Tommyland: The Ride (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Tommy Lee (vocals, drums); Butch Walker (vocals, guitar); Andrew McMahon (vocals, keyboards); Joel Madden, Nick Carter, Harry (vocals); Scott Humphrey (guitar, keyboards); Dave Navarro, Deryck Whibley, Benji Madden, Phil X., Nick Lashley, Bobby "Raw" Anderson, Billy Morrison, Timmy Dawson, Paul Ignasinski, Carl Bell, Chad Kroeger (guitar); Carla Kihlstedt (violin); Patrick Warren (keyboards); Chris Chaney (bass guitar); Matt Sorum.

The vision of Tommy Lee dashing out from behind the drum kit to play the signature piano line in Motley's Crue's "Home Sweet Home" music video was the first glimpse the world got of the rocker's talents beyond his formidable skin-bashing. Now a multimedia brand unto himself (tell-all books, reality television, amateur filmmaking, and of course music), and long past the rap-metal phase explored with Methods Of Mayhem, Lee offers his first truly independent release, a set of contemporary, radio-friendly pop-rock. Lee cast his collaborators wisely, some of whom include Butch Walker (vocals on "Good Times"), guitar slinger Dave Navarro, and Backstreet Boys alumnus Nick Carter (featured on "Say Goodbye"). Lee maintains his self-deprecating humor on "Tired," poking fun at celebrity relationships with the help of Good Charlotte's Joel Madden. Solid playing, tight production, and accessible songwriting make TOMMYLAND a ride worth taking. minimize