on, just like when McCartney would put his heart on his sleeve the anti people would come out of the woodwork to say that Lennon was more relative instead of realizing they were both geniuses.
Bell takes his inspiration from the Beatles and many other classic rock icons, it's a shame you anti critics want to put him in the same classification as the Jesse McCartney's and Britney Spears' of the world.
It's a shame that you don't see Bell for the talent that he is.