CHRIS ISAAK; "Speak Of the Devil" (Reprise). ** 1/2
Chris Isaak, dubbed as the Roy Orbison of the '90s, has broken his silence with a new album, "Speak Of the Devil."And for Isaak fans, this is exactly what they needed. For those who can only think of the single "Wicked Game," there are a couple of tracks to which you will be drawn. But if you want some nice tunes that are unobtrusive and subconciously toe-tapping, then "Speak Of the Devil" is a good one to get.
Isaak's last album, "Baja Sessions," was basically an acoustic collection. This one has some nice production, even if it gets a little too slick at times.
Still, the tracks "Please," "Walk Slow," and "Speak Of the Devil" are pretty uptempo movers. While "Flying" and smacks of later Pink Floyd dashes.
"Breaking Apart" is dreamy, as is "Don't Get So Down On Yourself." And "Lonely Nights" will undoubtedly make the female fans swoon.
In a nutshell, "Speak Of the Devil" is a solid Chris Isaak album.
JOHN MELLENCAMP; "John Mellencamp" (Columbia). ***
John Mellencamp is back after winding up his contract at Mercury Records. This time around, he's on Columbia. And he seemed to have gone back to his roots.
Mellencamp's last album, "Mr. Happy Go Lucky," was a mixed bag of samplings, programmed music and hit-and-miss tunes.
His self-titled debut with Columbia is really stripped down. There's an organic feel to it.
Once the first cut, "Fruit Trader," rings out, listeners will know their in for a treat.
There's also a bit of playfulness and experimentation that comes on this album. "I'm Not Running Anymore" could have been a melancholy yarn about facing up to growing old. But there's a bouncing beat, charming lyrics and the use of a sitar that makes it fun and uplifting.
The textures throughout the album are edgy. It was almost like it was recorded live in a small, wood-floored room. There are a couple of tunes, "Break Me Off Some" and "Days of Farewell" (which does get a bit too preachy), are the only tunes that sound a bit too produced. And that's only because of the use of electronic drum mixing.
However, overall, the album has that homegrown flavor and honesty that was found on Mellencamp's earlier releases.
ALANIS MORISSETTE; "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" (Maverick/Reprise). * 1/2
Alanis Morissette's highly anticipated follow-up album to the 1995 multi-platinum seller, "Jagged Little Pill," is a disappointment.
Her voice has developed a higher shrill. And the music is more canned and produced. But her lyrics have matured.
In fact, the words for the songs aren't as angst driven as "You Oughta Know," but more on the topical lines of "You Learn." (Though "Baba" sounds a bit angry, Morissette is just singing about how long it will take her to find intellectual nirvana).
However, Morissette hasn't abandoned her inner turmoil when it comes to issues. "Sympathetic Character" tackles abuse in relationships and "Are You Still Mad" strategically is found on the track prior to the tune.
Still, there are a couple of sound-alikes that can be transferred from one album to the other. "Front Row" could musically be "Hand In My Pocket Part II." And strangely enough, that same song has a musical hook that ties into the new single, "Thank U."
Speaking of "Thank U," Morissette's high notes just stop shy of shattering windows.
If you're a fan, this album will probably feed your starving soul. If you're not, get "Jagged Little Pill." At least you'll know what you're getting.
VANILLA ICE; "Hard to Swallow" (Universal). zero stars
This album lives up to its title.
Vanilla Ice, also known as Robert Van Winkle, shouldn't try to mix his dancehall chatting with techno-industrial metal.
Leave that up to the big boys. Let Rage Against the Machine show you how its done. Even Korn does it better. And if Trent Reznor or Marilyn Manson decide to dabble in the psycho-techno rant, the better.
But Mr. Ice, you shouldn't have. You really shouldn't have. So long.