Reviews & Previews

bounty of female solo slow jams currently Yearwood's performance is beautiful and * SPLENDER Yeah, Whatever (3:41) D A N C E bandying for a place on the radio. Great flawless. This is yet another example of PRODUCER: Todd Rundgren production, too, with a sad, sad guitar fol- this fine vocalist's amazing way with a * SOUL SOLUTION FEATURING CAROLYN WRITER: W. Boone lowing along that sounds curiously Asian- song. HARDING Let It Rain (8:421 PUBLISHER: Hit and Run Music Publishing Ltd., ASCAP influenced. Mainstream R &B, this is the PRODUCERS: Bobby Guy, Ernie Lake C2 Records 41936 (CD promo) S \GLES right time to share your love with this * BR5-49 Seven Nights To Rock (2:45) WRITERS: E. Luecke, B. Graziose Columbia imprint C2 Records maintains EIDITED BY CHUCK TAYLOR intriguing singer/songwriter. Meanwhile, PRODUCERS: Jozef Nuyens, Mike Janus PUBLISHERS: Mr. Lake Music/Jelly's Jams L.L.C., ASCAP; its standard of launching a roster of auspi- if you're in search of crossover appeal, WRITER: not listed Nicky's Knacks & Daddy's Tracks/Jumping Beans Songs cious artists with this first rousing single PUBLISHER: not listed BMI check out the Hani smooth and hyper L.L.C., from the New York -based Splender. Arista/Nashville 3162 (CD promo) REMIXERS: John Kano, Johnny Vicious P O P remixes, perfectly suited for those sta- "Yeah, Whatever" is a loud, guitar -satu- The ever -adventuresome, genre -defying Jellybean Recordings 2550 (12 -inch single) off on Deborah Cox's recent rated rocker that begins unsuspectingly 01. BACKSTREET BOYS I Want It That Way (3:33) tions that got BR5-49 is here to show you a damn good New York DJs -those lucky enough to enough with a pleasant, understated vocal PRODUCERS: Max Martin, Kristian Lundin uptempo remixes. time. A couple beers and this track play- have received a promo copy -have been acoustic guitars. But with the first WRITERS: M. Martin, A. Carlsson and SHANNON SANDERS Must Be Love (4:27) ing loudly on the jukebox will have you championing this feisty house jam for the PUBLISHERS: Zomba Enterprises/Grantsville Publishing, chorus, lead vocalist/guitarist /songwriter PRODUCER: Shannon Sanders ready to spin out of control, singing along past three years. In that time. club pun- ASCAP Waymon Boone grabs you by the neck WRITER: S. Sanders by the time you've dropped a couple bucks ters have been patiently waiting for the Jive 42595 (CD promo) with a chorus that remembers the most PUBLISHER: Bems II Music, BMI into the slot. Replete with rockabilly over- track to see the light of day. Well, that day Don't even bother wondering about a important element of all: a momentous SWE (CD promo) tones and wailing guitars that will set the has arrived. With new anthernic mixes in sophomore slump here. The first single hook that will undoubtedly merit explosive -Brite smile on dancefloor on fire, this song takes tow, "Let It Rain" has never sounded from the Backstreet Boys' forthcoming This gentleman's Ultra tavern action at modern rock. This is a clear -cut CD promo cover is enough to ignite you through a week of barhopping -each fresher or more essential. Radio program- "Millennium" is the quintet's most inspira- the breakout track, allowing you to visualize in what's inside, and fortunately, time with a new woman it's as mers should surely welcome the upbeat tional single ever, showcasing exquisitely interest -and these four young men hopping up and extends way those lovely catchy as anything that Elvis ever mus- and spirited productions by Soul Solution layered harmonies, an instantaneous the payoff past down onstage, giving you your money's mandibles. Sanders shows his stuff as tered. Action at triple -A and alternative is (Bobby Guy and Ernie Lake), which spot- melody, and the potential to at last take worth with change to spare. Produced by of this sauntering with spins already tapped in light the soulful wailings of veteran vocal- these guys to the top of the pop chart. the writer /producer a given, the well -traveled Todd Rundgren, this slow groove, while leaving no doubt that Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, ist Carolyn Harding. Club jocks will, no Commandeered by pop/boy band aficiona- song has nothing to question. We call it a he is an accomplished vocalist as well. In Nashville, and Birmingham, Ala. If there doubt, become close friends with the dubs do Max Martin, "I Want It That Way" hit. From the forthcoming album 4'A he serves up here, the were ever a time for this