Maybe it`s added confidence stemming from his much-publicized success in the recent English-language production of the opera ”La Boheme,” or maybe it`s the quickened beat behind him, or just some really first-rate songs, or a combination of all three of these elements, but something has made a great difference in Gary Morris on this album.
Whereas he used to be primarily and almost one-dimensionally an impressive singer of soaring ballads, on this he comes across as a more exciting handler of hotter beats as well–without restricting his assertive voice.
Side 1 seems far superior to any other five consecutive songs Morris ever has offered the market. Its first four selections–”100% Chance of Rain,”
”I`ll Never Stop Loving You,” ”Anything Goes” and ”Back in Her Arms Again”–exhibit consistently exciting drive. The fifth, ”South December Road,” is a hauntingly different ballad whose lyrics are magnificently crafted.
The title song, which Morris had a hand in writing, is almost as impressive lyrically as ”South December Road.” Another Side 2 title, ”Try Getting Over You,” is superior, too. There is, however, some chaff on Side 2. As a whole, however, the LP seems likely to wow the much larger audience that now, in the wake of ”La Boheme,” is sure to be listening.
