Nigel Olsson - Nigel Olsson [1978]

All Music Guide

What a surprise Nigel Olsson's 1978 album on Columbia Records is, resplendent in Phil Spector flavors and feelings, he even covers the Billy Joel classic written for Ronnie Spector, "Say Goodbye To Hollywood", though without Ronnie's angst. When it's time to say "He won't be my fast gun anymore" Olsson replaces that line with "wont be my mascot anymore" (though the included lyric page has the original Billy Joel idea) and that failure to go over the edge is one of the things that holds the album back somewhat. Paul Davis, at the height of his fame, co-produces with Elton John's on again off again drummer, and the album is an effective middle of the road late seventies serving of adult pop music. You've got David Foster and Paul Shaffer on keyboards, so you know it is going to be slicker than an Elton John recording, but if you compare it to Caleb Quaye and Hookfoot, those other refugees from the Rocket Man camp, it's an outright masterpiece. Nigel has a limited but decent voice, though... he strains in songs like "All It Takes" and without the power of a Barry Manilow, Paul Davis or Kenny Nolan, it's hard to hit that home run while performing in that league. The music is airy and sweet, a consistent blend of keys and bright sounds, so good that when it's not Eric Carmen knocking "All It Takes" out of the park one can see what is keeping this music from really taking off. If only some guest lead vocalists were employed - people like Cher, Dan Seals, Genya Ravan, David Pomeranz - voices who would have been a perfect fit here. Put Ronnie Spector on "Living In A Fantasy" and the album would have had the chance to play to millions of listeners. "Right Or Wrong" is a good tune, co-written by David Foster, but that's the other dilemma. With such a stellar crew did no one have the heart to tell Nigel that he's not Perry Como? - that what he is is a great drummer who can pen a decent tune? "Part Of The Chosen Few" has Paul Davis as the percussionists' collaborator and the song has strengths, but it's the opening track with its Leo Sayer meets Phil Spector aura, "Rainy Day", which is where Nigel Olsson is heard in the best light. His vocal limitations work within the confines of the melody, truly describing what this project is all about: somewhat famous names having fun in the recording studio with results intriguing enough to play once in awhile, music ready add to some spice to a pop radio specialty show. - Joe Viglione, All Music Guide Read more Less