quintet of fine of both Johnny Vicious and John Kano. In starts with a simple acoustic guitar, spark- the minutes "Halfway Down The Sky," due May 4. South Central Los Angeles -born musicians to break out from their cult sta- any event, it's time to let the sunshine in. ing into a gently chugging midtempo Sanders dishes out everything from a tus, this is it. "Seven Nights To Rock," OWSLEY Coming Up Roses (4:03) verse, and then igniting into a chorus so CAROLE SYLVAN Just Doin' What We Love (no cool and controlled helping of smooth from the album "Big Backyard Beat PRODUCERS: Owsley, M. Powers exhilarating, so uplifting, that it feels soul to a sexy, catlike growl that conjures Show," is the time of your life put to time listed) WRITERS: Owsley, M. Powers almost spiritual in nature. This record Michael Hacker, Rosenman images of early Prince, to harmonies music. PRODUCERS: Michael PUBLISHERS: Sony AN Songs/Coupe De Ville Music, BMI demonstrates mighty growth on all fronts WRITERS: M. Hacker, M. Rosenman, A. Forbes that make it clear that he's got seduction Giant 9645 (CD promo) and should expand the Boys' reach past PUBLISHER: Champion Music on his mind. Everything about this track DAVID BALL Watching My Baby Not Coming Just as female singer/songwriters are end- their teen core. And just wait until sum- REMIXERS: Dead Presidents, Alan Thompson, Pete Doyle, will Back (3:39) lessly compared to one another, scarcely scores, and R &B radio be baffled as Colour System Inc. mer, when "I Want It" will sound oh-so- PRODUCER: Don Cook does a male singer /songwriter utter a note, to why this now-Nashville -based talent (12 -inch single) great in the car or on the beach. It cer- D. Ball, B. Paisley Champion 333 hasn't been signed to a major -label deal. WRITERS: and he's dodging comparisons to Elvis tainly sets things up nicely for the album's PUBLISHERS: EMI Blackwood Music, BMI; EMI April In the past, Carole Sylvan was content Don't miss the slightly funked -up Out - Costello and various Beatles concoctions. drop date of May 18. A genuinely tri- Music, ASCAP being the featured vocalist on recordings by mix and, for fun, the a cappel- But the cliché said it best: There's nothing South just (CD promo) numerous clubland artists, including Mood umphant return that will quickly usher Warner Bros. 9707 new under the sun -which means that la version on the disc. Oh, yeah! Contact: Not II Swing, Moby, and Danny Tenaglia. But Backstreet back to rule the boy band The melody of "Watching My Baby often, tired analogies are apt. The acoustic- 625 -254 -6406.. no more. With "Just Doin' What We Love" roost. Coming Back" is absolutely infectious, strummed dissonance-to- resolution pattern with a joyful little honky -tonk vibe that on Champion Records, Sylvan proudly J.T. TAYLOR Sex On The Beach (4:52) that recurs in this tune is all John Lennon, TONI BASIL Mickey (Remixes) (3:29) the most rhythmically steps into the spotlight. Produced by RH PRODUCER: J.T. Taylor would make even while the intentionally flat vocals the guitar PRODUCER:Jason Nevins for Michael WRITER: J.T. Taylor challenged cowboy want to learn to boot Factor (the studio pseudonym WRITER: not listed ushers in are more similar to Costello. PUBLISHER: Taylor Made Publishing scoot. This record's overall lively, vibrant Hacker and Michael Rosenman), who PUBLISHER: not listed Later in the song, the group's "na-na -na" Taylor Made Recordings (CD promo) sound is further testament to Don Cook's penned the track with Alex Forbes, "Just REMIXER: Jason Nevins backup vocals and muted flute line could be With the success of Chancellor Media's consistently great production skills. And Doin' What We Love" is a fab slice of diva Razor & Tie 80750 (CD likened to Lennon or Paul McCartney, but promo) Ball does plenty to make the record house. While most jocks will more than like- The original version of "Mickey" was Jammin' Oldies stations and a new remix the muffled rock instrumentals and mid- 1 sparkle, too. He co -wrote the tune with ly gravitate toward Pete Doyle's percussive already an anachronism, a '70s -style bub- of the 1980 No. "Celebration" on the dling tempo are again closer to Costello. Arista newcomer Brad Paisley, and it's a Kentish Man Latin Plan mix or Alan blegum record with '60s farfisa organ that streets, Kool & the Gang have polished off Lyrically, this cut's narrator is so their place in the spotlight for the solid offering, indeed. His voice teems Thompson's disco-embellished Doin' It dub, still