REVIEW: Paul Carrack, Beautiful World (Ark 21)
- Joann D. Ball
Paul Carrack has been around for a long time. Even if you don't quite know the name, Carrack's voice is undoubtedly familiar since it is the guiding force on such memorable songs as "How Long" by Ace and "Living Years" by Mike and the Mechanics. On his latest solo release Beautiful World, Paul Carrack delivers a positive, emotion-filled sound that should finally enable him to claim the spotlight .
The follow-up to the internationally successful and critically acclaimed Blue Views, Beautiful World was recorded in Fall 1997 at Carrack's home studio in England. Skillfully handling lead vocals, keyboards and Hammond organ himself, Carrack enlisted session help from guitarist Tim Renwick, bassist Dave Bronze, keyboardist Toby Chapman and Mike and the Mechanics' drummer Gary Wallis. And to add a feminine soulful touch to nine of the record's 10 tracks, he recruited backup singer extraordinaire Tessa Niles, who's worked with Clapton, Bowie, McCartney, Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones. This solid line-up delivers a stellar CD that has multi-format potential at radio - there's something here for Top 40, triple-A, adult contemporary, soft/smooth jazz, and even a possible crossover to urban contemporary.
Released earlier this year in Europe where it has done extremely well, Beautiful World features passionate songs about love, success and personal fulfillment. The lead-off track, "The Way I'm Feeling Tonight," was written by Carrack and 10cc's Graham Goldman. This tale of admitting flaws and moving on with it has an irresistible positive vibe because of its upbeat tempo. It's brimming with the same feel good spirit that made "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree and Alana Davis' cover of Ani DiFranco's "32 Flavors" such wonderful songs. Carrack makes it clear on this first track and on "Time to Let Go" which follows it that in order to make the most of today, you have to let go of yesterday.
Carrack's distinctive blue-eyed soul vocals are the perfect match for the gospel-stylings of the title track, on which additional backing vocalists provide a church choir feel and big gospel finish. In contrast, the ballad "Perfect Love" is breathtakingly beautiful. testimony to the fact that loving is believing. On the other hand, "You Give Me Something" and "Satisfied" are filled with a hip, urban contemporary flavor and the former places Carrack in Al Green's territory. Carrack slows it down again on "Close to Me," "It Goes Without Saying" and "If You'd Ever Needed Someone" but pulls out all the stops on the rousing closer "Some Kinda Love" on which he gives a performance that would make Steve Winwood take some notes.
Carrack is right on track with the visionary Beautiful World. This record is the one he's been wanting to make for a long time, and it is clear that Paul Carrack is an amazing talent and positive force in contemporary popular music. With Beautiful World, Paul Carrack should finally succeed in making his name as recognizable as his distinctive voice, and listeners of all types will reap the rewards.
