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TOUCH BRIAN HOWE |
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Line-Up: BRIAN HOWE - lead vocals 1. I Remember British-born vocalist Brian Howe can count Ted Nugent and Bad Company (Fame & Fortune) as previous employers. "Touch" is his new solo album released this year. There is no doubt that Howe is a very gifted vocalist, sounding a little like Bryan Adams (for those of you needing a reference), and an extremely able songwriter. The majority of this album is mid-paced AOR, well played and beautifully recorded, but I was left hoping he would stretch out and take the bull-by-the-horns as it were. Given his past credentials I was hoping this side of his talent would be on display. It is a shame as most of the songs begin to fall into anonymity along the way, due in no small part to there being no faster/harder songs. You could take any one of these 11 songs, and given the right kind of airplay, watch it become a hit, which is a measure of the song writing Howe possess'. Stand out tracks would be "Here They Come Again", with a strong melody and hook. "All I want Is You", with it's tight harmonies and slick playing. "I Remember" the opening cut is a slow song (even for this album) and takes some courage to open an album this way. It does go a long way to showcase Howe's confidence in his songs. You have to wait until "Don't Ask Me Why" for things to up the tempo, a song with some excellent lyrical imagery, and chest-beating chorus. My favoured song all around. This is an album laden with 'hit-potential' and Brian Howe is obviously enjoying the ride, the song are well played, thoughtful and doesn't shy from using contemporary sounds and production techniques. Overall though it suffers from being a little too sterile, too safe. If you want to settle down on a warm balmy evening then this could be the disc to spin. Don't be surprised if you hear Howe on a radio near you sometime. On a warm balmy evening…………. Released by MTM Music: 0681-69 Review by Chris Christou |