went to No. 1 in 1982. So there's no depressed that even running for cover in a lots of good of boy charm and our personal bets are on Colour System's reason another generation of listeners moment, even reuniting this summer for with rain shower reminds him that his lost love brings the song to life. This is a strong, positively upbeat Classic 12 -inch mix and couldn't appreciate the song, now offered selected tour dates (without Taylor, how- found comfort in "the arms of another." Tay- offering that should whet RH Factor's Raw mix, which recall the via electronica- flavored remixes by Jason ever). Here, we find lead singer J.T. uptempo But just as you can count on the optimistic appetites for Ball's forthcoming Warner glory days of early Chicago house music. Nevins, whose reworking of Run -D.M.C.'s lor capitalizing on the buzz, heading down chorus of this song to come round after the solo road with the rompish "Sex On Bros. release. "It's Like That" was No. 1 throughout every verse, Owsley reminds us that it's Europe last year. The radio remix and The Beach." The theme here is obvious ROCK TRACKS never long before one can "forget the sad - mix enough, with a lyric that spells it all out: ness/Get into the gladness." The glum Back to the Future club preserve BARENAKED LADIES Call And Answer (4:091 "Girl, just like the ocean, I like the motion/ * verses are initially a nice juxtaposition to more of the hand claps and trash -drums PRODUCERS: Susan Rogers, David Leonard, Barenaked feel of the original single; the Killa Klub When I'm loving you, this love injection is N E W & the `buck up, soldier" choruses. But on fur- my protection/So why don't you wanna Ladies versions offer a dubbier, more radical N O T E W O R T H Y ther listens, this track resembles a make sex on the beach ?" Well, then. Pro- WRITERS: S. Duffy, S. Page reworking. But will all this translate into Music/Treat Baker, ASCAP; AN Music, midtempo conversation between your duction is full enough, though there are PUBLISHERS: WB airplay? The polarizing nature of the origi- BABEL FISH Mania 13:46) PRS recently dumped roommate and your clue- elements that conjure a little too much of nal means that most fans won't likely see PRODUCER: Kai Robale REMIXER: Tom Lord -Alge lessly content grandmother -the verses the retro vibe, sounding downright '80s. the need for a new version, while those WRITERS: Hotter, Van Ravens Reprise 9655 (CD promo) and choruses, respectively. A comfortable, who protested the song in the first place - Maybe that's why there's an accompany- PUBLISHERS: Babel Music/WB Music Corp., ASCAP Canadian export Barenaked Ladies work pop -friendly conversation acted out by one and there were many -may finally come ing rap version featuring an uncomfort- Atlantic 8756 (CD promo) one more release from their durable very capable singer /songwriter. around. And, unlike Europe, U.S. radio ably out-of -place rhyme from O.R.E. This track traces a love affair from its breakthrough American album "Stunt" hasn't jumped on the remix bandwagon, (Orlando, Rasheed, and Eric). Dance jittery first moments ( "I tried to light with this ironic track about working to as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince remixes are also available, but again, none her smoke/But it was lit ") to its all -too- restore order to endangered love. Lead RAP feel to can attest. of the versions ripely connected the familiar demise ( "I couldn't sleep/I Steven Page begins by gently reassuring WU- SYNDICATE Bust A Slug vibes penetrating the airwaves these days. couldn't eat/) couldn't smile at her/I his love that he'll be there through the PRODUCER: Smokin' Joeh Too bad, because Taylor sounds great could not weep "). The achingly on- hard times, supporting, nurturing, and WRITER: not listed R & B here, fresh and as much in control as when point lyric is this track's highlight, holding on, but then halfway through, PUBLISHER: not listed we all joined in on the "Celebration" some in spite of its some- Wu -Tang Records 1159 (CD promo) * ANDREA MARTIN Share The Love (3:32) both because and the song crescendos into a frantic, fin- 19 ago. RZA from the Wu -Tang PRODUCER: Edmund "Butter" Clement years times- too-loose translation from the ger- pointing admonition: "I'm warning Super -producer is always busy, his latest protégés WRITERS: A. Martin, I. Mattes, E. Clement act's native Norwegian. Lead vocalist you/Don't ever do those crazy messed -up Clan and PUBLISHER: not listed Jan van