Perfect
Island Nights
Reviewed
by: Beth M. Kennedy
Bobby
Caldwell can seemingly do no wrong, when it comes to singing and song writing.
Though it was a few years in the making, "Perfect Island Nights" was
well worth the wait. Once again, he has penned some heart-grabbing love songs,
which he delivers with that Caldwell blue-eyed soul, we all enjoyed since his
1979 hit, "What You Won't Do for Love." Song for song "Perfect
Island Nights" is truly an album worth adding to your collection. Since
his release of Soul Survivor in 1995 Bobby Caldwell put together two anthology
albums, which remind us of his superb song writing skills over the years. He did
write some juicy love songs like, "Next Time I Fall In Love" (Peter
Cetera and Amy Grant) and "Heart Of Mine" (Boz Scaggs). On his standards
albums, "Blue Condition" and "Come Rain Or Come Shine" his
vocals are stellar. He wrote a few of his own, "Stuck On You", "Tomorrow",
"The Girl I Dream About" and "April Moon". It's hard to tell
that these songs weren't written in the 1940's. His recording of "Beyond
the Sea" is simply fantastic, and when he does this one on stage it's a real
crowd pleaser.
A
wonderful aspect of Caldwell and his music is the way it comes together on stage.
He has a great rapport with his audience, and a sense of humor too. Catch one
of his performances. You won't be disappointed!
Bobby
has added a number of cuts from "Perfect Island Nights" to his live
show, including the first single, "Can't Get Over You". He can really
throw down some lyrics to put heartache into a song! The vocals and harmonies
in "Crazy For Your Love" create a love song you'll want to hear over
and over again.
The
first cut on "Perfect Island Nights" is a song called, "In The
Afterlife". It has a thought provoking lyric that suggests romance can go
on in the hereafter. Caldwell is truly Mr. Romance. He turns up the volume and
the horns with "Call Me Up". The intro to this song has a little telephone
segment featuring his 12 year old daughter, Lauren….very cute. The song,
"Donna" grabs your ear right from the guitar intro. It has a Latin ring
to it and lyrics are great! He also included some covers on the album, "Our
Day Will Come", "Where Is The Love" (with Denise Williams), and
"Sukiyaki". Caldwell wrote his own English lyrics for the old 1963 hit.
Although the Japanese lyrics weren't translated verbatim, Bobby Caldwell really
came through with the meaning of the original song…….. "I look
up when I'm walking. So the tears won't fall…" Caldwell also recorded
this song with Japanese lyrics, and it will be included on the album, when it
is released in Japan.
Caldwell's
soulful vocals form a perfect marriage with the lyrics of the song, "Perfect
Island Night". Listen to this one, and the next thing you know, you'll be
calling your travel agent! This will really make you long for some love on the
beach.
All
'n all the new Bobby Caldwell CD once again delivers the vocal prowess and song
writing mastery that Caldwell fans have come to rely on. Do yourself a favor and
give a listen to "Perfect Island Nights." (reviewed March / 2005 - Beth
M. Kennedy)
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