voice sounds like it was recorded through some sonic gauze, as if his flaws were something to hide rather than revel in. The music meanwhile is recorded entirely without dynamics, as one solid glop of sound.

Some of the material rivals the production for sheer mediocrity. Songs like "I Will Live for You" and "When the Night Comes" (which Bryan Adams had a hand in writing) are catchy in the most tepid, radio-mongering way. At least the more famous covers – like Gladys Knight's "Imagination" or "Fever" – have greater distinction. They're out-and-out awful. (RS 563)

JIM FARBER