Alessi - Just Like That
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
Show all reviews by Brian

Ratings

Brian: 8/10

Members: No members have rated this album yet.


This article has been shown 3045 times. Go to the complete list.



RevelationZ Comments


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.











Review by Brian

Released by
Pink Records (Netherlands) - 2006

Tracklisting
Just Like That
Oh
Living With A Broken Heart
Anybody
No Goodbyes
Over And Done
Hold Me Close
You Don't Know
Another Last Time
Stow Away
No Getting Round My Love
Louieville


Style
Westcoast poprock

Related links
Visit the band page

Alessi - Official Website

Other articles


Z supported shopping






Ratings
1 - Horrifying
2 - Terrible
3 - Bad
4 - Below average
5 - Average
6 - Good
7 - Very good
8 - Outstanding
9 - Genius
10 - Masterpiece
666 - Unrated

More details...


Daily Spotlight
D:A:D - Riskin' It All
CoverThis was my first D:A:D album and in fact the first time I really started taking notice of Rock music back in the day. 1991 t....
Read full review















Retro Reviews

(Tommy)
Virgin Steele - Age Of Consent
CoverAge Of Consent is with no doubt one of the most atmospheric and thrilling releases in my collection. Anyone who knows me also knows that Virgin Steele is my all time favourite band and that every rele....
Read full review






(Steen)
Sieges Even - A Sense of Change
CoverExploration and discovery. Two themes which are essential for your enjoyment of this album. Even after 13 years and several hundred listens I have still not reached a journey's end when it comes to "A....
Read full review








Archive
 · Albums of the month
 · Retro Reviews
































Back to the top - © 2002-2011 RevelationZ Magazine - Back to the top