Destined to have seventies' worldwide hit single, 'Oh Lori' mentioned in any and every piece written about them, Alessi are back again with a slickly constructed slice of pop tinged AOR/Westcoast rock.
Ten million albums sold and still counting, the brothers Billy and Bobby show on 'Just Like That' - a triumphant follow up to 2004's 'Hello Everyone' - just how it's done. At this stage in their long career you could forgive the brothers for coasting, but there's none of that here.

Powered by a spare, streamlined energy, populated by songs of gently undulating rhythms and unashamedly romantic lyrics, this new recording is just brimful of sublime melodies and sweet, sinuous hooks. These are the guys who've made a living snagging hearts and minds with their infectious soundtracks to dozens of US TV commercials.
The unaware should think Crowded House with a distinct westcoast accent.

'Living With A Broken Heart' trades in unashamed sentiment and sucks us in just the same. Standout track, 'Hold Me Close', is tenderly shaped and shaded by experience. Close your eyes and the whispering title track 'Just Like That' will have you strolling barefoot along sunkissed beaches, imagining sand, sea and surf.

'Anybody' and 'No Goodbyes' have more of a contemporary feel, though that's clearly a relative term here, with the first recalling Jellyfish's seventies' percolated pop and the second crossing over into mellowed out, eighties' dance electronica.
On 'Over And Done' the brothers' Siamese twin voices, joined at the harmonic hip, gently, lovingly pay homage to Brian Wilson and his Beach Boys legacy.
'You Don't Know What It Feels Like' nods its head to The Beatles, inevitably, while 'Stow Away' sounds much like an homage to both, at one and the same time.
'Louieville' is a marvellously apposite album closer. A microcosm of melody, sensual vocals, delicate phrasing and a hook that sinks in deep.

It sums up an album that combines laid back performances with emotional intensity, and wraps up the result in an eminently tuneful package.
A winner.

Written by Brian
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
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Ratings

Brian: 8/10

Members: No members have rated this album yet.

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Comment by Wilamina (Anonymous) - Monday, February 19, 2007

I have been the biggest fan since way back in the beginning and have always known that their music did not recieve the recognition that it should have. "Just Like That" is just a "tease" as to what the future holds for them. Filled with beautiful music and lyrics, JLT can turn anyone into an Alessi believer. I feel that, truly, the BEST is still to come for them and anyone who really listens can feel it too. I know myself and I am impatiently waiting to hear more. Though I can "see" Grammys in their future. All the BEST. Love, always, truly, really, their, #1 fan

Comment by Lori (Anonymous) - Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Kudos to Wilamina on her Comments. It's cool to know that there are so many of us Alessi followers still out there. Their music is timeless and the years have only strenghtened their words and music. I must argue one point though with you Wilamina....you might have to bend a bit and share the title of being truly really their #1 fan,as Im sure you know you are not alone.