Manny Cabo and songwriter Bonnie Warren continue to make magic in their latest collaboration “Worst Bad Decision”, a country-rock pop offering. Featuring Cabo’s wide vocal range and sincere, sage advice, “Worst Bad Decision” is top-tier songwriting and a platinum-worthy performance. Cabo, years after his national stage, chair-turning appearance on The Voice, proves once again he’s more than a voice. He’s a true artist. “Worst Bad Decision” is an anthem for fathers, brothers and friends to share with the females in their lives; it’s about self-respect.
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He ain’t never going to give you what you’re looking for, Cabo sings. His voice has that natural growl, that tenor rapped in grit and harmony. He’s going to use you and kick you out the door, he sings. Cabo is always so sincere and authentic, no matter the song choice. He always brings a brazen confidence, makes a bold statement with his presentation. And for the strength in his voice, he has a remarkably humble, joyous streak. His longtime listeners, recalling his The Voice Season Nine renditions of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again”, have embraced Cabo’s rocker side. Still, this rocker has a sensitive side. He’s proven his original songs are just as remarkable as the covers.
“Worst Bad Decision” pairs Cabo with Warren once again. The other incredible arsenal the two are building includes “All Night Again”, “Wear Your Words”, “Hate Has No Home Here” and “The Last One” (one of Cabo’s most streamed tracks on Spotify with over thirty-thousand streams and counting). The words flow easily. Cabo has a bit more twang in “Worst Bad Decision”, sounding like a mix of modern Nashville country rock. I like the bravado he brings to the song, but more importantly, he brings a caring voice. This song is the type of song I can easily hear an older brother sharing with a younger sister – to be careful in the company you keep. He’s not condescending or trivial about it – the words are clear and precise. Cabo has an awesome way of making a Hallmark type of story sound both edgy and endearing. I like that he shows his heart on his sleeve, and still finds time to rock. The beautiful music bed includes piano, a restless percussion and big guitar riffs. I became lost in the melodic tones, propelled by Cabo’s mesmerizing vocal range. I can imagine this song being played on Hot AC stations, as well as contemporary country stations. I definitely think it’s radio ready.
Cabo, along with Warren, have tapped into a tender, life-lesson in the enjoyable “Worst Bad Decision”. Where other rock bands and artists are emphasizing and glamourising one-night stands or the like, this song puts forth a different spin. Cabo continues to give listeners a diverse, evolving collection of songs. I’m impressed that he entertains and gets the listener smiling, but I think he genuinely cares about his listener. You can hear it in his voice and feel it. “Worst Bad Decision” is one of the best songs I’ve heard yet from Cabo. It’s already reaching new heights, and has nabbed a chart position on www.ustop20.com. I suspect this one will also be on many ‘best’ lists for 2021.
Troy Johnstone