Unlike many lead singers of successful bands,
Cheap Trick
's
Robin Zander
waited until after the commercial fortunes of his band had dissipated before offering a solo project. Although fellow Trickster
Tom Peterssen
plays bass on one track (
"Emily"
) and
Rick Nielsen
co-wrote another (
"Secret"
),
Zander
had aligned himself with Southern California session men, such as
Gregg Bissonette
,
Kim Bullard
and
Steve Ferris
. Guests ranging from members of the
Heartbreakers
Maria McKee
Dr. John
, and
Stevie Nicks
also lend their talents. At heart, though, the artist doesn't deviate much from his work with
. It's a balanced mix of taut, power pop (
"Reactionary Girl,"
"I've Always Got You"
), heartfelt ballads (
"Show Me Heaven,"
"Time Will Let You Know"
), and tasty covers (
Harry Nilsson
"Jump Into The Fire,"
Neil Young
"I Believe In You"
).
's not redefining pi here. Instead, it's fifty minutes of well-crafted rock delivered by one of the most-gifted vocalists and frontmen in rock history. ~ Tom Demalon