*Review originally appeared at my former site rock-is-life.com
What’s the 4-1-1?
Rocker turned actor, turned rocker, turned actor again (briefly), is still going strong with his latest covers album of songs from the 70s and 80s.
Genre
Rock / soft-rock / pop-rock
The Good
There’s not much to say about this release really. For the most part Springfield stays true to the original arrangements of the songs, albeit for a different guitar or piano tone here and there. With the songs I recognize, “I’m Not in Love,” “Life in a Northern Town,” “Broken Wings,” “Baker Street,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “For No On,” and “Imagine,” they sound just like the originals versions, except their being sung by Rick Springfield. All of the tracks chosen are mellow and flow nicely together. Rick is in great voice, but doesn’t really challenge himself.
The Bad
It doesn’t really make sense to include a new song (“Cry”) on a covers album, but at least it fits in with the rest. I would have liked to have heard a couple of slightly different versions or arrangements.
The Verdict
I know I’ve been a little critical of this album, but overall I like it. They’re songs I know, from an artist I enjoy. The best thing about Rick Springfield staying true to the originals is that there’s no room to mess them up, which happens sometimes with covers albums.
Did You Know?
Did anyone else catch that the first letters of the album title spell out T’DAY? That of course would be the day after yesterday.
RockIsGeorge.com 