Bishop, Stephen: Blueprint

Here is an artist I didn't think I would be reviewing any time soon. You may recall Stephen Bishop had a couple of big hits in the '70s including the huge soft rock tune "On And On" in 1976. Most of his output has been in the ballad vein so it should come as no surprise his new album Blueprint, containing previous tunes that he never had the chance to record, is much the same in that regard.

The singer songwriter has always had a fine voice and on this album he still sounds good. I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of adult contemporary soft rock but there is always something in his tunes to latch on to, a melody, a subtle phrasing, you get the drift. When it's all said and done his new set of tunes are nice enough, especially the Steely Dan inspired "I'll Sleep On The Plane" recalling the Aja-era, but there just might be one ballad too many. That said, they are nice enough ballads including the pretty acoustic folk in "Everyone's' Gone To The Moon", the glistening pop sheen of "Ultralove", the incredibly poignant "Holy Mother", written with Eric Clapton, and the plaintively poppy "Little Bird" with its catchy chorus and lovely vocal arrangement.

For those itching for the softer side of artists like Simon and Garfunkel, Blueprint might do just fine. Released on General Records.

Track Listing:
1. Everyone's Gone To The Moon
2. Little Bird
3. Ultralove
4. And I Love You
5. I'll Sleep On The Plane
6. She's Not Mine
7. Before Nightfall
8. Love At Stake
9. Holy Mother
10. Someone Like You
11. Slippin Into Love
12. Blue Window
Bonus Track:
13. It Might Be You

Added: October 1st 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1251
Language: english

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