Neville Brothers
Family Groove (A&M) (STAR)(STAR)
After two near-classic albums that significantly expanded its audience, the first family of New Orleans has left behind the percolating atmospherics of ”Yellow Moon” and ”Brother`s Keeper” for a more well-defined, rhythm-based sound. On the surface, it`s not a bad idea-the Nevilles have always been a great dance band. But ”Family Groove” sounds generic and uninspired, with a dearth of quality songs. Poorly conceived pop exercises such as a cover of Steve Miller`s ”Fly Like an Eagle” and ”One More Day” (which includes an unfortunate foray into rap) alternate with churning rhythm tracks that go nowhere. The sense of creative inertia isn`t helped any by well-meaning but embarrassingly pedestrian save-the-children lyrics. Only a couple of Aaron Neville ballads salvage an otherwise forgettable record.
Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)