Ravens' smoky tenor ranges I easily fit the Wu -Tang credo -brutal, no- C O U N T R Y things that you do/If you ever do, REMIXER: Hani from shy to strikingly confident at just promise you/I'll be the first to crucify nonsense lyrics and hard -hitting beats. Arista 3605 (CD promo) 0. TRISHA YEARWOOD I'll Still Love You (4:21) the right moments. Instrumentally, you," followed by the word "rebuild" The opening guitar riff (courtesy of Al Budding R &B vocalist Andrea Martin, PRODUCERS: Tony Brown, Trisha Yearwood this is a fairly typical rock/pop song again and again. Page sounds particular- Green's "Love And Happiness ") sets up a WRITER: D. Warren who has penned hits for the likes of Moni- peppered with occasional helicopter/ here, with raw, emotive thumping, if slightly repetitive, bassline, PUBLISHER: Realsongs, ASCAP ly affecting ca, En Vogue, and SWV follows funked -up mellotron noises as drums and subtle, a lyric so poignant that you and the members trade verses with the MCA 72089 (CD promo) vocals and debut "Let Me Return The Favor" with purposefully synthesized strings and can't help but put your own thoughts same effortlessness we expect from the this full- bodied, midtempo jam. Be Trisha Yearwood's vocal power and Diane horns. Babel Fish was a cover band for Clan. While Wu- Syndicate offers little lyri- Warren's songwriting skills proved to be a away and listen with abandon. Remixed warned: The woman is not happy. Her years, and the proficiently sung cho- to dramatic effect by current rock cham- cal innovation, its affiliation with RZA and man has dissed her, and she's warning potent combination on "How Do I Live," rus sounds like it could have been Wu -Tang guarantees the group a chapter and this pretty ballad has the potential to pion Tom Lord-Alge, this promising him that she may just have to turn him cribbed from Def Leppard's "Hyste- versatile band in the Wu- family success story. be another hit for the two. It doesn't have track shows a side of the away: "Every time I turn around, I see ria." That endows the song with an has not quite the dramatic feeling or sweeping that radio in the U.S. before you trying to put me down/Fhrthermore, endearing, if dated, familiarity that's seen. With its bow at modern rock, this I'm not even sure if I'm going to be with cinematic power of "How Do I Live," but only magnified by the group's use of a it's nonetheless an affecting ballad. War- song could easily spread to adult top 40 FOR THE RECORD you, see you, anymore." This is really a classic device toward the end: the false modern AC; it also shows fine poten- ren's lyric is awash in tender emotion, and and story song and an intriguing one as Mar- ending. Memorize where the break is tial at forward -thinking top 40s. Man, Fastball's album "All The Pain Money who better than Yearwood to wring every tin gains strength along the way amid a and impress your friends when they are these really the same guys who did Can Buy" is certified platinum, not nuance of feeling from each line? The way catchy, layered chorus. There's no doubt think the song's over -luckily, it's not; "One Week "? It won't hart a bit that gold, as stated in the Pop review for she alternates from a sultry tone one that Martin has the pipes to convey any there's more catchy tune where that "Call And Answer" is featured on the the single "Out Of My Head" in the minute to her upper register the next will message that she chooses, and this track came from. soundtrack to the film "EDtv." April 10 issue. is certainly more ear-catching than the make listeners hang on her every word.

PICKS ( p'): New releases with the greatest chart potential. CRITICS CHOICE(*): New releases, regardless of potential chart action, which the reviewer highly recommends because of their musical merit. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY: Highlights new and in All releases available to radio and/or retail in the U.S. are eligible for review. Send SINGLES. developing acts worthy of attention. Cassette, vinyl or CD singles equally appropriate for more than one format are reviewed the category with the broadest audience. copies to Chuck Taylor, Billboard, 1515 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10036. Country singles should be sent to Deborah Evans Price, Billboard, 49 Music Square W., Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Contributors: Dylan Siegler (N.Y.), Aliya King (N.Y.), Michael Paoletta (N.Y.)

BILLBOARD APRIL 24, 1999 19 www.americanradiohistory.com